VdA’s public law team possesses extensive experience advising public concessionaires and service licensees across the energy, infrastructure, transport, and telecoms sectors. André Gaspar Martins, who is recognised for his expertise in public procurement, administrative concessions, and arbitration, frequently advises national and international clients in banking, infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and postal services. He oversees the practice with Paulo Pinheiro, who excels in regulatory matters, administrative concessions and litigation. Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira is another name to note for public procurement and administrative concessions, while Ana Marta Castro is a key contact for defence-related matters. João Soares Franco is known for advising clients in the construction and materials, transport, and infrastructure sectors on public procurement and contentious matters.

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Availability, friendliness, and professionalism.’
‘Paulo Pinheiro is a true gentleman, who, with complete clarity, demonstrates all his professionalism and dedication to the cause. André Gaspar Martins, a great professional, is assertive and understanding. Humility in every respect.’
‘VdA stands out for its technical competence and extensive experience demonstrated in each area of law in which it works, as well as for its ability to interact with the internal teams of client companies, not only on a personal level but also in its capacity to understand those companies’ internal processes and procedures and their relationship with the projects for which its collaboration was requested.'
'The lawyers are exceptionally dedicated, paying attention not only to the projects in which they are directly involved but also to the political, economic, and social context, closely following news and developments in matters related to their legal work. This close monitoring allows them to anticipate risks, propose innovative solutions, and add strategic value to client companies, strengthening both trust and the relevance of the legal support provided.’
‘I highlight the technical excellence as well as the interpersonal skills (from a professional standpoint) of Ana Marta Castro and José Miguel Vitorino, in the area of public law. Both bring extensive experience acquired over years of legal practice in highly complex projects, which enables them to offer solid and innovative solutions.
'They are permanently available professionals, committed to the clients’ interests and closely following each stage of the processes. One of the qualities that most distinguishes them is their meticulous attention to technical detail, without ever losing sight of the strategic vision required to frame each matter within the broader context of the company or public entity involved.'

Key clients

ACA Group
Acciona Group
AEBT – Auto-Estradas do Baixo Tejo, S.A.
AELO - Auto-Estradas do Litoral Oeste, S.A.
Agência de Gestão da Tesouraria e da Dívida Pública - IGCP, E.P.E.
Águas de Portugal Group
ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, S.A.
Azores Regional Government
Babel Ibérica, S.A.
Banco de Portugal
Biogen MA Inc. and Biogen Portugal, Lda.
Blue Ocean Foundation

Work highlights

Representing Banco de Portugal and Fundo de Resolução in hundreds of legal proceedings arising from the resolution of Banco Espírito Santo,including the creation and sale of Novo Banco and the retransfer to BES of €2bn in senior debt.

Representing CUF in arbitration proceedings against the Portuguese State regarding the performance of the PPP agreement of Vila Franca de Xira’s hospital, namely concerning the impact of Covid-19 pandemic.

Advised Portos dos Açores, S.A on the public tender for the construction of the new Port of Lajes, in Flores Island (€204m) and on administrative litigation arising therefrom.

Lawyers

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