Uría Menéndez advises public entities, private operators, banks and international funds on administrative law, public law litigation, privatisations, and regulatory and administrative proceedings across the energy, construction, and infrastructure sectors. The team is led by esteemed public law specialist Bernardo Diniz de Ayala, who specialises in public contracts, public law litigation, and broader public law matters. Afonso Choon focuses on public law disputes, procurement, and regulatory proceedings. Other key practitioners include Gonçalo Andrade e Sousa, who advises on PPPs, project development, and M&A involving regulated assets, while Mariana Viana Pedreira focuses on public law, infrastructure, and energy projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Uría has a unique personality – it operates in a cohesive and structured manner and stands out as a team.’
- ‘Working with Uría Menéndez has been an excellent and straightforward experience. The entire team demonstrates great availability to provide appropriate solutions, consulting specialists whenever necessary, and responding within reasonable time frames, considering urgency and complexity.'
- 'They are open to exploring new approaches that fit the objectives and bring the realism needed to achieve them. They show complete attention to detail and genuine teamwork, creating a sense of collaboration and openness.’
- ‘Afonso Choon demonstrates openness, clarity in explaining legal risks and challenges, and efficiency in delivering complex projects within tight deadlines, ensuring that all key details are addressed with care.’
- ‘Bernardo Diniz de Ayala stands out for his professionalism, discretion, experience, attention to detail, speed, and understanding of complex matters, consistently delivering results of the highest quality.’
- ‘High professionalism and proactivity.’
Key clients
- Banco Santander
- Euroscut Açores (Ferrovial - Cintra Group)
- Reyal Urbis
- Celestino Vermelho Rodrigues
- Pebble Hydro
- Moody’s Investors
- Intercement
- ASTA
- Ismaili Imamat
- Sociedade Agrícola da Quinta da Visitação
- Iberdrola Renewables Portugal, S.A.
Work highlights
Assisting Santander with preparing a compensation claim against the Bank of Portugal and the Ministry of Finance concerning the bank resolution of BANIF for approximately €165m.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Bernardo Diniz de Ayala
Other key lawyers
João Louro e Costa; Mariana Viana Pedreira; Afonso Choon; Gonçalo Andrade e Sousa