Praised for its ‘high level of expertise’ and ’pro-client approach’, the privacy and data protection team at VdA, which is seamlessly integrated within the firm’s broader information, communication, and technology group, is able to assist on the full gamut of matters. Counting leading players in retail, healthcare, energy, insurance, transport, banking, and gambling among its key clients, the team excels in both domestic and cross-border mandates. Practice head Magda Cocco is a key port of call for companies and public entities across a range of sectors seeking assistance on digital economy legal issues. Inês Antas De Barros is noted for her focus on data economy, data protection, privacy and information security, while Maria De Lurdes Gonçalves stands out for her work on both domestic and international mandates, focusing on privacy and data protection, data economy, cybersecurity and electronic communication-related work.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The breadth of the team is reassuring as there will always be some resource to ensure a response, even during periods of vacation or leave; there will be a multidisciplinary approach with resources from other professionals and lawyers specialising in other areas of knowledge, whenever necessary.'
‘Maria de Lurdes Gonçalves - attention to detail, focus on solutions, knowledge, availability and accessibility.'
‘The VdA law firm stands out, firstly, for the high level of expertise of the team, which is reflected in interactions with the client and in the solutions and action plans presented. All approaches suggested by the VdA team are tailored to the company's specific needs and improve the work efficiency of the client's internal team.'
'VdA stands out from other law firms for the holistic approach it adopts to resolve the issues presented and for the collaborative nature between the firm's areas of activity and with its global network of partners.'
'I highlight Inês Antas de Barros and Inês Melo. Firstly, due to the empathy and closeness created with your interlocutors. They also stand out for the clear and concise way in which they communicate, and also for their total availability and concern for meeting internal customer response deadlines.'
'Inês Antas de Barros has a very high level of knowledge and experience, being a reference among her peers. Inês Melo, in turn, presents a very accessible and dynamic stance, in addition to comprehensive knowledge on privacy topics.'
‘They have high technical competence and availability.'
‘The services are provided with excellent quality, both in terms of content and form, anticipating issues that may be relevant. The pro-client approach is very practical in delivering the requested work, which is essential for a large and very dynamic company that raises dozens of legal issues every day.'

Key clients

321 Crédito
AGEAS Group
Altice Group
APS – Associação Portuguesa de Seguradores
Banco CTT
Bial – Portela & Cª, S.A.
Brisa Group
Center for Responsible AI
CTT Group
CUF
EDP Group
European Space Agency (ESA)
E-REDES – Distribuição de Eletricidade, S.A.
Fresenius Kabi Pharma PT
Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian
Galp Energia, SGPS, S.A.
Gilead
IQVIA
José de Mello Group
Luís Simões
Lusíadas Saúde
Luz Saúde
MEO – Serviços de Comunicações e Multimédia S.A.
Mudum
ProChild Lab
Sistemas McDonald’s Portugal, Lda.
Sport Lisboa e Benfica Group (SLB)
VIA Outlets Portugal
Vodafone Portugal
Sonae Sierra S.A.
Zurich Insurance

Work highlights

Advised CTT on the implementation and launch of a project for the commercialisation of a new online subscription service for savings certificates, through the assessment of complex regulatory and data protection implications.
Advised several entities in the healthcare, insurance and banking & finance sectors in managing and responding to data breaches and security incidents.
Advised Lusíadas Saúde Group in the acquisition of a group of dental clinics that belonged to a major Portuguese group of companies, covering all legal and regulatory risks arising from accessing and sharing health data in the context of M&A operations.