A go-to firm for clients in the automotive, retail, insurance, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, Garrigues Portugal's Porto office brings together expertise in corporate and M&A, employment, tax, banking and finance, TMT and dispute resolution matters. The employment and social security team, led by Rui Valente, handles collective dismissals, layoffs, restructurings and judicial proceedings. Also part of the employment group, João Soares Almeida shines in corporate restructuring processes, while André Oliveira Correia provides support on collective dismissals, transfers of undertakings (TUPE) and disciplinary procedures. António Pedro Braga heads up the tax practice, specialising in contentious and non-contentious corporate tax, personal taxation, VAT and real estate taxes. Tomás Pessanha leads on corporate and M&A work, with Manuel Liberal Jerónimo also playing a key role.
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Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The great distinction of the Garrigues team in Porto is the culture of widespread availability across the entire team. Naturally, we are also talking about high technical and scientific expertise, which guarantees the best support. However, I believe that the promptness in responding whenever necessary is what truly sets them apart, as is the effort to understand each particular situation, whether in legal, business, or commercial terms.
- I would distinguish Tomás Pessanha and his entire team, highlighting Filipa Sousa Ribeiro specifically.
- Availability, responsiveness, attendance at stakeholder meetings, response time. Tomas Pessanha.
- ‘Tomás Pessanha has extensive legal knowledge in corporate law and presents innovative solutions that stand out, particularly in M&A negotiations.’
- ‘What makes working with Garrigues unique is the sense of availability and partnership we experience daily, as if they were part of our company. This closeness clearly sets them apart from other firms.’
- ‘João Soares Almeida is notable for his care, approachability, and availability, always acting as a true partner. André de Oliveira Correia stands out for his collaboration, objectivity, and proactive attitude in identifying options. His guidance is always clear and reliable.’
- ‘Dedication to the client, deep involvement in matters, and practical, high-quality advice.’
- ‘The Garrigues Porto office is excellent — professional, communicative, and with impressive legal knowledge.’
- ‘Garrigues has a team of highly competent lawyers, effective in their responses and providing technically valuable input.’
- ‘André de Oliveira Correia stands out for his competence, commitment, and efficiency. He has successfully defended the company in several disputes, building coherent, well-supported arguments that achieved favourable outcomes and significantly reduced legal risks.’
Key clients
- Amorim Group
- Samsung Portugal
- Bosch Group
- BNP Paribas
- Max Stock
- Vallis Capital Partners
- Taga Urbanic
- Farminveste (ANF Group)
- Fischer Connectors
- WireCo WorldGroup
- Super Bock Group
- Sonae
- Pathena
- Cognizant
- Linde Group
- Mahle
- Gestamp Group
- Volvo Cars
- Bimba & Lola
- KP Group
Work highlights
Advised LVMH Group on the Portuguese tax treatment of complex intra-group financing flows involving Portuguese subsidiaries.
Advised Teleflex Incorporated within the scope of the worldwide acquisition of the ‘Vascular Intervention’ business of Biotronik.
Advised Bosch on the employment-related structuring and implementation of the spin-off of its Security Systems division in Portugal.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Tomás Pessanha
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
João Soares Almeida
Manuel Liberal Jerónimo
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
André Oliveira Correia
Practice head
Rui Valente; Tomás Pessanha; António Pedro Braga; João Soares Almeida; Manuel Liberal Jerónimo
Other key lawyers
André de Oliveira Correia; André Gualter de Vasconcellos