Legal 500 2025

"Well-regarded for its ‘exceptional knowledge and dedication’, the team at Sérvulo & Associados is often sought after by a diverse range of credit and financial institutions for comprehensive banking and finance advice, with a strong focus on regulatory issues. The team is jointly led by Manuel Magalhães and Paulo Câmara."

"Manuel Magalhães, who is lauded for his ’practical’ approach, continues to lead on high-profile banking and finance matters."

"Exceptional knowledge and dedication with the ability to assess issues in detail. Timely and clear responses that achieve the desired objective, supporting the client in resolving their problems."

"What makes Sérvulo a unique office is the fact that it has a team with vast legal knowledge and that, due to this and enormous experience, makes the service provided very competent, pragmatic and professional."

"Longstanding experience and personal engagement."

"Lauded for its ‘solid knowledge’, the ’very competent’ team at Sérvulo & Associados is ought out by a diverse roster of clients, who turn to the firm for its strong regulatory foundation and its growing involvement in high-stakes transactional work."

"I consider Sérvulo, especially the team we work with, to be very complete in the capital markets area. They have great availability, but also solid knowledge in this area, which allows them to create a relationship of trust with the client. I also note that they continue to adapt to technologies, particularly with regard to the formats of draft documents."

"In addition to being a very competent team, their contributions are presented to the client with great quality and clarity. It is certainly among the best prepared teams on the market in areas with a strong regulatory bias, such as collective investment organisations."

"The Sérvulo capital markets team is always a reliable reference. Paulo Câmara's leadership enables the team to provide excellent service, based on deep theoretical knowledge and irreproachable practical experience."

"Paulo Câmara, described as a ‘name of excellence in the sector’, stands out for his extensive experience in regulatory matters."

"Paulo Câmara is a name of excellence in the sector. In addition to his theoretical knowledge, Paulo provides his clients with practical and holistic advice. Paulo Câmara's added value is a reason for his superiority over his competitors in the market."

"Paulo Câmara is very available and one of the lawyers in Portugal with the most solid and in-depth knowledge in the area."

"Singled out as an ‘unbeatable partner’, the team at Sérvulo & Associados, lauded for its ’technical mastery of various topics’, is well positioned to assist clients on a host of high-value corporate transactions. Renowned for its work in the energy, IT, infrastructure, and environmental sectors, the team is also highly regarded for its cross-border expertise."

"Complete knowledge and technical mastery of various topics, with a focus on the correct perception of your client's problem and objectives to be achieved/solved."

"This firm stands out in M&A transactions in the national market, as it has in-depth knowledge and expertise in the energy sector, which makes it an unbeatable partner for companies operating in the sector and participating in M&A transactions."

"I would highlight its great availability to clients and ability to bring together multidisciplinary talents in the advice provided, an essential topic for those working in the energy industry."

"Knowledge of legislation, the market in which we operate and the challenges faced by customers, always seeking the best solution."

"Extremely high-quality service. Proximity to the client, and ease of communication and integration."

"Pedro Silveira Borges is essential, as he is one of the few lawyers in the national scenario who has in-depth knowledge of M&A, but also of the energy sector, essential skills for a transaction in this area - a highly regulated and constantly evolving industry, where sectoral knowledge gains a proportion that should not be negligible."

"Partner Pedro Silveira Borges stands out from his competitors and is our point of contact in the firm, as he is an extremely complete lawyer, with in-depth knowledge of the energy area and notable mastery of the M&A area, an extremely rare combination on the national and which makes it a rare and valuable asset."

"We consider Pedro to be an essential choice in M&A transactions in this sector, as sectoral knowledge is fundamental in this type of operation. Futhermore, Pedro demonstrates a business acumen and high knowledge of the business as a whole, which allows for complete advice with great impact in this type of transaction."

"The ‘excellent’ team at Sérvulo & Associados is highly regarded for its expertise in data protection, with particular strength in GDPR compliance projects, audits, and drafting data processing and transfer agreements."

"The team is led by a skilled trio of experts: Ana Rita Painho, who regularly assists multinational companies on data privacy issues; José Lobo Moutinho, who is recommended for his contentious experience; and João Carmona Dias who remains active across the IT, healthcare, electronics, distribution and energy sectors."

"Approach oriented towards the final result and an interpretation aligned and framed with best practices, as well as integration with other business areas."

"The team demonstrated high knowledge of GDPR matters, which were very relevant to the work in progress."

"The team is excellent and always at disposal and with the right technical answer."

"Like most Sérvulo departments, what stands out is the quality of the service provided, the knowledge of the topics and the focus on resolving the issues presented."

"Professionalism in the service provided, and dedication."

"Ana Rita Painho and Inês de Sá always provided support and in-depth, simple-to-understand explanations."

"João Carmona Dias, was the partner who accompanied us on the GDPR compliance journey. Demonstrates human and technical qualities that are very relevant to the role and the relationship with the client."

"João Carmona Dias for his approach focused on concrete and well-prepared aspects."

"Singled out for its ability to combine ‘technical depth’ with an ’innovative and adaptive vision’, Sérvulo & Associados‘ litigation practice provides a comprehensive service, encompassing specialised civil and commercial litigation and arbitration groups. The team is highly regarded for its expertise in administrative and financial disputes, supported by a strong track record in handling complex and high-stakes cases across these areas."

"I consider that Sérvulo stands out as a reference of excellence and innovation, because I believe they are a highly qualified and experienced team."

"The firm has established itself through its ability to offer personalised and effective legal solutions for a wide range of sectors. The commitment to the quality of the services provided is evidenced in the strategic approach adopted in each case, ensuring that customer needs are met accurately and very quickly."

"I believe that the combination of technical depth with an innovative and adaptive vision is truly differentiating. The team of lawyers not only masters legal nuances but also adopts a proactive mindset to anticipate challenges and present creative solutions."

"Mafalda Ferreira Santos adeptly handles civil and commercial disputes across judicial, arbitration, and out-of-court proceedings."

"Praised for its ‘promptness and demonstration of full knowledge’, the employment group at Sérvulo & Associados stands out for its strong track record in public sector employment law. Additionally, the firm offers deep expertise in global group restructurings, M&A-related labour due diligence, and transfers of undertakings."

"I felt completely supported by the team, they were always there. They were so comforting navigating the issue I had, which put me at ease. They made a stressful situation not stressful. They were great. So the unique element was the personal relationship and support."

"The proximity to the client, the availability and competence of the services provided, make this office unique. The team has a particular ability to make the customer feel supported and confident about resolving their problem. There is a strong spirit of collaboration with the client."

"Sérvulo's team is a pleasure to work with and very reliable."

"Not only the technical response capacity is to be praised, but also the promptness and demonstration of full knowledge of the client's entire socio-professional, operational and commercial involvement, in sometimes very complex situations."

"Sérvulo stands out from other law firms in the national market due to its proximity and constant availability to clients, especially in times that require greater dedication and urgent attention, such as labour issues."

"Rita is extremely helpful and skilled at explaining complex Portuguese legal requirements."

"I would particularly recommend Rita Canas da Silva for her human qualities of listening, empathy, understanding and sensitivity."

"Margarida Costa Gomes was excellent. Always made time, always explained, fantastic."

"With in-depth ‘knowledge on how the public administration works’, Sérvulo & Associados provides expert advice on administrative law and licensing matters impacting renewable energy project development."

"Combining experience, commercial awareness, and a mastery of public law, Mark Kirkby expertly advises public and private clients on commercial, development, and operating agreements for renewable energy, oil and gas, and electricity projects. Fellow practice co-heads and corporate experts Sofia Carreiro and Pedro Silveira Borges assist on significant transactions concerning clean and conventional energy assets."

"Sérvulo  provides through expert legal advice as to administrative law and licensing matters in the renewables sector. Their long-term experience and good network and knowledge on how the public administration works is undoubtfully more than a "nice-to-have" when navigating the project development landscape."

"Having put together a team which recognises the importance of a multidisciplinary energy practice, Sérvulo manages to capture the talent of each department so that the service is cross-cutting and covers all of the client's needs."

"Mark Kirkby clearly identifies the limits of the law and how they can impact project licensing and investment."

"Pedro's common sense and business acumen make him a unique lawyer in this area - his advice is always relevant and demonstrates high knowledge of the business, going beyond mere legal advice to really have an impact on the operationalisation of projects."

"Operating across a myriad of sectors, including TMT, energy, retail, healthcare and financial services, the team at Sérvulo & Associados is engaged by a diverse roster of corporate clients on the full scope of competition matters, including M&A, investigations, State Aid issues, and litigation."

"In-depth knowledge of legislation, and ability to support the most complex issues, without losing focus on the client's concrete needs. Relatively close and dedicated, seeking the best result for the client."

"Knowledge, experience and objective."

"The Sérvulo team, in the European and Competition area, is an essential reference in Portugal."

"Miguel Gorjão-Henriques and Alberto Saavedra convey the calm confidence that comes from the ability to navigate the most complex topics with confidence. The partnership established with clients allows a detailed understanding of the challenges they face."

"Sérvulo & Associados draws considerable praise from clients, who turn to the team for its ‘technical and academic experience’. Esteemed as trusted advisers to financial institutions, corporations, and high-level executives, the team is recognised for its skill in navigating criminal and administrative litigation, and is frequently at the helm of some of the country’s most high-profile and complex cases."

"Sérvulo stands out for having lawyers with a lot of technical and academic experience, as they are responsible for teaching at the most prestigious law schools in Portugal. It is therefore a firm respected by its peers and by the Portuguese judicial system."

"Sérvulo & Associados has been providing an excellent service in advising and sponsoring extremely complex legal proceedings. The Sérvulo team has a global and competent vision in relation to defence strategy and has presented excellent results."

"Unique knowledge of criminal law, and the humanistic profile of its professionals."

"Sérvulo's team was always available to answer questions. They came to the client's premises to provide face-to-face training and were able to “decode” the technical legal language so that the audience was able to follow along with interest. The training had a very relevant practical dimension with real-life cases."

"The lawyers I want to highlight are José Lobo Moutinho and Ana Brito Camacho, who both have great technical quality, which allows them to argue very incisively in cases."

"Within the team, I recommend José Lobo Moutinho and Ana Brito Camacho."

"José Lobo Moutinho and Ana Brito Camacho: High ethical values and excellent skills and techniques complemented by total availability for monitoring and rapid response to all requests."

"Consultant Ana Brito Camacho is recommended for her focus on corporate crime and regulatory compliance issues."

"Highlighted for its ‘absolutely formidable work’, the team at Sérvulo & Associados combines expertise in finance, corporate governance, dispute resolution, and corporate and M&A to deliver comprehensive solutions in complex restructuring, insolvency, and liquidation cases across Portugal and Europe."

"Punctual feedback and mastery of the topics covered."

"A team really focused on the client and their needs."

"Working with Sérvulo team for some time now, all the lawyers I have worked with have a strong sense of service and are always available for the client."

"Absolutely formidable work, knowledge of the subjects covered far above average."

"Competence and availability."

"Sérvulo & Associados showcases a range of expertise across contentious and non-contentious IP matters, demonstrating proficiency in handling patent and trade mark litigation, specifically within the life sciences sector."

"Mariana Costa Pinto and Ana Rita Paínho are very responsive they provide actionable legal advice."

"The advice we receive stands out, as it also considers business aspects."

"Frequently sought after by municipal authorities, investment funds and energy companies, the multidisciplinary team at Sérvulo & Associados combines expertise in public law, real estate and environmental issues to advise on a wide array of planning matters."

"I appreciate the collaboration of lawyers with different areas of expertise."

"The firm puts public law experts to work with environmental law specialists but also brings in real estate experts if needed, all of whom serve us in the best manner possible."

"The ‘competent and professional’ team at public law powerhouse Sérvulo & Associados focuses on advising public entities on tender procedures, procurement and public concession agreements. The team has an impressive track record in multijurisdictional matters, often advising on projects in Angola and Mozambique."

"The firm is a point of reference in Portugal, with a very solid presence in the area of public law."

"It demonstrates knowledge and depth well above the national average and provides very high-quality services."

"The team is competent and professional. The lawyers are very good at meeting deadlines."

"Francisca Mendes da Costa was promoted to equity partner in July 2024, and is especially active in the healthcare segment."

"Spearheaded by Rui Medeiros, João Amaral e Almeida and Mark Kirkby, the ‘competent and knowledgeable team’ at Sérvulo & Associados frequently acts for public sector clients in both advisory and contentious matters, with a focus on large-scale transport and infrastructure projects, as well as administrative disputes."

"This firm has a very competent and knowledgeable team, with great experience and knowledge."

"The professionals are the most reputable, and their approach, beyond the technical aspect, is characterised by their ability to listen to and respect the client."

"Its team contains professionals who reveal excellent and unparalleled knowledge."

"Its lawyers combine relevant practical experience with in-depth theoretical knowledge."

"It is distinguished by the professional's knowledge, friendliness and promptness."

"Each and every one of these professionals is unbeatable in their knowledge, dedication, creativity and intelligence to create new solutions and find new ways to overcome any obstacles encountered along our path."

"The ’dedicated and competent’ Francisca Mendes da Costa is a point of reference for public tenders in the transport and healthcare sectors."

"Kirkby is skilled in concession contracts involving PPPs in the highway and railway segments."

"At Sérvulo & Associados, the team of ‘dedicated professionals’ stands out for its expertise in the sale and purchase of property across the tourism, commercial and retail sectors, as well as in handling construction agreements, funding contracts and the structuring of real estate company groups."

"For real estate and construction matters, the team covers a diverse range of all the required sectors."

"It has a lot of experience in risk management."

"The team has dedicated professionals, who are capable of producing a lot of good work."

"The team works with simplicity, agility, engagement and rigour."

"The ’rigorous and innovative’ Manuel Henriques, is recognised for his work in the retail sector."

"Drawing considerable praise from clients, who turn to the team for its ‘enormous work capacity and exceptional professionalism’, Sérvulo & Associados is frequently engaged by companies seeking assistance on both contentious and non-contentious tax matters at the domestic, EU, and international levels. The team is adept at handling the tax aspects of high-stakes M&A, financings, and corporate restructurings, as well as representing clients in complex judicial and administrative proceedings."

"This firm has lawyers with a lot of experience and excellent knowledge in the area of Tax Law who are always available to their clients."

"Sérvulo & Associados is an office of excellence in personal and professional terms. The tax team demonstrates enormous work capacity and exceptional professionalism."

"One of the most appreciated characteristics of the law firm is the concern for the client and the constant search for the best solution/legal path for the topic under analysis."

"The team is accessible and always ready to provide timely advice, fulfilling clients' expectations in a wide range of topics."

"Sérvulo’s tax team is knowledgeable and competent."

"Co-heading the practice is Ana Moutinho Nascimento, who specialises in tax litigation and inspections, while fellow co-head Teresa Pala Schwalbach focuses on transactional tax and wealth management."

"Ana Moutinho Nascimento and Patrícia Guerra Carvalhal demonstrate enormous availability to deal with and monitor the matters entrusted to them, treating them with rigour and excellence."

"Patrícia Guerra Carvalhal excels in tax litigation."

"Sérvulo & Associados‘ TMT group remains a go-to for clients seeking assistance with contractual, licensing, commercial, and data protection matters. At the helm sits ’standout partner’ Ana Rita Paínho, who brings significant experience in IT, advertising, and telecoms-related mandates."

"Ana Rita is the shining star coordinating her experienced team in a very efficient way to always provide pragmatic, easy-to-implement advice on time. Also excellent market knowledge and valuable network. Certainly amongst the best tech law firms in Portugal!"

"Inês de Sá is another key team member, who frequently advises on consumer law, advertising, and data protection issues."

 "Highly regarded for its proficiency in public and administrative law, Sérvulo & Associados is well placed to advise municipal authorities, government agencies and other public entities on the development and concession of public transport projects, from rail infrastructure to road networks."