Major restructurings, redundancy programmes, and union negotiations are all key areas of expertise for CMS, whose strong track record in immigration matters, disputes, and dismissals is noteworthy. Leading the group is Susana Afonso, a go-to lawyer for complex restructuring, redundancy, collective bargaining and pension matters across sectors including financial services, insurance, aviation, and retail. Sofia Mateus oversees the litigation side of practice, specialising in disciplinary proceedings, social security lawsuits, and labour misdemeanour impugnation. João Paulo Gomes, who is at the helm of the Madeira office, provides labour advice to multinational and local companies in the hospitality, construction, and transportation sectors. Senior associates Sofia Costa Lobo and Margarida Rosenbusch bring extensive experience in TUPE operations, staff restructuring, and redundancy programmes, with a special emphasis on the telecoms, aviation, and retail segments.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They have in-depth knowledge of labour law, rigorous analysis, and search for creative solutions.’
‘The team is very responsive, business-minded and reliable. It’s a very good and very easy working relationship.’
‘Susana Afonso is committed to building solutions, with excellent analysis and research. Margarida Rosenbusch has extensive experience in litigation and provides advice that is very oriented towards the client's needs.'
‘The CMS team stands out for its excellent responsiveness, technical and legal knowledge, seriousness and expertise in solving problems, and presenting solutions in the most varied contexts and challenges.’
‘Margarida Rosenbusch can understand our needs very clearly and always responds in a timely manner. She is clear and leaves no doubts in her answers.'
‘João Paulo Gomes stands out for his in-depth knowledge of labour law, and demonstrates a strong ability to conduct and resolve processes.’
‘Excellent professionals with very high analytical and resolution skills.’
‘Sara Chiappe Nolasco stands out for her personal and professional qualities and for her punctuality in providing legal advice. Sara is reliable, an excellent communicator and works to the highest standards of ethics, integrity and professionalism.'
Key clients
- Amgen
- Politejo
- Savills
- SAM – Sociedade de Automóveis da Madeira
- Millennium BCP
- Banco Santander
- Altice Group
- ABANCA Corporación
- Portway Handling Portugal
- ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal
- Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Portugal
- Davidson Kempner
- L’Oréal
- Jefferies International Limited, Sucursal em Portugal
- Volvo Financial Services – VFS Renting
- Rodoeste Transportadora Rodoviária da Madeira, Lda
- Frente MarFunchal
- Savoy Madeira
- EACL - EMPRESA DE AUTOMÓVEIS DO CANIÇO, LDA
- Vinci Energies
Work highlights
- Acts for Millennium BCP in a labour dispute involving a collective redundancy.
- Advised Banco Santander on labour litigation concerning the challenge to a collective redundancy process.
- Advising Altice Group on its restructuring process in Portugal, which includes a collective dismissal of 246 employees.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Sofia Mateus
CMSNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
João Paulo Gomes
CMSPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Susana Afonso, Sofia Mateus