With an established reputation in the banking sector, CMS‘ dispute resolution team excels in financial, securities and derivatives litigation and arbitration. The practice fields specialist expertise across a range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, and showcases additional strength in public concessions and project finance contentious matters. With the ability to represent clients on an international scale, the group’s arbitration practice focuses on shareholder, energy and construction disputes. With over 30 years’ experience in domestic and international arbitration, Miguel Esperança Pina oversees the group alongside Nuno Pena, who has a strong track record in restructurings and insolvency disputes. Corporate disputes, including post-M&A conflicts, form the basis of Rita Gouveia’s caseload. Cristina Rogado brings particular expertise in insurance litigation, counting insurers and insurance intermediaries among her clients. Bringing 20 years’ experience before judicial and arbitral courts, Gonçalo Madeira joined the team in August 2022 from Cuatrecasas.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team has a personalised approach to submitted topics, professionalism and ability to meet deadlines.’
‘Miguel Esperança Pina is experienced and focused. Carolina Botelho Sampaio is very professional, committed and intelligent.’
‘Availability, dedication to clients and technical capacity.'
‘CMS' works for us on urgent contentious matters. The team has been extremely helpful over the last 12 months. In particular, their work across multiple teams and jurisdictions has been highly valued.’
‘Gonçalo Madeira has a fantastic understanding of our business and the objectives we would like to receive from our legal advice.’

Key clients

Ferreira Construção, S.A.
WELINK Energy UK
EDP Gestão da Produção de Energia, S.A.
Unitel, S.A.
GALP Energia, SGPS, S.A.’s Gas Concessionaries and REN´Gas Concessionnaire
Goldman Sachs International
Knorr-Bremse España, S.A.
Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Mercedes-Benz AG and Mercedes-Benz Portugal, S.A
KMS – Motorcycle Shop, Lda.
Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP)
Barclays Bank Plc
Lúcios & ACA – Bolhão, ACE
Guiatur S.A.
Câmara de Setúbal

Work highlights

Advising EDP - Gestão da Produção de Energia, S.A on the winning arbitration proceeding against the Portuguese State related to Fridão Hydropower Plant.
Acting for Unitel, S.A. in a multijurisdictional litigation against a Dutch company held by Isabel dos Santos (daughter of the former Angolan President), which includes disputes in Portugal, the UK, the Netherlands, Angola, among other countries.
Advising GALP Energia, SGPS, S.A.’s Gas Concessionnaires and REN´Gas Concessionnaire on court litigation procedures against ERSE (the Portuguese regulator for the gas sector).