Legal 500 2024

"Sérvulo & Associados is praised for its ability to ‘combine vast experience in banking and finance, with competent professionals'."

"Longstanding regulatory tradition is a defining characteristic of this practice group, which attracts regular instructions from an array of credit and financial institutions."

"The team is jointly steered by Manuel Magalhães  and Paulo Câmara: Magalhães is noted for his wide-ranging expertise in banking and finance matters in Portugal and abroad, most notably Angola and Mozambique, while Câmara is recommended for his regulatory capabilities."

"Noted for her ‘knowledge, support and availability’, Verónica Fernández regularly provides regulatory guidance on the implications of new business models and activities under EU-wide banking, ESG, crypto and fintech regulations."

"Sérvulo has been a foundation in the legal support given to our legal department. We highlight the immediate and constant availability, the quick monitoring of topics, the ability to respond even to more complex topics."

"Sérvulo has always been up to the task of analysing topics, many of which go beyond purely banking activities."

"Sérvulo & Associados combines vast experience in banking and finance, with competent professionals who are knowledgeable of market realities. Efficient and available services follow new technological trends available in financial markets."

"Ability to deal with highly complex topics without losing focus on the client’s interest, discussing issues in a simple and direct way and offering solutions that are most oriented towards the client’s commercial interest."

"Well versed in a wide range of capital markets mandates, the ‘very professional, accessible, friendly and diligent’ team at Sérvulo & Associados is increasingly engaged in high-end transactional mandates, especially equity deals."

"The practice boasts a strong financial services regulatory offering, standing out for its expertise in fintech-related matters."

"Noted for his 'high technical knowledge', Paulo Câmara is singled out for his proficiency in regulatory matters. He jointly heads up the team with Manuel Magalhães, who boasts wide-ranging experience in banking, insurance, real estate, restructuring and insolvency work."

"Verónica Fernández is a reference for investment fund managers and financial intermediaries seeking assistance with the structuring of securities issuing programmes and placing of debt instruments."

"The team provides high quality advice. Paulo Câmara is attentive and diligent in providing required assistance."

"High proximity to the client, always combined with treatment of high technical quality and pragmatism."

"Very professional, accessible, friendly and diligent team."

"Verónica Fernandez and Paulo Câmara stand out for their professionalism, friendliness and accessibility."

"The lawyers who provide us with services, essentially Paulo Câmara, demonstrate a lot of availability, technical knowledge and provide a lot of security in their opinions and analyses."

"Paulo Câmara – availability, high technical knowledge, in-depth knowledge of the client."

"Well-regarded for its ability to marry a ‘high technical knowledge’ with a ‘proactive approach’, the team at Sérvulo & Associados is well-placed to advise a host of clients on a range of high-value corporate transactions."

"With a strong presence in the energy, IT, infrastructure and environmental sectors, the team earns further praise for its cross-border capabilities."

"Practice head Sofia Carreiro boasts vast experience in corporate transactions, including cross-border M&A and restructurings."

"The team demonstrates high technical knowledge, and carries out work in a rigorous manner."

"They adopt a proactive approach to find solutions to legal problems and difficulties you may encounter when dealing with and closing a transaction. The team is client-oriented and remains at a close proximity to the client."

"Dynamic and professional team, with high expertise in different areas."

"I would recommend Sofia Carreiro for her flexibility and ability to meet client requirements. Sofia listens to the client and seeks to resolve issues raised pragmatically."

"The ‘multidisciplinary team’ at Sérvulo & Associados earns praise for its ‘professionalism’ and ‘technical knowledge." 

"Well positioned to advise clients on a range of data and protection matters, the group excels in GDPR compliance projects, audits, and data processing and transfer agreements."

"The team is under the joint leadership of a capable trio: Ana Rita Painho, who is singled out for her expertise in the gamut of data protection matters; dispute resolution specialist José Lobo Moutinho; and João Carmona Dias , who acts for companies from an array of sectors, including banking and payment services, energy, insurance, healthcare, IT, electronics and distribution, and brings together expertise in data protection, commercial and corporate law."

"Sérvulo has a genuine client focus, listening carefully to clients’ problems. It is a multidisciplinary team, which naturally comes together to find a solution that addresses the various perspectives of the problem. They are always available and proactive in providing advice and assistance."

"The team has an attitude of extreme professionalism and seriousness, and possesses great knowledge of the matter at hand. They do not hesitate to involve colleagues from different areas to address specific topics. They transmit absolute confidence in the recommendations and advice they give us."

"Professionalism, technical knowledge, speed of response, quality of service provided, and availability."

"Sérvulo always provides its services to us in a fast and accurate manner. Their advice is highly valued by our company and indispensable for our day-to-day business."

"What is remarkable about Sérvulo’s lawyers is their professionalism and reliability. We have full confidence in Sérvulo’s team and, above all, in João Carmona Dias."

"The ‘cohesive’ dispute resolution team at Sérvulo & Associados provides a one-stop-shop service, fielding a dedicated white-collar crime practice, as well as specialised civil and commercial litigation and arbitration groups."

"The team has a strong background in administrative and financial litigation, and is noted for its strong track record in white-collar crime cases."

"Commercial litigation specialist António Teles is a reference for arbitrations in the pharmaceutical sector. He leads the team alongside João Saúde, who focuses on restructuring and insolvency matters and sport-related disputes, and Mafalda Ferreira Santos, who handles a combination of civil and commercial disputes, including judicial, arbitration and out-of-court proceedings."

"Excellent technical and legal treatment of the issues raised."

"Very cohesive team, with quick response to questions asked. Topics are treated in detail, presenting high quality in the information provided."

"João Saúde, Miguel Santos Almeida and Alexandra Valpaços stand out for their availability and technical knowledge."

"The entire team is very efficient, making communication very effective; all processes that arise flow perfectly."

"High level of technical knowledge, availability and accessibility."

"Litigation, disciplinary actions and whistleblower-related matters are other areas of activity for the group, which is led by Rita Canas da Silva, 'an excellent professional who combines solid technical knowledge and practical advice'."

"Margarida Costa Gomes complements the team with her extensive knowledge of labour disputes, company restructurings, and redundancy procedures."

"They provide excellent quality service compared to other firms in the same area. A very cohesive team with solid knowledge of the market in which they operate."

"Their qualities include proximity to the client, speed, perception of client activity, and availability."

"The expertise of the team, the quality of the advice provided, the availability and speed of response are notable. Rita Canas da Silva has built an excellent team, which stands out in the context of national labour law."

"Rita Canas da Silva is an excellent professional who combines solid technical knowledge and practical advice. She is very clear and is concerned with always seeking the most balanced solution for the client."

"Nuno Pais Gomes and Mariana Pinto Ramos are very good, especially in litigation, and Luísa S. Pereira is younger but very autonomous and responsible."

"Rita Canas da Silva is a very complete lawyer, with great technical knowledge of the topics and with whom empathy and a relationship of trust can be created."

"Singled out for its ‘in-depth knowledge of the energy sector’, the team at Sérvulo & Associados advises major national players in the renewables sector, including private and public entities."

"The group, which is well positioned to handle cross-border mandates, undertakes a variety of work in this space, including public tenders, energy contracts, regulatory matters, M&A transactions and administrative proceedings."

"The practice boasts an esteemed team of highly regarded partners, who collectively spearhead the team’s efforts: Mark Kirkby specialises in public procurement, while Sofia Carreiro and Pedro Silveira Borges have a wealth of experience in corporate and commercial matters."

"Sérvulo has assisted us in complex energy industry regulatory matters. The public law team  has an unparalleled knowledge of and expertise in renewable energy regulatory matters and on the functioning and way of thinking of the public entities in this sector."

"The Sérvulo team was able to translate the client’s need for a legal assessment, on a topic and area of energy, into a well-founded assessment with solutions to implement the client’s objective."

"The Sérvulo & Associados team and, more particularly, Pedro Silveira Borges, stands out for their in-depth knowledge of the business, but also of the constantly changing sectoral regulations."

"It stands out for its knowledge of the business as a whole – and not just its specific legislation and regulations – thus having a unique ability to provide complete advice capable of having an impact on the operation of projects."

"Pedro Silveira Borges advice was particularly crucial in securing important international financing for several renewable projects."

"Our experience with Sérvulo in energy projects in Portugal has always been excellent. Efficiency and knowledge of the market and regulation are the main capabilities that I would highlight of the team."

"We recommend Mark Kirkby and Pedro Silveira Borges."

"Sérvulo & Associados is home to a competition practice that is singled out for its ‘exceptional quality service’ and ‘unparalleled technical knowledge.’"

"The team is well positioned to advise clients from the TMT, energy, retail, healthcare and financial services sectors on the entire spectrum of antitrust matters, from high-profile investigations to State Aid issues, and litigation."

"At the helm of the practice, Miguel Gorjão-Henriques is noted for his wide-ranging experience in providing assistance to clients on a host of antitrust mandates, regularly acting in high-profile investigative proceedings."

"Alberto Saavedra, who is 'rapidly growing his profile in Portugal' and at the European level, has vast experience in assisting companies and public entities in the areas of merger control, State Aid and restrictive practices."

"Sérvulo provides an exceptional quality service, balancing the most innovative solutions with the necessary prudence. Only a team with unparalleled technical knowledge and intense experience in the field could provide such a quality service."

"Miguel Gorjão Henriques and Alberto Saavedra combine their enormous knowledge of competition with the experience of those who accompany companies in the most complex and innovative projects, proving to be indispensable partners for those who want to delve into State Aid matters."

"The team provides strong support to clients in difficult cases. I have worked with Sérvulo on a matter that had more than seven simultaneous cases happening, each with different court and delivery deadlines. The team handled each with care, clarity and developed the best legal arguments for each case."

"Counting financial institutions, corporates and directors among its key client roster, the team at Sérvulo & Associados, praised for its ‘great legal knowledge’, is well versed in the full scope of corporate crime and regulatory compliance matters."

"The practice group is distinguished by its expertise in criminal and administrative litigation, successfully handling some of the most high-profile cases in the country."

"The team is jointly led by a capable trio: José Lobo Moutinho, lauded for his ‘impeccable professional qualities’; Teresa Serra, who is noted for her expertise in civil and commercial litigation, as well as in corporate crime and regulatory compliance; and Cláudia Amorim, who has advised on some of the most high-stakes corporate crime and large regulatory offences cases in Portugal. Consultant Ana Brito Camacho specialises in corporate crime and regulatory compliance issues."

"Sérvulo & Associados’s multidisciplinary team, which integrates finance, corporate governance, dispute resolution and corporate and M&A expertise, offers comprehensive advice on complex restructuring, insolvency, and liquidation cases within Portugal and Europe."

"The team is under the joint leadership of four practitioners: Manuel Magalhães, the managing partner, is a popular choice for insolvent banks; Mafalda Ferreira Santos excels in dispute resolution, often representing creditors and debtors in restructuring and insolvency proceedings; while António Teles and João Saúde specialise in litigation and arbitration matters."

"The ‘Responsive, competent, and agile’ IP practice at Sérvulo & Associados maintains a robust track record in patent and trade mark litigation, specifically within the life sciences sector."

"Best known for her in-depth knowledge of trade marks, Ana Rita Painho, whose expertise covers the development of branding protection strategies, and the drafting of franchise, distribution and agency agreements for food, beverages and retail clients, heads up the practice."

"Mariana Costa Pinto is noted for her experience in litigation and arbitration proceedings involving patents."

"Responsive, competent and agile."

"Very efficient and competent team."

"Mariana Costa Pinto is very efficient and competent."

"Sérvulo is a reliable law firm. We haven’t had anything but a positive experience working with them."

"Sérvulo & Associados excels in guiding real estate stakeholders - ranging from investors and financial institutions to major corporations - through intricate planning and licensing issues in Portugal."

"Leading the group is Eduardo Gonçalves Rodrigues, who leverages his experience as an architect to assist with complex zoning and planning matters."

"Another key individual to note in the team, Filipa Névoa focuses on urban licensing, planning and related administrative issues, including non-contentious and contentious work."

"The quality of the service, the friendliness of the lawyers, and the tranquility with which the legal knowledge is presented to us has generated unshakable trust."

"The firm brings in the best suitable team, with experts from several areas of law. I am glad we are supported by Sérvulo."

"Sérvulo & Associados leverages its public law acumen to assist both public and private sector clients with the administrative aspects of projects in Portugal and Lusophone African jurisdictions."

"Francisca Mendes da Costa’s expertise encompasses public procurement, concessions, and transactional advice, with a notable focus on the healthcare sector."

"Sérvulo & Associados is recognised as a very reputable firm in the area of projects in Portugal, having grown immensely in recent years."

"The main team in this area combines very strong technical capacity with practical experience."

"The legal advice provided to clients in the context of submitting proposals in international biddings, namely for the conclusion of concession contracts linked to large projects, is notable."

"We have collaborated with Sérvulo on a number of projects and we must highlight the team’s expertise in the area of infrastructure, particularly with regard to the implementation of public-private partnership models."

"Guided by ‘excellence and quality’, Sérvulo & Associados’ public law practice excels across sectors such as healthcare, aviation, transport, water and waste management, environment, and energy."

"The team is jointly led by capable practitioners: Rui Medeiros, who focuses on constitutional and administrative law, public procurement, and related disputes; João Amaral e Almeida, who is proficient in public procurement, litigation, and legislative drafting; and Mark Kirkby, who often advises public entities on concessions and public-private partnerships (PPPs). They are supported by José Manuel Sérvulo Correia, distinguished for drafting legal opinions and arbitration; Duarte Rodrigues Silva and Paula Bordalo Faustino, both experts in public procurement procedures; and Francisca Mendes da Costa, whose strong skills in judicial proceedings, arbitration and PPPs are noteworthy."

"The team is experienced and always accessible, with efficient results."

"Their strengths include availability, quality, and consistency."

"The service provided by Sérvulo is guided by excellence and quality. The team’s pragmatism is admirable."

"They are prompt, technically sound, and provide confidence in the responses and opinions issued."

"I highlight their diversity and availability in supporting clients, their knowledge and experience in the subjects, legal security transmitted, and success in cases."

"Sérvulo & Associados handles a diverse range of real estate and corporate property matters for a variety of clients, including private equity and investment funds, developers, retailers, and hotel chains."

"Leading the team, Manuel Magalhães is regularly seen advising on transactional and development matters in the real estate and tourism sectors."

"The department’s proficiency extends to construction contracts, forward funding agreements, as well as to sale and leaseback arrangements."

"Certainly, the best layers I’ve seen in 50 years of my career."

"Answers are always sent immediately and responses are always very precise."

"Cohesion, objectivity, punctuality and competence, in my opinion, are points that differentiate the quality of Sérvulo & Associados’ services."

"Sérvulo e Associados stands out for its involvement in negotiations, organisation skills, total dedication and knowledge of real estate."

"Excellent collaboration and closeness with the team, daily and fruitful relationships."

"I trust Sérvulo’s urban planning and real estate team for their experience in the market and the quality of the professionals who make up the department."

"Praised for its ‘strong expertise’, the team at Sérvulo & Associados stands out as a strong choice for a range of corporate clients seeking assistance with contentious and non-contentious tax matters at the domestic, EU and international levels."

"Advising on the tax implications of high-value M&A, financings, and corporate restructurings are key areas of expertise for the group, which is also equipped to act in high-stakes judicial and administrative proceedings."

"The practice is jointly steered by Ana Moutinho Nascimento, who leads on tax litigation and inspections, and the ‘practical and knowledgeable’ Teresa Pala Schwalbach, the name to note for transactional tax and wealth management mandates."

"The Sérvulo team shows a wide range of expertise that has made our transition of moving to Portugal completely seamless."

"Every member of the team we have dealt with has given us their complete and undivided attention, shown professionalism in every aspect of our dealings, and been a pleasure to work with."

"In an extremely complex tax environment, Sérvulo’s support allows safe action without fear of investing in innovative solutions."

"Accessibility, simplicity in communication and transmission of understanding. Technical competence."

"Excellent understanding of international clients and good at working in a team with the clients’ other advisers."

"Teresa Pala Schwalbach is practical and knowledgeable. She manages to keep clients calm by explaining things succinctly and in a language they understand."

"Consistent tax team with strong expertise in general tax and tax litigation."

"Sérvulo & Associados is often sought out by TMT clients for its strong credentials in contractual, licensing, commercial and data protection matters."

"Best known for its strong public law credentials, Sérvulo & Associados excels in guiding clients through the intricacies of large-scale public projects, from national transport networks to essential public-sector facilities."