With extensive expertise in domestic and international litigation and arbitration proceedings, Linklaters‘ dispute resolution team stands out for its skill in managing high-stakes commercial disputes. With an impressive array of blue-chip multinational clients on its books, the team is active across the banking, healthcare, pharma, construction, insurance and tech sectors. At the helm sits Nuno Ferreira Lousa, who advises on the full range of disputes and arbitration proceedings, as well as on regulatory investigations covering compliance, fraud and anti-corruption. Ricardo Guimarães stands out for his expertise in construction disputes, IP litigation and competition class actions. Raquel Galvão Silva excels in international arbitration, most notably proceedings involving financial, energy, construction and healthcare disputes. Manuel De Abreu Castelo Branco left the firm in December 2024.

Confirming its status as a market-leading outfit for high-value and complex disputes, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is renowned for its expertise across a broad spectrum of disputes, with a strong emphasis on civil, commercial, and corporate litigation. Noted for its ‘high technical consistency’, the team handles a diverse workload, including major domestic and international arbitration proceedings, while increasingly focusing on class actions and private enforcement matters. The practice is jointly steered by Francisco Cortez and Filipe Vaz Pinto. Cortez specialises in commercial litigation, while Pinto’s practice centres on international arbitration, where he regularly takes on roles as both counsel and arbitrator in complex, high-stakes matters. Sofia Vaz Sampaio, who possesses a wealth of experience in financial disputes, is praised as a ‘very consistent, intelligent lawyer.’

Praised for providing ‘top-notch consultancy’, the team at PLMJ stands out as a dispute resolution powerhouse, renowned for its unparalleled depth of talent and consistently selected to handle the most complex and high-stakes cases in Portugal. Counting public entities, non-profits and major companies among its key roster of clients, the team is active across the financial services, TMT and infrastructure sectors, among others. The trio of lawyers leading the team include: Joaquim Shearman de Macedo, who has extensive experience representing clients in litigation and domestic and international arbitration; Pedro Metello de Nápoles, who specialises in representing national and foreign states and governmental bodies; and Rita Samoreno Gomes, who earns praise for her ability to deliver ‘excellent results’ and is noted for her experience in class actions. Nuno Líbano Monteiro fields an excellent market reputation, standing out for his experience in the full spectrum of disputes. Pedro Caetano Nunes and Carla Góis Coelho are recommended for their expertise in civil, commercial and corporate litigation.

Well-regarded for its ability to combine ‘extensive legal experience with a deep client focus’, the ‘very pragmatic’ team at Uría Menéndez excels in high-stakes disputes involving securities, derivatives, and complex financial instruments. Renowned for handling corporate crime cases, the team frequently supports clients through internal investigations while earning acclaim for its arbitration work, particularly in cross-border commercial and investment disputes. Leading the practice is Fernando Aguilar de Carvalho, who maintains a busy practice advising on cross-border disputes, IP-related disputes, class actions and follow-on damages litigation for competition law breaches. Alexandre Mota Pinto excels in civil and commercial litigation, while Nuno Salazar Casanova stands out for his work on high-profile cross-border disputes. Other notable individuals include David Sequeira Dinis and Adriano Squilacce, both highly recommended for their expertise in commercial and corporate disputes.

VdA retains a prominent position in the Portuguese disputes market, widely recognised as a ‘benchmark in the sector’, advising a prolific roster of clients on a range of matters from civil and commercial litigation and arbitration to shareholder, M&A, distribution and construction disputes. Practice co-head Frederico Gonçalves Pereira, who is praised for his ‘strong experience’, specialises in restructuring and insolvency matters. Fellow co-head Carla Gonçalves Borges is noted for her focus on national and international civil and commercial litigation and arbitration. Mariana França Gouveia remains active in major cross-border disputes involving lusophone jurisdictions, while Miguel Pinto Cardoso focuses on international and domestic arbitration involving both commercial and investor-state disputes. Joana Neves shines in civil and commercial litigation, as well as arbitration proceedings, involving the telecoms, energy, tech, infrastructure, insurance and financial services sectors.

Highlighted for its ‘technical competence’ and ‘well-developed legal strategy’, the dispute resolution team at Abreu Advogados is frequently engaged by clients in civil and commercial disputes before both judicial courts and arbitral tribunals. With a nationwide presence across Lisbon, Porto, and Funchal, the team earns further praise for its strong capabilities in international arbitration. The team is led by a trio of experts: Alexandra Nascimento Correia, who specialises in matters involving financial investment in private equity and cases concerning the infrastructure and energy sectors; Guilherme Santos Silva, who stands out for his work with Angolan and other Portuguese-speaking African countries; and Francisco Patrício, who has extensive experience in restructuring and insolvency.

CMS‘ dispute resolution team, renowned for its expertise in the banking sector, is well-versed in financial, securities, and derivatives litigation and arbitration. Noted for its ‘great technical competence and commitment’, the team combines industry-specific knowledge in areas like pharmaceuticals with notable capabilities in public concessions and project finance disputes. Its globally focused arbitration practice is particularly strong in handling shareholder, energy, and construction disputes. Steering the team is Nuno Pena, who has an impressive track record in restructuring and cross-border insolvency disputes, with a particular focus on the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive. Elsewhere in the team, Rita Gouveia covers both international and domestic disputes, focusing primarily on corporate, M&A and banking matters, while Gonçalo Madeira earns praise for his ‘excellent vision and strategy.’ Former co-head Miguel Esperança Pina is no longer at the firm.

Lauded for its ‘technical knowledge’, the dispute resolution team at Cuatrecasas is a go-to choice for clients across a range of sectors, including automotive, infrastructure, energy, real estate, telecoms, and financial services. Its expertise covers private enforcement and class actions, both of which have seen significant expansion recently, as well as complex domestic and international arbitration cases. Practice head Miguel de Almada continues to assist clients with complex and high-profile cases, focusing mainly on civil and commercial litigation. Luís Miguel Cortes Martins stands out for his expertise in arbitration proceedings, while Maria Raquel Moreira‘s practice covers civil and commercial litigation, as well as insolvency and restructuring proceedings. Singled out for his proficiency in out-of-court proceedings, Frederico Bettencourt Ferreira works with clients across a range of industries and jurisdictions.

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. António Teles is noted for his focus on commercial litigation matters. He leads the team alongside João Saúde, who stands out for his cross-border expertise, and Mafalda Ferreira Santos, who adeptly handles civil and commercial disputes across judicial, arbitration, and out-of-court proceedings.

Well-regarded for its ‘high-quality service’, the dispute resolution team at CS’Associados brings notable expertise in commercial and administrative proceedings, with a strong track record in financial services regulation, media sector compliance, and environmental disputes. The practice is helmed by a trio of experts: João Maria Pimentel, who is noted for his focus on complex banking and finance disputes; André Salgado de Matos, a practitioner active administrative litigation and arbitration proceedings; and Rui Pinto Duarte, who handles contentious matters across the telecoms, energy and construction sectors. Miguel Esperança Pina, who joined from CMS in October 2024, is well-versed in commercial and civil litigation, as well as national and international arbitration.

Operating across a myriad of sectors and industries including employment, insurance, administrative law, energy and aviation, the team at DLA Piper ABBC remains active in civil and commercial litigation, arbitration, and white-collar crime matters. Paulo Saragoça da Matta stands out for his work on white-collar crime, political crime, banking crime and tax fraud matters. He leads the team alongside Vanessa Antunes and Sofia Ribeiro Mendes, both of whom maintain active practices advising domestic and international clients on a broad spectrum of disputes.

Praised for its ‘very solid technical knowledge’ and ‘innovative solutions’, the dispute resolution team at Garrigues Portugal demonstrates expertise in handling corporate, financial, administrative, and commercial disputes, skilfully navigating both litigation and arbitration proceedings. Leading the team is João Duarte De Sousa, who assists clients with complex and multijurisdictional disputes. Miguel Azevedo is noted for his work on commercial disputes, including international arbitrations, while André Gualter de Vasconcellos shines in M&A-related and shareholder disputes and corporate and contractual disputes.

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo‘s dispute resolution team excels in managing corporate, civil, and commercial disputes, with particular strength in infrastructure litigation and arbitration. Turned to by clients from key sectors like insurance, transport, and construction, the practice has built a strong reputation in handling complex disputes across both Portugal and international markets, including Mozambique. Co-head Ricardo Campos is frequently sought out by clients for his expertise in complex arbitrations and administrative litigation. Fellow co-head Filipa Cotta, who joined the team in December 2023 from VdA, advises on civil, commercial, and corporate litigation, as well as insolvency and restructuring matters.

Standing out for its ‘technical competence’ and ‘great attention to detail’, the dispute resolution team at Miranda & Associados is increasingly engaged in both domestic and international arbitration, showcasing a wide range of sector expertise, with particular strengths in construction, distribution, and energy-related disputes. Sofia Martins, noted by clients as an 'extremely diligent and well-prepared arbitrator', jointly oversees the practice with Francisco Colaço, who focuses on civil and commercial litigation and arbitration proceedings in the insurance, banking, energy, IT and pharma sectors. Ricardo Saraiva offers key support in cross-border disputes involving African jurisdictions.

Drawing considerable praise from clients who turn to the team for its ‘technical capabilities and in-depth knowledge’, SRS Legal excels in advising on both domestic and cross-border mandates, with a strong focus on disputes in the real estate, telecoms, financial services, and construction sectors. Leading the practice is José Jácome, who has extensive experience in complex national and international disputes. Elsewhere in the team, José Carlos Soares Machado is a seasoned litigator, arbitrator and mediator, while Maria José Tavares assists on the full spectrum of disputes.

Praised for its ‘high degree of competence’, the dispute resolution team at TELLES focuses primarily on corporate and shareholder disputes. The team also brings expertise to medical liability cases, as well as civil and criminal disputes in the banking and finance sectors. André Navarro de Noronha and Fernando Pizarro Monteiro lead the Porto team, earning recognition for their expertise in corporate and commercial litigation. Meanwhile, Nuno Miguel Lourenço heads the team from the Lisbon office, bringing notable expertise in corporate disputes as well as restructuring and insolvency cases.

Under the leadership of a trio comprising João Caiado Guerreiro, Sandra Ferreira Dias, and Sandra Jesus, Caiado Guerreiro‘s dispute resolution team is recognised for its strong expertise in both litigation and arbitration. The team is consistently sought after by both international and Portuguese corporate and private clients, offering expertise across a wide array of civil and commercial disputes. Dias has notable experience in economic crime and restructuring cases, while Jesus offers a versatile practice covering contracts, sports, and IP matters.

Housing a ‘very professional’ and  ‘attentive’ team, CCA Law Firm showcases extensive capabilities across a variety of contentious matters, spanning class actions, administrative proceedings, criminal law, and disputes in media, IP, corporate, and insurance. Co-head Rita Cruz‘s practice encompasses high-stakes civil litigation, complex corporate disputes, and arbitration cases. Fellow c0-head Marta Duarte is noted for her expertise in corporate and insurance-related litigation. Catarina Limpo Serra is recommended for her focus on the banking and finance, insurance, digital technology, real estate, and sports sectors.

Clients turn to the dispute resolution team at Pares Advogados for its commitment to ‘achieving desired results’, The practice expertly handles a wide range of contentious matters, from shareholder disputes and fraud cases to media litigation, insurance, and directors’ liability claims. Carlos Amaro is recognised for his expertise in investment matters and M&A, while João Malhadas Teixeira advises on commercial and civil litigation, with a focus on labour law. Pedro Carreira Albano is a key figure for financial institutions and business groups, specialising in civil and corporate litigation. Sandra Severino is recommended for her work in litigation, restructuring, and insolvency.

VCA - Valadas Coriel & Associados' dispute resolution practice offers expertise across the spectrum of matters, with a notably strong record in real estate and maritime-related disputes, as well as tax arbitrations. The practice operates under the leadership of three accomplished practitioners: João Valadas Coriel, who is noted for his experience in contentious real estate, civil and commercial law, as well as white-collar crime; Hugo Martins Braz, who stands out for his expertise in civil, labour, and criminal cases; and Vera Chalaça, noted for her expertise in civil and administrative litigation.

Albuquerque & Almeida stands out for its adept handling of disputes across a diverse range of sectors, spanning real estate, manufacturing,  financial services, and insurance. The practice is steered by Paulo De Almeida, who specialises in economic and white-collar crime disputes.

Andersen strengthened its Portugal-based dispute resolution practice with the hire of Filipa Alfaia Barata and Teresa Lamim from RRP Advogados in July 2024. The team is frequently engaged by banks, financial institutions, investment funds, insurance and brokerage companies on a range of disputes. Diogo Matos Oliveira leads the team alongside Barata, and is noted for his work on complex litigation, corporate restructuring, and credit recovery procedures.

The ‘very good’ team at Antas da Cunha Ecija expertly handles a wide range of contentious matters across the construction, food and beverage, distribution, banking and finance, real estate, manufacturing and logistics sectors. The practice is jointly helmed by João Carlos Teixeira, Odete Sousa Pereira, whose experience covers real estate, tax and family law, and Raquel Ribeiro Correia, who often handles real estate, distribution and consumer disputes.

Praised for its ‘knowledge, experience and mastery of the subject’, Ferreira Pinto Cardigos Advogados possesses capabilities across a wide variety of disputes, with a notable focus on class actions. Fernando Ferreira Pinto is noted for his arbitration experience, while Rui Simões stands out for his expertise in commercial and IP cases. Porfirio Moreira excels in competition litigation, which is also an area of expertise for João Paulo Teixeira de Matos.

Cerejeira Namora, Marinho Falcão‘s dispute resolution team regularly advises both domestic and international clients on a wide range of matters, with particular strength in judicial litigation. The practice is jointly steered by founding partner Nuno Cerejeira Namora and Zita Xavier de Medeiros, who specialises in civil litigation.

Noted for its ‘excellent knowledge’, the dispute resolution team at Eversheds Sutherland regularly handles high-profile disputes across myriad industries, including construction, financial services, transport, and banking. The team is particularly skilled in credit recovery and insolvency matters, frequently advising banks and financial institutions. Sofia Ferreira Enriquez is proficient in civil and commercial litigation. She leads the team alongside Luís Falcão Ramos, who is experienced in navigating restructuring and insolvency disputes.

The ‘top-notch’ litigation team at Raposo Bernardo stands out for its expertise in the real estate, aviation, retail, insurance and pharma sectors. The team frequently handles debt recovery proceedings, IP litigation, and shareholder disputes. Practice head Ana Cláudia Rangel  is lauded as an ‘excellent lawyer who easily becomes indispensable to a client’.