
Praised for providing ‘top-notch consultancy’, the team at PLMJ stands out as a dispute resolution powerhouse, renowned for its unparalleled depth of talent and consistently selected to handle the most complex and high-stakes cases in Portugal. Counting public entities, non-profits and major companies among its key roster of clients, the team is active across the financial services, TMT and infrastructure sectors, among others. The trio of lawyers leading the team include: Joaquim Shearman de Macedo, who has extensive experience representing clients in litigation and domestic and international arbitration; Pedro Metello de Nápoles, who specialises in representing national and foreign states and governmental bodies; and Rita Samoreno Gomes, who earns praise for her ability to deliver ’excellent results’ and is noted for her experience in class actions. Nuno Líbano Monteiro fields an excellent market reputation, standing out for his experience in the full spectrum of disputes. Pedro Caetano Nunes and Carla Góis Coelho are recommended for their expertise in civil, commercial and corporate litigation.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'One of their key strengths is being able to work well at both the macro and the micro level in providing advice on both the detail of the Portuguese-specific elements of the proceedings and helping us consider how that advice fits into the wider litigation across Europe.'
- 'PLMJ continues to do a fantastic job in considering novel questions of competition law, but ensuring that their advice is simple and easy to understand.’
‘Top-notch consultancy, with great prevalence in the national and international market, and with all types of legal and technical specialities that allow us to have the greatest confidence in the service provided and the sponsorship requested.'
‘Rita Samoreno Gomes - excellent on litigation defence strategy, knows which points to push and which to drop - a critical skill for complex high-stakes litigation that delivers excellent results.'
‘Carla Góis Coelho stands out for her knowledge and adaptation to client needs and expectations.'
'Joaquim Sherman de Macedo: His approach to litigation is exceptional. Pays attention to detail.'
'Pedro Caetano Nunes is a lawyer of extreme finesse. He is capable of envisaging several scenarios for the same operation and proposing innovative alternatives. Pedro is excellent both technically and commercially. I can pass on all my disputes to him with my eyes closed, knowing that they will be handled with the utmost care.'
'PLMJ stands out for its excellence in the provision of legal services and for its comprehensive and innovative approach, with a highly qualified, specialised, experienced and committed team. The quality of the service provided is evident in the ability to offer strategic legal advice, with a client-centred approach, always seeking to anticipate and solve problems efficiently.'
Key clients
- Altice
- Mastercard
- Danone
- Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks
- Volkswagen Group / Seat Group
- Barclays Bank
- IKEA Group
- Credit Agricole
- Blackrock
- ComCast Group (Universal Studios, NBC and DreamWorks)
- Bank of America
- Haitong Bank
- Philip Morris
Work highlights
- Representing international investment funds, including Attestor Capital and PIMCO/Blackrock Group, in a dispute with the Banco de Portugal following the retransfer of five series of senior bonds from the Portuguese bank Novo Banco to the liquidated and currently in liquidation Banco Espírito Santo.
- Assisting two companies of the Sony group and the former CEO with a private enforcement class action brought by the consumer association Ius Omnibus.
- Assisting Owen Illinois European Group with the enforcement of an ICSID judgement obtained against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
Lawyers

Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Joaquim Shearman de Macedo, Pedro Metello de Nápoles, Rita Samoreno Gomes