VdA fields a robust Porto-based team, enriched with extensive expertise in ‘several areas of law’, spanning corporate and M&A, tax, employment, public law, dispute resolution, white-collar crime, TMT, data privacy, and real estate. The team is active across the manufacturing, energy, automotive, telecoms and technology sectors, and earns further praise for its cross-border capabilities. Focused on tax law, practice head João Velez de Lima regularly acts for clients in judicial and administrative tax litigation, international taxation issues and compliance work. Labour and employment specialist Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão is noted for his experience in contentious matters, including arbitration. Miguel Reis excels in domestic and international taxation issues, while Isabel Gião de Andrade works closely with clients in corporate governance issues and M&A deals. Recently promoted partner Benedita Gonçalves undertakes a range of labour and social security law work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘At VdA, the labour law team in Porto demonstrates a great focus on analysing the problems raised.'
‘The team, most notably Manuel Cavaleiro Brandão, demonstrates enormous care and attention in analysing the situations presented, as well as important practical and current knowledge, particularly in complex topics such as collective relations and collective dismissals.'
‘The team is easily available, professional and easy to talk to.’
‘VdA has a team with extensive knowledge in different business areas that allows it to meet the different needs of its customers.'
‘Pedro Ferreira de Sousa is our point of contact in the labour and litigation areas and has provided us with high quality legal advice. I would highlight his availability, ease of exposure and technical expertise.'
‘Miguel Reis is experienced, a team influencer and has a lot of knowledge of law and jurisprudence.'
'João Velez Lima has great knowledge of legislation and a fantastic ability to argue.'
‘This firm is experienced in several areas of law, where its lawyers and technicians are highly specialised, providing a proximity service and prompt responses.'
Key clients
- ACA Group
- ACM Group
- AGPL – Empresa de Trabalho Portuário Douro e Leixões
- ATEP AMKOR
- Casais
- Cellnex Telecom
- CHVNGE – Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia Espinho, E.P.E.
- Coindu
- ENGIE
- Finerge Group
- Forcit
- Frezite Group
- Iberdrola
- INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory
- Körber Supply Chain PT, S.A.
- Montepio Crédito
- Mota-Engil
- Movhera
- Propreal Capital Partners
- RAR Group
- SBM Production Contractors Inc., S.A. – Sucursal em Portugal (Group SBM Offshore)
- Solitaire (Intercontinental Hotels Group)
- Sonae Arauco
- Sousa Group
- SuperBock Group
- STCP – Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto
- TrustEnergy Group
- Violas Ferreira SICAFI
- Worthington Group (Amtrol)
Work highlights
- Assisting Iberdrola with several large intra-group tax issues.
- Assisting SBM with thw implementation of its business activity in Portugal, namely with the setting up of all contractual framework with its main suppliers and stakeholders, establishing the labour relationships with local and expatriated staff, and reviewing and adjusting the main governance policies of the Group.
- Advising Engie Group companies in Portugal, in particular Engie Douro, on several legal matters.
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.
João Velez de Lima