Department profile
CMS

Employment

Europe Guide 2026 : Portugal


CMS

Rankings

About

Provided by CMS

CMS Portugal has one of the largest and broadest Employment & Pensions practices in Portugal, advising a roster of national and international clients on the full range of Employment and Pensions issues.

The team is the go-to law firm for Employment and particularly major restructuring work. They have advised and participated in some of the most important restructuring processes in the country, notably in the financial, insurance, industrial, construction, aviation, retail, pharmaceutical and services sectors.

Our activity includes legal advice on:

  • Day-to-day employment issues
  • Definition of compensation plans and organization of working time
  • Exclusivity, non-compete, permanence and confidentiality agreements
  • Training and Education
  • Disciplinary proceedings
  • TUPE transfers, transfer of workplaces and transfer of establishment
  • Post-Merger Integration
  • Restructurings and layoffs
  • Collective dismissals and termination processes, including individual and collective negotiations
  • Collective regulation instruments
  • Negotiation with Trade Unions
  • Labour disputes
  • Labour Audits
  • Administrative offences and litigation
  • Pensions
  • Social Security
  • Immigration
  • Housekeeping
  • Gender Pay Gap
  • Whistleblowing

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

Industries (8)

  • Financial Services
  • Insurance
  • Industrials
  • Construction
  • Aviation
  • Retail
  • Pharmaceutical
  • services

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment - Portugal

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

CMS has a strong practice with a solid track record in restructurings and trade union negotiations as well as collective dismissal procedures. It boasts further capabilities in negotiating collective agreements, employment contracts and TUPE proceedings. The firm has an impressive portfolio of clients from various sectors including telecommunications, finance and retail.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • CMS advised Yazaki Saltanob de Ovar on a collective redundancy procedure involving 364 employees.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • CMS combines technical expertise with a genuine partnership based on availability and personal interaction with the client.

    Employment respondentEurope
  • CMS has a highly qualified and dedicated team in labour law, guaranteeing in-depth technical knowledge and constant updates on changes in legislation and jurisprudence.

    Employment respondentEurope
  • CMS stands out for its proximity to the client and technical knowledge, tailored solutions, availability and problem-solving skills.

    Employment respondentEurope
  • The main strengths that distinguish CMS are its technical rigour and solid legal expertise, combined with great responsiveness and a constant focus on practical solutions.

    Employment respondentEurope
  • The team stands out for its attention to detail, deep knowledge of the law and strategic thinking.

    Employment respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Susana Afonso
    Band 1Susana Afonso

    Susana Afonso

    Susana Afonso provides expertise on restructuring processes, collective dismissals, transfers of businesses and negotiations with trade unions. She also displays a capacity to handle disciplinary proceedings, harassment claims and contractual matters.

    • Susana Afonso is distinguished for her strong leadership skills and technical expertise.

      Employment respondentEurope
  • Band 4Sofia Mateus
    Band 4Sofia Mateus

    Sofia Mateus

    Sofia Mateus is especially adept at assisting clients with disciplinary proceedings and collective bargaining, as well as TUPE-related and general employment compliance matters.

    • Sofia Mateus is committed to her client's issues.

      Employment respondentEurope
  • Associates to watchMafalda Alves da Silva
    Associates to watchMafalda Alves da Silva

    Mafalda Alves da Silva

    Mafalda Alves da Silva assists her team in matters relating to collective dismissals and TUPE procedures, as well as the negotiation and termination of employment contracts.
    • Mafalda Alves da Silva stands out for her ability to respond quickly, her willingness to clarify doubts and the quality of her advice.

      Employment respondentEurope
    • Mafalda Alves da Silva offers constant availability and in-depth subject knowledge.

      Employment respondentEurope

Ranked Individuals at CMS (3)

Portugal

Members

Provided by CMS

CMS has rankings in the following guides

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