Noted for its ‘competence and reputation’, the criminal, regulatory offences and compliance team at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is frequently sought after for high-stakes cases involving bribery, corruption, money laundering, tax crimes, and insider trading. Cementing its reputation as a market leader, the team demonstrates exceptional skill in handling multifaceted cross-border disputes. Rui Patrício's expertise lies in corporate crime, white-collar crime, and regulatory offences litigation. Practice head Tiago Félix da Costa regularly handles matters across the TMT, banking, and distribution industries. João Matos Viana plays a pivotal role, particularly in cases concerning criminal and regulatory offences related to banking, securities, and insurance. Tiago Geraldo is noted for his focus on criminal litigation, compliance, and regulatory offences.

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. The team is under the leadership of a talented trio: José Lobo Moutinho, lauded for his ’high ethical values ​​and excellent skills’; Teresa Serra, who is highly regarded for her proficiency in civil and commercial litigation, with additional expertise in corporate crime and regulatory compliance; and Cláudia Amorim, who stands out for her expertise in criminal litigation. Consultant Ana Brito Camacho is recommended for her focus on corporate crime and regulatory compliance issues.

The ‘very competent’ team at Uría Menéndez navigates high-stakes fraud and corruption investigations, offering clients robust representation in both criminal proceedings and regulatory matters. With a deep bench of seasoned practitioners, helmed by Fernando Aguilar de Carvalho, the firm is a trusted adviser to major corporations facing white-collar crime challenges across domestic and international markets. Carvalho is noted for his focus on international and domestic arbitration, white-collar crime cases, and civil and commercial litigation. The ‘brilliant’ Nuno Salazar Casanova regularly handles high-profile cross-border disputes, including regulatory investigations and enforcement, class actions and other major reputation-related litigation. Francisco Proença de Carvalho is no longer at the firm.

Noted for its ‘availability, technical knowledge and close client management’, the team at VdA handles the full gamut of regulatory and criminal investigations for its diverse roster of clients. Operating across a myriad of sectors, including but not limited to, sports, financial services, telecoms, energy and media, the team handles matters pertaining to regulatory investigations, money laundering and corruption cases, and search and seizure procedures. Leading the team is Sofia Ribeiro Branco, whose expertise lies in regulatory offence cases, where she applies her in-depth knowledge across various industries. Elsewhere in the team, Joana Bernardo brings extensive expertise in criminal law, excelling in both misdemeanour cases and regulatory litigation, while Inês Sotto Mayor is noted for her expertise in commercial litigation matters.

Praised for its ‘experience, creativity and effectiveness’, the criminal, sanctions and compliance group at Abreu Advogados offers robust expertise across various areas, acting as a trusted partner to businesses, individuals, and public institutions in cases involving money laundering, cybercrime, corruption, and tax fraud. The team is jointly steered by Pedro Barosa and Ana Rita Duarte de Campos. Barosa serves as a primary contact for clients addressing economic and financial crime matters, while Campos is known for his adept representation of defendants in some of the nation’s most intricate and high-stakes cases. Ana Grosso Alves specialises in economic-financial crimes, excelling in the preparation and implementation of compliance programmes. Paulo de Sá e Cunha is no longer at the firm.

Noted for its ‘technical quality’ and ‘professionalism’, the team at CS’Associados excels in white-collar crime matters, particularly complex cases involving corruption, bribery, defamation, and money laundering, leveraging its multidisciplinary expertise to advise clients across a wide range of sectors. Practice head Pedro Duro is frequently involved in high-profile cases in Portugal and is regularly sought after by clients in the paper manufacturing, construction, and banking sectors. He is supported by Mariana Proença Lobo, recognised for her ‘high knowledge, dedication and professionalism’, and Joana Avelino Gomes, who is distinguished for her expertise in compliance matters.

Highlighted for its ability to ‘think outside the box, creating alternative strategies as the case evolves’,  MFA Legal is a boutique firm specialising in criminal law, risk management, and tax. Established in November 2023 by former VdA partner João Medeiros, the firm has swiftly made an impact across various sectors, including infrastructure, banking, energy, pharmaceuticals, football, and construction. Medeiros leads the team, and is actively involved in cases related to cyber attacks, product liability, environmental disasters, internal fraud schemes, and internal investigations. Elsewhere in the team, Rui Costa Pereira brings valuable experience in foreign jurisdictions, particularly in Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and East Timor, while Inês Almeida Costa stands out for her ‘in-depth knowledge of the client's case’.

Renowned for its ability to tackle the full range of fraud and white-collar criminal matters, PLMJ acts for an impressive client roster, including former politicians, bank directors, financial institutions, and corporate clients. Distinct for its deep focus on administrative litigation before regulatory bodies, the team also excels in handling corruption investigations, anti-money laundering compliance, tax fraud, and financial crimes. Leading the charge is Paulo Farinha Alves, who is regularly called upon for corporate crime cases, such as embezzlement and labour crimes.

Under Alexandra Mota Gomes‘ leadership, the team at Antas da Cunha Ecija handles a wide range of cases, from tax fraud and corruption to cybercrime and money laundering. The practice frequently acts for multinational and domestic clients across the financial services, pharmaceuticals, construction, and energy sectors, among others. Beatriz Eusébio da Costa plays a crucial role in the team, advising domestic and international clients on a range of matters.

Singled out for its ‘professional demeanour’, the team at CCA Law Firm excels in handling a wide array of criminal cases, including matters pertaining to money laundering, tax fraud, corruption, and cybercrime. The practice is co-led by Henrique Salinas, who represents clients in white-collar crime, regulatory investigations, corporate fraud, and compliance disputes, and Marta Duarte, whose focus on dispute resolution, particularly civil and criminal litigation, is noteworthy.

Cuatrecasas’ white-collar crime and corporate governance team is a key port of call for financial institutions, sports clubs, former politicians, and corporations seeking advice on matters such as bribery investigations, tax fraud, and money laundering. Leading the team is Maria Raquel Moreira, who stands out for her strong focus on civil and commercial litigation. Miguel Pereira Coutinho is no longer at the firm.

Noted for its ‘excellent service’, DLA Piper ABBC specialises in defending clients against a broad range of criminal and white-collar charges, including fraud, corruption, money laundering, and corporate misconduct. Spearheading the team is Paulo Saragoça da Matta, who has extensive experience in white-collar crime, political crime, banking crime and tax fraud matters. He is supported by Rui Pedro Martins, who stands out for his litigation capabilities.

Fielding a team of ‘highly qualified professionals’, Garrigues is well-versed in the full scope of corporate crime and regulatory compliance matters, earning the trust of financial institutions, corporations, and high-profile individuals. Steering the practice is João de Lima Cluny, who has vast experience in corruption and money laundering cases, assisting clients across the energy, finance, workplace safety, environment and sports spaces. Madalena Afra Rosa joined the team from Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados in February 2024, bringing with her expertise in economic and financial sanctions law.

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo fields a skilled team adept at navigating white-collar crime investigations involving corruption and fraud and assisting clients with money laundering, cybercrime and tax evasion matters. Leading the team is Filipa Cotta, who joined the team from VdA. Cotta brings a wealth of experience in handling complex, multijurisdictional restructuring and insolvency cases spanning Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Brazil. Rita Espírito Santo specialises in litigation, white-collar crime, insolvency and criminal compliance.