Department profile
CMS

Dispute Resolution

Global Guide 2026 : Portugal


CMS

Rankings

About

Provided by CMS

CMS Portugal´s Dispute Resolution practice is a powerhouse in Portugal. The team is highly skilled in domestic and international arbitration, as well as conducting complex commercial and civil litigation, on a global scale.

They are the go-to law firm for cross-border matters. The team is highly-regarded in contractual litigation, with extensive experience representing a roster of national and international clients on commercial, financial, energy, pharmaceutical, project finance, public concessions and construction disputes. The team is also well-versed assisting clients in international arbitration.They handle cases before the main arbitration institutions, notably under the rules of ICC, LCIA and UNCITRAL with a particular focus on M&A, shareholders and energy disputes.

Our activity includes legal advice on:

• Risk analysis

• Definition of legal strategies

• Pre-Litigation proceedings

• Arbitration disputes

• Mediation

• Civil and commercial disputes

• Emergency or preventive procedures

• Class actions

• Private enforcement

• Enforcement of court decisions and arbitration awards

• Criminal and enforcement proceedings


For a comprehensive list of the services we provide, both internationally and in Portugal, please visit CMS website.

Industries (6)

  • Financial Services
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Energy
  • Project Finance
  • Public Concessions
  • Construction

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Dispute Resolution - Portugal


What the Team is Known For

CMS has a well-regarded elite team with a broad coverage of corporate, commercial and administrative litigation. The firm assists Portuguese and international banks with civil and administrative proceedings, with further activity representing clients in international and domestic arbitrations. The lawyers are experienced in corporate litigation, damages claims and shareholder disputes. The team offers additional expertise in litigation arising from concession agreements.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • CMS represented Goldman Sachs in a cross-border dispute against the Bank of Portugal concerning a loan transfer following the resolution of Banco Espírito Santo.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • CMS stand out for their commitment to technical excellence and innovative approach to resolving complex conflicts.

    Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal
  • CMS reveals a deep knowledge of the client's business and expectations, which facilitates the interaction and the representation within the scope of the procedure.

    Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal
  • CMS offers availability and full dedication to the client and the case in question, with excellent responsiveness.

    Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal
  • The firm's team possesses remarkable depth and breadth, demonstrating an effective balance between specific specialisations and multidisciplinary skills.

    Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal
  • CMS's team is composed of highly trained professionals with extensive experience in national and international litigation, which allows them to offer strategic and efficient solutions to clients.

    Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Rita Gouveia
    Band 2Rita Gouveia

    Rita Gouveia

    Rita Gouveia remains a well-known name in the Portuguese market. She advises clients on commercial litigation and international arbitrations, including those under ICC rules. She also assists with enforcement proceedings.

    • Rita Gouveia is technically excellent.

      Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Nuno Pena
    Band 4Nuno Pena

    Nuno Pena

    Nuno Pena represents clients in civil disputes arising in the energy and banking sectors. He also assists with administrative procedures filed against the Portuguese banking sector regulator.
  • Band 6Gonçalo Madeira
    Band 6Gonçalo Madeira

    Gonçalo Madeira

    Gonçalo Madeira is experienced in both litigation and arbitration. He frequently advises clients on commercial disputes in sectors such as banking and construction.

    • Gonçalo Madeira has excellent technical expertise and coordination skills and provides his full availability to clients.

      Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal
    • He is very helpful and knowledgeable.

      Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at CMS (3)

Portugal

Members

Provided by CMS

CMS has rankings in the following guides

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