Highlighted by clients for its 'combination of technical rigour and end-to-end transactional execution', the real estate team at CMS assists domestic and international clients with asset deals, development agreements and structuring of ownership or usage rights across hotels, offices and shopping centres, as well as large industrial and commercial properties. The practice is under the joint leadership of a capable trio: João Pinheiro da Silva advises on due diligence, restructurings and construction and lease contracts; Luís Abreu Coutinho is experienced in the execution of major industrial and commercial projects and the mass regularisation of buildings; and José Manuel Silva Nunes, who is particularly active in real estate matters involving tourism projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The firm distinguishes itself through a combination of technical rigour and end-to-end transactional execution, with effective senior leadership. It stands out for senior-level expertise in day-to-day operations, quick response times, and pragmatic negotiation without compromising legal certainty, resulting in greater closing certainty and budgetary predictability.’
- ‘José Manuel Silva Nunes stands out for his top-level technical expertise in real estate, effective senior leadership in negotiations, and ability to anticipate risks and overcome impasses; he communicates clearly and objectively, is always available, and drives the process forward to closing.’
- ‘Proximity, anticipation of risks, and implementation of appropriate solutions.’
- ‘José Manuel Silva Nunes stands out for his contagious energy, commitment, and profound knowledge of the subjects.’
- ‘José Manuel Silva Nunes has extensive experience in tourism/real estate assets, particularly regarding the management of timeshare assets and tourism and real estate licensing issues. Furthermore, he is excellent to work with and is extremely available to support clients.’
- ‘Effective - timely - to the point - great response time - highest standard in Portugal by far. They work diligently for the client's best interest, and billable hours are kept at a minimum, which is very appreciated and a key differentiator from other law firms.’
Key clients
- Imocom Palácio Valverde – Gestão e Investimentos Turísticos, S.A.
- Palminvest
- Arezki International SAL
- Silverkeel Capital Partners
- Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., Sucursal em Portugal
- ECS Capital
- Anidaport - Investimentos Imobiliários
- Deka Bank
- Aquila Capital
- Finangeste
Work highlights
Advised Finangeste —an investor in the Portuguese real estate market—on several real estate transactions.
Advised Imocom Palácio Valverde – Gestão e Investimentos Turísticos on the implementation of the horizontal property regime for the Conrad touristic development in Portugal.
Advising Deka Bank and several of its companies on a range of real estate matters related to commercial and office buildings, including lease negotiations, refurbishment projects, and construction contracts.
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.
Practice head
João Pinheiro da Silva; Luís Abreu Coutinho; José Manuel Silva Nunes
Other key lawyers
Sandra Teixeira Arsénio