
The energy and climate change department at CMS boasts experienced lawyers who have acted for key domestic and global clients throughout the Portuguese energy sector’s growth. Department head Mónica Carneiro Pacheco brings longstanding expertise regarding renewable energy facilities and infrastructure projects, assisting major energy and infrastructure developers and operators across legal, regulatory, and contentious matters. Manuel Cassiano Neves offers further expertise in project development matters, advising on complex deals as well as contractual and regulatory issues. Bernardo Cunha Ferreira is a regular adviser on corporate, contractual, regulatory, and licensing matters concerning renewable energy deals, bringing clients ‘great knowledge of energy legislation’. Duarte Lacerda supports the team on legal and regulatory matters impacting energy transition assets.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The company is well prepared in matters of energy law, with lawyers with solid and sustained knowledge of the topics in question. They respond well to new topics, with a focus on results and client satisfaction.'
‘The CMS team is made up of highly competent, client-oriented professionals who are always aware of the latest changes in energy legislation. Their high level of activity for a variety of clients, on simple and complex issues, allows them to quickly interpret client needs and find viable solutions.’
‘CMS stands out among law firms specialising in energy and natural resources, offering legal solutions of high rigour and strategic value. The combination of in-depth technical knowledge with a personalised and innovative approach to client service, as well as a mastery of the complex legal and regulatory issues affecting this sector, makes CMS unique in the sector.’
- ‘Solid and experienced team in the energy sector.’
- ‘Knowledge and anticipation of market changes are among the main strengths.’
- ‘Monica Carneiro Pacheco is very experienced and demonstrates great resilience. She has a natural technical ascendancy in the sector and has received great recognition for her specific competence among leading energy players in Portugal.
- 'Bernardo Cunha Ferreira brings a high working capacity. He is highly customer-oriented, able to listen carefully and interpret customer needs. As well as providing a great knowledge of energy legislation, he is super diligent, attentive, and careful.'
‘Manuel Cassiano Neves has a deep understanding of energy policy with a pragmatic and results-oriented approach. He has an in-depth knowledge of the sector, particularly in complex regulatory issues, litigation and sector-specific contracts.'
Key clients
- WiNRG Iberia
- Instavolt Limited
- SWEN Capital Partners SA
- WeLink Energy (UK) Limited
- Greenvolt
- R.Power
- Lightsource BP
- Aquila Capital
- Repsol
- REN Group
Work highlights
- Advised EDP in the successful arbitration proceeding against the Portuguese State related to the Fridão Hydropower Plant.
- Advising Lightsource BP on a day-to-day basis on legal and regulatory matters regarding its activity in Portugal, namely on the development of several Solar PV Plants in Portugal.
- Advising Greenvolt on its entrance into the self-consumption market and its development, notably collective self-consumption or the constitution of energy communities.
Lawyers

Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Mónica Carneiro Pacheco, Manuel Cassiano Neves, Bernardo Cunha Ferreira