Europe - Portugal
2

Planning law

VdA

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VdA stands ‘out for its personalised approach and commitment to excellence’, assisting clients with municipal planning, licensing and the negotiation of complex contracts. Jointly led by Raul Mota Cerveira and Miguel Marques dos Santos, the team acts for a varied client base that features multinational tech conglomerates, public entities, investment funds and real estate developers. Cerveira is an administrative law specialist, who is experienced in planning matters across Portugal and Lusophone African jurisdictions, most notably São Tomé e Príncipe. Santos, who was promoted to department co-head in January 2024, focuses on real estate matters. Pedro Ferreirinha excels in the development of prime real estate projects.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'It stands out for its personalised approach and commitment to excellence.'
  • 'The team offers a high-quality service that combines in-depth legal knowledge with a strategic vision.'
  • 'Its professionals know how to understand the specific needs of the client and deliver tailored solutions that balance technical rigour and pragmatism.'
  • 'The team is dedicated to building long-lasting relationships with the client and offers preventative legal advice that anticipates risks and maximises opportunities.'
  • 'The combination of technical knowledge, innovation and proximity to clients makes it a law firm that is a reference in the market.'
  • 'I believe that the team of lawyers is made up of experts with extensive experience in various areas of law, which allows them to deal with complex cases effectively.'
  • 'I highlight Raul Mota Cerveira for the combination of his in-depth legal knowledge and exceptional interpersonal skills.'
  • 'Raul Mota Cerveira quickly understands client challenges and offers effective and innovative solutions, even in the most complex scenarios.'

Key clients

  • Bodyholiday Algarve, Unipessoal, Lda
  • Fundação Oriente
  • Malanza Development, S.A.
  • TotalEnergies
  • Neptune Charisma, Lda.
  • Vanguard Properties (Group Claude Berda)
  • DE Beers Centenary Angola Properties, LTD
  • Sniper Capital
  • Prowinko
  • HBD – São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Fundbox / Quinta da Ombria
  • Odebrecht Angola Serviços, S.A.
  • CAVIBEL
  • Natural Dividend Principe Island
  • Urbireal, Lda.

Work highlights

  • Assisting Natural Dividend, a trust based in the Isle of Man, which operates hotel units and develops philanthropic initiatives related to human rights, sustainable development, environmental protection and the well-being of the community on Principe Island.  
  • Assisting Vanguard Properties with the acquisition and development of a portfolio of residential and hospitality properties to be developed in the forthcoming years in Oeiras, next to the 365 hectares of green spaces and forest of Jamor Park.  
  • Assisting HPD, an SPV company owned by a private South African investor, with the development of a 5-star resort on Principe Island.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Raul Mota Cerveira, Miguel Marques dos Santos

Other key lawyers

Pedro Ferreirinha