João Saúde
At SÉRVULO since 2008, João Saúde is a Partner in the Litigation and Arbitration department, and he is the contact person for China and for Cathay Associates. He holds a graduate qualification in Conflict Mediation from the Lusófona University (2002), and studied European and International Law at the Université Catholique de Louvain, between 1995 and 1996. He was appointed to the panel of Arbitrators of the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA) and was also recommended Arbitrator by the South China International Arbitration Center (SCIAHK) in 2025. He has been an Arbitrator at the Mediation and Arbitration Centre of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in Brazil since 2013. He was an associate at «Ferreira Pinto & Associados» from 2003 to 2007, at «J.A. Pinto Ribeiro & Associados», from 1999 to 2003, and also at «Carlos Cruz & Associados», from 1998 to 1999, having also completed his traineeship there. He joined the Bar Association in 1998.
Personal Assistant: Daniela Costa Ferreira
(+351) 210 933 048 dcf@servulo.comRelevant Experience
Extensive practice in civil and commercial litigation before national and international courts, representing corporate and private clients in complex, high-value disputes, including contractual matters, corporate conflicts, civil liability (contractual and tort) and insolvency and restructuring proceedings.
Solid experience in domestic and international arbitration, acting both as counsel and as arbitrator in commercial and corporate disputes, with particular focus on strategic case management and procedural efficiency.
Comprehensive advisory activity in corporate and contractual matters, combining risk prevention strategies with dispute resolution planning and regulatory compliance.
Recognised practice in sports law, advising and representing clubs, athletes and sports entities in contractual, regulatory and disciplinary matters before federations, leagues and arbitral tribunals.
Demonstrated experience in cross-border mandates and international projects, particularly within Lusophone African jurisdictions, including Cape Verde, Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe.
