Lauded for its ‘good business acumen’ and ’client-oriented’ approach, the energy and climate change team at CMS acts for a diverse roster of domestic and international clients. The practice is noted for its expertise in regulatory matters, M&A, the implementation of energy projects and litigation against public bodies. Mónica Carneiro Pacheco heads the practice and is recommended for her regulatory expertise in energy, renewables and infrastructure projects, regularly acting on market-shaping deals. She leads the team alongside Manuel Cassiano Neves, who boasts specialist knowledge of environmental compliance and licensing of activities and infrastructure projects, and Bernardo Cunha Ferreira, who is recommended for his experience in M&A transactions involving energy assets. Associate Duarte Lacerda focuses on public law, specifically public procurement and administrative litigation within the energy segment.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Team with vast knowledge of the energy sector and proven experience.’
‘Mónica Carneiro Pacheco: has in-depth knowledge of the sector and has the ability to look for solutions. Bernardo Cunha and Manuel Cassiano Neves: very knowledgeable of the rules and regulations. They are always willing to seek solutions and advise on strategic paths to follow.’
‘High responsiveness, good business acumen, well connected and client oriented.’
‘Bernardo Cunha Ferreira has supported our business for many years now and involves any resources required from CMS to bring projects through the finishing line. On point support!’
‘The CMS energy practice is an excellent team with which we have worked for several years on highly complex projects, standing out from other law firms for the quality of its professionals, legal and sector knowledge, client service and collaboration.'
‘The energy and natural resources team has extensive experience and reveals detailed, historical and up-to-date knowledge of the sector, providing an integrated view of it.’
‘CMS stands out for its excellent energy team. They are a very consolidated team at all levels of interaction with the client. They demonstrate great availability to respond within short deadlines without neglecting technical aspects.'
‘CMS have been fantastic advisers across a wide range of matters and practice areas.'
Key clients
- Instavolt
- Navigator
- OMIP
- Swen Capital Partners SA
- Sterling and Wilson International Solar FZCO
- WELINK Energy UK
- GreenVolt
- Ventient
- R. Power
- Lightsource BP
- EDP Group
- Aquila Capital
- Repsol
- REN Group
- Galp Group
Work highlights
- Advising EDP – Gestão da Produção de Energia, S.A. on the arbitration proceeding against the Portuguese State concerning the Fridão Hydropower Plant.
- Advising Lightsource BP on legal and regulatory matters regarding its activity in Portugal.
- Advising Greenvolt on its entrance into the self-consumption market, notably collective self-consumption or the constitution of energy communities.
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.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Mónica Carneiro Pacheco, Manuel Cassiano Neves, Bernardo Cunha Ferreira