Led by Maria Zagallo, the projects team at PLMJ advises clients across the energy, transport, healthcare, airport, and construction sectors on the full range of projects and project finance matters. Zagallo is widely recognised for her extensive experience leading complex mandates involving public and private stakeholders, including large-scale infrastructure projects across the roads, railways, airports, ports, healthcare, water and waste sectors. Joana Brandão plays a key role in energy, infrastructure, and real estate projects, and showcases significant expertise in urban concessions and public works. Diogo Perestrelo is skilled in large-scale transport, energy and other infrastructure projects, while Elsa Pizarro Pardal routinely advises on the financing of road and rail infrastructure projects.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Maria Zagallo's unique experience, having always worked in this area and specialism in advising the public sector, is complemented by Diogo Perestrelo's expertise on the developer side, and Pedro Siza Vieira's unparalleled track record in advising the financier. This combination, supported by an agile and highly qualified team, allows for absolutely complete and robust advisory services, covering all relevant aspects, to any client investing in this area.'
‘This team is characterised by a deep understanding of our reality, which is why its collaboration results in unparalleled levels of effectiveness and efficiency.’
‘PLMJ currently distinguishes itself as the most comprehensive projects team in the market, with a 360-degree view of all possible aspects of PPPs and concessions.'
‘Maria Zagallo, Pedro Siza Vieira, and Diogo Perestrelo are indispensable names in the project management sector, with accumulated experience in concessions, PPPs, and project finance unmatched by any other team in the country, encompassing the entire Portuguese experience. Each of them, with their specific background of many years in this area—whether on the promoter's, financier's, or public entity's side, across a wide variety of sectors—brings decisive value not only in terms of legal and contractual know-how but also strategic vision and problem-solving, with out-of-the-box solutions that are always balanced and promote partnership.'
'Joana Brandão, with her vast experience in public and private construction, complements this crucial vector and completes a unique team in the current landscape.’
‘PLMJ stands out in the national legal landscape for its ability to articulate and its solution-oriented approach, which allows for fluidity in complex project finance and infrastructure operations. The team combines consolidated experience in infrastructure sectors such as transport and PPPs with a collaborative and available stance, ensuring that all parties feel supported and that processes move forward efficiently, even in the face of critical challenges.'

Key clients

NOAE Investments, S.A.
LHEA
RyanAir
Ardian
DIF Capital Partners
Strategic Value Partners
Government of Cape Verde
Aer Rianta International CPT
Eco Wave Power
Ecoslops
Enerparc
Engie Group

Work highlights

Advised the new management of the Futebol Clube do Porto group companies on the renegotiation of the agreement signed with Ithaka by the prior management, which had governed the joint venture operating the Dragão stadium for 25 years.

Assisted Optimal Mountain with the drafting and negotiation of a works contract to build a 4-star hotel, with 132 accommodation units (and a capacity for 256 beds/guests), in the Corpus Christi Convent, located in Lisbon.

Advising the Government of Cape Verde and its Special Projects Management Unit (UGPE) on developing an ambitious project to deliver the first specialist hospital – the Cabo Verde Hospital.