Europe - Portugal
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Porto: Leading commercial firms

VdA

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Variously praised for its ‘vast technical-legal knowledge’ and ’cohesive, client-focused approach’, VdA fields a skilled Porto-based team adept at handling a diverse range of legal matters, including corporate and M&A, tax, employment, public law, dispute resolution, white-collar crime, TMT, data privacy, and real estate. Active across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, automotive, telecoms, and technology, the team is further commended for its cross-border expertise. João Velez de Lima, who heads the tax practice, specialises in judicial and administrative tax litigation and international taxation issues. Labour and employment expert Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão stands out for his expertise in contentious matters, while Miguel Reis has extensive knowledge of domestic and international tax law. Isabel Gião de Andrade advises clients on corporate governance and M&A transactions, and Benedita Gonçalves focuses on labour and social security law.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘What makes this firm unique is the vast technical-legal knowledge, rigour in resolving issues, strategy and planning, critical sense, excellent oral and written communication, availability and diplomacy in relationships.'

  • ‘Among the individuals who stand out, I highlight João Soares Franco due to his vast technical-legal knowledge, the objectivity, clarity and synthesis with which he solves the problems raised.'

  • ‘Speed of response, reliability, legal quality.'

  • 'Pedro Ferreira de Sousa stands out for his technical knowledge in labour law for his availability and commitment to his clients. He also practises attentive listening to the concerns of clients, understanding the uniqueness of each case, seeking to find appropriate solutions for each one that meets the client's expectations.'

  • 'The team presents a well-balanced blend of senior professionals, who bring a depth of experience and expertise, alongside younger professionals who contribute fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. This diversity fosters critical thinking and allows for comprehensive assessments of complex legal challenges.'

  • 'Their conduct is characterised by a high level of ethical behaviour, enthusiasm in addressing problems, and a strong commitment to being available and responsive whenever needed.'

  • 'There is a clear ability to collaborate seamlessly with other internal teams of the firm when a matter requires specialised knowledge, enhancing the quality of service. The positive working relationships within the team are evident, contributing to a cohesive, client-focused approach.'

Key clients

  • ACA Group
  • ACM Group
  • Acquinex
  • AGPL – Empresa de Trabalho Portuário Douro e Leixões
  • ATEP AMKOR
  • Casais
  • Cellnex Telecom
  • DS Smith Paper Viana, S.A.
  • Coindu
  • ENGIE
  • Fabor
  • Finerge Group
  • First Sentier Investors (UK) Funds Limited
  • Forcit
  • Frezite Group
  • GALP
  • Geosat SARL
  • Gocial
  • Iberdrola
  • INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory
  • Körber Supply Chain PT, S.A.
  • JD Metais
  • Legends Team Portugal
  • Montepio Crédito
  • Mota-Engil
  • Movhera
  • Porto Tech Hub
  • Propreal Capital Partners
  • RAR Group
  • SBM Production Contractors Inc., S.A. – Sucursal em Portugal (Group SBM Offshore)
  • Sofarma
  • Solitaire (Intercontinental Hotels Group)
  • Sonae Sierra
  • Sousa Group
  • SuperBock Group
  • STCP – Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto
  • TrustEnergy Group
  • Villafelpos
  • Violas Ferreira SICAFI
  • Worthington Group (Amtrol)

Work highlights

  • Advised IGNEO on the sale of a 25% interest in Finerge.
  • Advised Iberdrola on the more than €2bn joint investment with Norwegian sovereign wealth fund, managed by Norges Bank Investment Management.
  • Advised SBM on the structuring and consolidation of its Portuguese business, mainly from labour, commercial and real estate perspectives.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Benedita Gonçalves
VdA

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

João Velez de Lima

Other key lawyers

Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão, Isabel Gião de Andrade, Maria da Conceição Cabaços, Miguel Reis, Benedita Gonçalves, Inês Sotto Mayor, João Soares Franco, Pedro Ferreira de Sousa, Salomé Corte-Real