
Combining strong local and international expertise, the employment team at CMS‘ has a solid reputation in handling restructurings, trade union negotiations, and collective dismissal procedures. It also excels in negotiating collective agreements, employment contracts, and TUPE proceedings. The practice is spearheaded by a trio of experts: Susana Afonso, who remains a go-to for complex restructuring work; Sofia Mateus, who manages the litigation side of the practice with a particular focus on disciplinary matters, social security disputes, and labour misdemeanour cases; João Paulo Gomes, who leads the Madeira office and offers expert labour counsel to clients in the hospitality, construction, and transport sectors, both locally and internationally.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I essentially work with Sofia Costa Lobo - her technical knowledge, as well as her total availability, kindness and ability to adapt are distinctive.'
‘Potential clients would be interested to know that the team is composed of highly skilled professionals with extensive experience in various legal domains.'
- 'The team has a proven track record in handling complex legal matters across multiple industries. They also have a strong focus on understanding and addressing the specific needs of each client.'
- 'The team works closely together, leveraging each member’s strengths to provide comprehensive solutions.'
‘The individuals stand out due to their exceptional expertise, dedication, and innovative approach to legal practice. They bring a unique blend of skills and qualities that set them apart from competitors.'
- 'Senior Associate Sara Chiappe Nolasco has demonstrated remarkable skills in the area of employment law. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence have made her work truly commendable.'
‘Working with CMS has been a unique experience. The professionalism, availability and dedication of the entire team have been essential to the success of the challenge we are facing, which is just beginning. I am confident that it was the best decision we made in hiring CMS.'
Key clients
- Glovo
- Stuart Group
- H&M
- Madmantech Madeira
- Millenniumbcp
- Banco Santander
- Altice Group
- ABANCA Corporación
- Portway Handling Portugal
- ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal
- Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Portugal
- L’Oréal
- SAM – Sociedade de Automóveis da Madeira
- Rodoeste Transportadora Rodoviária da Madeira, Lda
- Delta Cafés (Nabeiro Group)
- Goodyear
- Amgen Capabilities Center (ACCP) Portugal
- VINCI Energies
Work highlights
- Advising Glovo following the entry into force of Law No. 13/2023 in May 2023, which brought changes to the presumption of an employment contract in the context of digital platforms.
- Advising Millenniumbcp on the ongoing labour litigation in the context of challenging the collective redundancy, in disciplinary processes, as well as day-to-day work.
- Advising Banco Santander on labour litigation in the context of a challenge to a collective redundancy process, as well as day-to-day work.
Lawyers

Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Susana Afonso, Sofia Mateus, João Paulo Gomes