Chambers Europe 2026
Chambers Europe is the reference among international directories that produce rankings of law firms, for the quality of its research and the breadth of the geographies it analyses, including several practice areas in each jurisdiction.
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados is a highly respected practice noted for its outstanding regulatory advice. The firm often provides assistance to prominent financial institutions and investment funds, and is well placed to assist with transactional or operational issues. It has experience in the establishment and authorisation of payment services entities.
Strengths:
"Sérvulo & Associados is a highly respected practice noted for its outstanding regulatory advice. The firm often provides assistance to prominent financial institutions and investment funds, and is well placed to assist with transactional or operational issues. It has experience in the establishment and authorisation of payment services entities.."
"Sérvulo & Associados is very responsive, cooperative and willing to engage on difficult topics."
"Sérvulo & Associados is distinguished for its technical competence, experience and quality."
"Sérvulo & Associados offers a pragmatic and solution-oriented approach.."
"Sérvulo & Associados stands out for its negotiation skills, high competence, availability and in-depth analysis of matters"
"Manuel Magalhães is distinguished for his work capacity and his ability to perceive and focus on what truly matters to his client."
"Manuel Magalhães offers exceptional competence, deep customer knowledge and distinctive availability."
"Manuel Magalhães is an impressively dedicated lawyer."
"Manuel Magalhães earns praise for his broader finance practice, which includes advice on the negotiation of new corporate loans. His expertise also covers regulatory banking mandates."
"Paulo Câmara is an excellent professional, always timely and responsive in every interaction."
"Paulo Câmara displays very strong technical competence, particularly in highly complex matters. He has a very accurate commercial vision."
"Paulo Câmara is one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in Portugal."
"Francisco Barona is an excellent lawyer. He is able to resolve complex issues with a very commercial approach."
"Verónica Fernández is a widely experienced lawyer."
Manuel Magalhães
“Manuel Magalhães has notable experience in financing matters arising within the context of insolvencies of Portuguese credit institutions. ”
Paulo Câmara
“Paulo Câmara leads financial services regulatory matters both for major Portuguese banks and for new entrants to the market.”
Francisco Barona
“Francisco Barona demonstrates solid knowledge of corporate finance matters and debt restructurings.”
Verónica Fernández
“Verónica Fernández has strong expertise advising financial institutions on a broad range of regulatory issues, including PSD2-regulated services, AML and crypto.”
"Manuel Magalhães earns praise for his broader finance practice, which includes advice on the negotiation of new corporate loans. His expertise also covers regulatory banking mandates."
Paulo Câmara
“Paulo Câmara leads financial services regulatory matters both for major Portuguese banks and for new entrants to the market.”
Manuel Magalhães
“Manuel Magalhães has notable experience in financing matters arising within the context of insolvencies of Portuguese credit institutions. ”
Verónica Fernández
“Verónica Fernández has strong expertise advising financial institutions on a broad range of regulatory issues, including PSD2-regulated services, AML and crypto.”
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados boasts a strong reputation for financial services regulatory work, as well as expertise on the issuer side of debt issuances and capital increases. The firm acts for banks, fund managers and public bodies.
Strengths:
"Sérvulo & Associados provides excellent service and high responsiveness."
"Sérvulo & Associados is distinguished for its high level of knowledge of regulations, full availability and clear communication."
"Sérvulo & Associados offers, experience, knowledge and a multifaceted and dynamic team."
"Sérvulo & Associados provides excellent service and high responsiveness."
"Sérvulo & Associados demonstrates exceptional analytical and adaptive capabilities. The firm's flexibility and rapid learning curve allows it to confidently address complex matters."
"Paulo Câmara is an excellent lawyer."
"Paulo Câmara combines formal knowledge with a remarkable capacity for innovation and the development of new paths."
"Paulo Câmara's technical knowledge, commercial sensitivity and pragmatic approach make him one of the best lawyers in the market."
"Paulo Câmara is meticulous in his work and always available to answer any questions."
"Paulo Câmara is very competent, knowledgeable and responsive."
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados is particularly active in state aid matters. The firm also assists clients with behavioural matters, as well as appeals against competition authority decisions and private enforcement actions. It additionally advises clients, including interested third parties, on merger control mandates.
Strengths:
"Sérvulo ensures all the operations run smoothly, with no problems with anyone or the authority. The team gives us solid support."
"One of the key strengths that distinguishes Sérvulo is its deep understanding of complex economic principles and their practical application to competition matters."
"Sérvulo provides structured opinions and competence in its responses."
"The lawyers are very experienced, with extensive knowledge of the subjects and a very easy rapport."
"This is a very versatile team that is attentive to the specific needs of the client."
"Miguel Gorjão-Henriques is an exceptional lawyer, with a professional sense far above average."
"Miguel Gorjão-Henriques has extraordinary knowledge of competition law in Portugal and in Europe. When we speak to him we know that he is up to date with any new developments or decisions by the competition authority."
"Alberto Saavedra is highly skilled at integrating economic analysis into legal strategy, ensuring that our work is both rigorous and commercially relevant."
Miguel Gorjão-Henriques
“Miguel Gorjão-Henriques frequently represents clients in investigations into possible cartels and no-poach agreements, as well as in appeals against fines and private enforcement actions. He has further experience in state aid and European law mandates.”
Alberto Saavedra
“Alberto Saavedra is particularly noted for his ability to assist clients with state aid mandates. He has further experience in merger control filings and behavioural investigations.”
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados is well placed to assist clients with business incorporations and corporate restructurings. The team also handles a variety of corporate transactions, including mergers and share acquisitions. Its client list comprises domestic and international players from the energy, aviation and real estate sectors.
Strengths:
"The firm provides speed and assertiveness in responses coupled with technical competence and business experience."
"Sérvulo & Associados provides both legal and market knowledge."
"Sérvulo & Associados offers an immense capacity to provide complex and sophisticated advice on M&A transactions."
"Its team has a highly specialised legal knowledge and great availability and commitment."
"The firm shares rapid feedback and is close to the client. Its team has empathy as well as a wide and varied range of knowledge. The team is also results-oriented and available."
"Pedro Silveira Borges is an excellent lawyer. He is the right choice for any matter within his area of expertise."
"Pedro Silveira Borges is an amazing professional. He ensures that deals land at their destination and to the client's satisfaction, combining legal sophistication and commercial pragmatism."
Pedro Silveira Borges
“Pedro Silveira Borges is known for his expertise advising clients in the energy and aviation sectors on acquisitions, mergers and other corporate and M&A transactions.”
Inês Gomes Ferreira
“Inês Gomes Ferreira assists prominent domestic clients with M&A deals and corporate governance topics. She is recognised for her ability to handle complex transactions.”
"João Saúde is a deep and thoughtful strategic thinker. He is very strong on his feet, emphatic and an articulate advocate."
"João Saúde is an excellent lawyer. He is knowledgeable and available."
"I highlight the clarity in João Saúde's presentation before third parties and his capacity of creating empathy with the other party to negotiate and settle disputes."
"Mafalda Ferreira Santos is an excellent lawyer, with in-depth legal knowledge and strategic vision."
"Mafalda Ferreira Santos is very accessible, practical and objective."
"Mafalda Ferreira Santos is pragmatic, experienced and practical."
"Mafalda Ferreira Santos is always there for her clients, with great solutions to their problems."
"Mafalda Ferreira Santos is helpful, responsive and has clear industry knowledge."
João Saúde
“João Saúde has experience representing clients from the banking sector in insolvency-related disputes. He also handles commercial litigation, with further prowess in handling commercial and investment treaty arbitrations.”
Mafalda Ferreira Santos
“Mafalda Ferreira Santos regularly advises on banking and real estate disputes, with the proven ability to assist with international matters. She has further experience in disputes regarding insolvency, distribution agreements and product liability.”
"Rui Medeiros has been a benchmark in this sector for many years. He provides excellent services with a high level of dedication, availability, rigour and commitment."
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados is an elite firm that offers comprehensive service in litigation and arbitration. It has acted for the insolvency estates of several Portuguese banks on cases brought by creditors. It assists banks, funds and public bodies with high-value debt recovery actions. The firm has experience in the defence of civil liability claims, including within the context of environmental disasters or medical malpractice. It advises major domestic clients with activity in various industry sectors, including natural resources, life sciences, real estate and sport.
Strengths:
"Sérvulo & Associados has top lawyers who are very capable of handling complex and sophisticated matters."
"Sérvulo & Associados excels at providing thoughtful, deliberate strategic planning, combined with a good dose of practicality."
"Sérvulo & Associados is extremely knowledgeable and very responsive."
"Sérvulo & Associados has really excellent lawyers who are very knowledgeable, experienced and hard-working."
"Its team is extremely attentive and dedicated in pursuing the correct route for the matters."
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados is prominent in the employment sphere. The firm regularly assists with the employment aspects of transactions and restructuring and compliance procedures, offering further advice on collective bargaining agreements, the employment aspects of public service contracts and employment-related litigation.
Strengths:
"Sérvulo & Associados offers technical expertise, rigorous analyses and a very balanced approach, combining legal soundness with practical sensitivity."
"Sérvulo & Associados stands out for its availability, client knowledge, empathy, teamwork and speed."
"Sérvulo & Associados has deep legal expertise combined with pragmatism, offering clear and operationally viable solutions."
"Sérvulo & Associados has in-depth knowledge of employment law, the sector and the market practices."
"Sérvulo & Associados always presents analyses that are appropriate and tailored to the complexity of the problems presented."
"Rita Canas da Silva has consistently demonstrated strong knowledge in the areas covered as well as in our company's business with a strong commitment to providing appropriate solutions for the success of the matters."
"In addition to Rita Canas da Silva's unparalleled authority and solid knowledge, she is a very empathetic, approachable, pragmatic and business-oriented lawyer. She is fantastic."
"Rita Canas da Silvaprovides appropriate and effective solutions to clients."
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados houses a strong team able to provide advice for public and private clients in a diverse range of energy matters, including assistance with hydropower and solar energy projects. The lawyers are also well-versed in regulatory law matters. The team further advises clients on project developments and finance.
Strenghts:
"The Sérvulo & Associados' team has cross-cutting knowledge."
"Sérvulo offers expertise in the relevant fields. The firm has familiarity with the ins and outs of the law in action."
"Sérvulo offers a really good service, being extremely communicative and always having the client's interests at the forefront of what it does. Truly accommodating to the client's interests."
"Mark Kirkby is excellent and what makes him stand out is his rate of responsiveness and speed to resolve issues and present solutions."
"Mark Kirkby's regulatory knowledge is priceless. He always finds a solution."
"Mark Kirkby delivers consistently and his readiness and availability complement his pragmatic advice."
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados has a notable practice housing a respected life sciences team which regularly assists leading generics clients with patent infringement and invalidity disputes. The law firm also advises pharmaceutical clients on clinical trials and EU regulatory matters, as well as on legislation around the use of biological materials and human embryos. The team is experienced in trade mark registrations and opposition proceedings.
Strengths:
"Sérvulo & Associados is responsive, client-oriented and has a lot of experience."
"Sérvulo & Associados is distinguished for its combination of speed of response and deep business and industry understanding. Its advice is legally sound, practical and aligned with the realities of the sector."
"Sérvulo & Associados' team is efficient and fully meets our expectations."
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados has a notable practice housing a respected life sciences team which regularly assists leading generics clients with patent infringement and invalidity disputes. The law firm also advises pharmaceutical clients on clinical trials and EU regulatory matters, as well as on legislation around the use of biological materials and human embryos. The team is experienced in representing clients in injunction proceedings.
Strengths:
"Sérvulo & Associados provides excellent assistance and its lawyers are very skilled and cooperative."
"As well as being technically very good, the law firm is a real partner to us."
"Mariana Costa Pinto is highly skilled and very proactive."
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados is known for its broad expertise in planning. Its team assists clients in the public and private sectors with matters related to the planning aspects of real estate and energy projects.
Strengths:
"Sérvulo & Associados is distinguished for its experience, specialisation and knowledge."
"Sérvulo & Associados's level of service is excellent, offering quick and informed responses in a short space of time."
"Eduardo Gonçalves Rodrigues is an excellent lawyer, highly competent and available for all matters."
"Eduardo Gonçalves Rodrigues is highly specialised in complex issues, defining strategies and solutions which are appropriate to their resolution."
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados draws on its vast experience in public law to advise public entities and state-owned companies on the regulatory and contractual elements of various domestic projects. The law firm benefits from a broad industry knowledge encompassing public infrastructure, construction and healthcare issues. The team is well placed to advise on concessions and PPPs, as well as projects in lusophone Africa.
Strengths:
"Sérvulo & Associados have the capacity to develop flexible and inventive solutions adapted to the needs of customers in this field."
"Sérvulo & Associados' experience with regard to projects in the public sector both in Portugal and in Portuguese-speaking countries, especially in Africa, is a distinguishing factor."
"Sérvulo & Associados are always helpful, leaving nothing unanswered, demonstrating a capacity for creative legal analysis and respective solutions."
"One of the main strengths that distinguishes this firm is their ability to combine technical rigour with a strategic vision deeply aligned with the requirements of the business sector."
"They respond quickly and are always attentive to our questions, promptly suggesting possible solutions. They also adhere to the proposed response deadlines."
"Mark Kirkby manages to break down the most complex matters in order to make them clear and understandable."
"Mark Kirkby is open to debate with the clients. He is proactive and suggests good proposals with solutions."
"In addition to the deep legal knowledge of the issues, Mark Kirkby has the ability to find inventive solutions to the most complex problems posed by clients."
"I highlight Francisca Mendes da Costa for her ability to understand the client's objectives within the scope of her legal consultations."
"Francisca Mendes da Costa maintains an available, attentive and solution-oriented attitude throughout the interactions."
"Francisca Mendes da Costa is meticulous in her approach to details without losing sight of the big picture, and demonstrates technical confidence in highly complex matters."
"Francisca Mendes da Costa is highly intelligent and has solid legal knowledge. She has a commercial instinct and the capacity to be empathetic with clients."
Mark Kirkby
“Mark Kirkby regularly advises on tender processes, project developments and concession agreements. He also provides advice to public sector entities on regulatory issues.”
Francisca Mendes da Costa
“Francisca Mendes da Costa is a well-regarded practitioner with experience advising clients on a range of projects work, including concessions, PPPs and regulatory matters.”
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados is distinguished by its longstanding expertise in public law and is widely recognised in the market for its knowledge and experience. The team is noted for advising an impressive roster of public entities, for which it handles public procurement, PPPs, disputes and regulatory work. Its advice spans a range of sectors, including telecommunications, construction, energy and all forms of transport. The law firm also offers expertise in environment law and healthcare matters.
Strengths:
"The team stands out for the depth and care of the analyses produced and its attention to the clients. The firm impresses with its ability to highlight issues and difficulties that arise in resolving processes and matters."
"Sérvulo & Associados offers the most solid knowledge and experience in public procurement and administrative law. Its team is formed of excellent lawyers."
"Sérvulo & Associados brings together diverse professionals in its teams to overcome issues from various perspectives. The level of service is very good and responses are timely."
"Sérvulo & Associados impressed us with its deep knowledge of administrative law, speed and friendly approach to clients."
"Sérvulo & Associados' responses are quick, effective and of excellent quality."
"José Manuel Sérvulo Correia is an institution in the Portuguese public law market. He really has a lot of experience in this sector."
"José Manuel Sérvulo Correia is an impressive practitioner."
"Rui Medeiros has been a benchmark in this sector for many years. He provides excellent services with a high level of dedication, availability, rigour and commitment."
"João Amaral e Almeida is an excellent professional. He is dedicated and profoundly knowledgeable in his subjects."
"Mark Kirkby is super accessible and resolves problems."
"Mark has good knowledge of the market and applicable legislation and is always very attentive to client's needs."
"Pedro Fernández Sánchez guarantees complete availability to respond to requests and is able to captivate audiences."
"Francisca Mendes da Costa is knowledgeable and good with timings. She possesses multidisciplinary expertise."
"Francisca is very client oriented and produces excellent results. She is both academic and practical in her approach."
José Manuel Sérvulo Correia
“Founding partner José Manuel Sérvulo Correia is held in high regard as a figure of significance in the public law sector. He is an expert in regulatory matters and arbitration proceedings.”
Rui Medeiros
“Rui Medeiros is well regarded for his experience handling regulatory proceedings in relation to public-private partnerships, as well as complex administrative matters.”
João Amaral e Almeida
“João Amaral e Almeida regularly assists clients from the transport and infrastructure sectors with domestic and international public tenders.”
Mark Kirkby
“Mark Kirkby has considerable experience assisting domestic and international clients from both the public and private sectors with public procurements, arbitral disputes and the amendment of concession agreements.”
Pedro Fernández Sánchez
“Pedro Fernández Sánchez frequently represents clients before the administrative court, in addition to assisting with the regulatory aspects of public procurements, including international tender procedures.”
Francisca Mendes da Costa
“Francisca Mendes da Costa is an experienced lawyer with expertise across numerous public law topics. She assists municipal bodies and public companies with regulatory matters.”
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados has a renowned insolvency department providing litigation and liquidation advice to clients. It offers a strong bench of noted practitioners who advise both creditors and indebted financial institutions as well as companies from the transportation and construction sectors. The team also assists with special revitalisation proceedings, credit claims and restructuring plans.
Strengths:
"Sérvulo & Associados provides very solid technical knowledge and a team of experienced lawyers."
"Sérvulo & Associados stands out for its high level of technical expertise. The team has strong liaison skills with public entities and operates with rigour, discretion and efficiency."
"Sérvulo & Associados offers knowledge of insolvency issues, a collaborative spirit and availability."
"Sérvulo & Associados' strength is its know-how."
"Mafalda Ferreira Santos is an excellent lawyer, with in-depth legal knowledge and strategic vision."
"Mafalda Ferreira Santos is very accessible, practical and objective."
"Manuel Magalhães understands clients' needs perfectly and has an excellent ability to respond to them."
"Manuel Magalhães is an excellent professional with an unparalleled depth of knowledge. He provides accurate and assertive answers."
"Manuel Magalhães stands out for his analytical skills, clear communication and constant availability."
"Manuel Magalhães demonstrates a strong understanding of the legal and regulatory framework and is able to effectively combine technical aspects with the client's practical needs."
"Maria José Lourenço is an excellent lawyer, with in-depth legal knowledge."
Manuel Magalhães
“Manuel Magalhães has a broad practice that takes in large liquidation proceedings, credit claims, clawback disputes and insolvency liability litigation. He often advises banks and real estate clients.”
Mafalda Ferreira Santos
“Mafalda Ferreira Santos assists clients with contentious matters within insolvency, including pre-litigation and litigation proceedings, as well as revitalisation proceedings and credit claims.”
Maria José Lourenço
“Maria José Lourenço specialises in pre-insolvency and insolvency matters. She further assists clients with recovery proceedings.”
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados is an independent domestic group offering expertise in contractual negotiations as well as software-related issues. The law firm acts for clients from a range of industries, such as technology and telecommunications. The practice offers additional strength in data protection issues and GDPR compliance.
Strengths:
"Sérvulo & Associados really knows how to complement our work. Its service is strong from a technical and delivery standpoint."
"Pedro is a technology lawyer who perfectly matches the technical aspects of IT with the applicable law."
"Pedro Vidigal Monteiro is an excellent conciliator and has great sensitivity to the company's concrete problems."
"Pedro is a lawyer who understands technology like no one else. He is always ready to learn and create new solutions for his partners and clients."
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados has an established group that frequently advises clients on tax planning and tax litigation. It further offers experience assisting companies with tax structuring and potential tax liabilities. The team is adept in submitting ruling requests before the Portuguese tax authorities.
Strengths:
"The team's quality of services, legal knowledge and experience, as well as its focus on clients' objectives, allows it to provide highly targeted and practical advice."
"Sérvulo & Associados is always on top of complex issues."
"Sérvulo's professionals have in-depth legal knowledge and study the processes in which they are involved in detail."
"Sérvulo & Associados is able to optimally combine speed of response with quality."
"Teresa Pala-Schwalbach is quick and precise. She operates with excellent accuracy."
Chambers Review:
Sérvulo & Associados maintains a strong reputation in the white-collar crime space, assisting clients with the handling of fraud, corruption and abuse of power allegations. The practice further encompasses investigations into money laundering and embezzlement.
Strengths:
"Sérvulo & Associados has total mastery of the subject matter, strategic vision and acumen."
"Its team has very specialised knowledge in this area and demonstrates full capacity to deal with all types of matters, especially the most complex and sophisticated ones."
"Cláudia Amorim offers efficiency, empathy and knowledge to her clients."
"Cláudia Amorim is a practical, efficient and highly competent lawyer with excellent expertise in this area."