Department profile
CMS

Energy & Natural Resources

Europe Guide 2026 : Portugal

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CMS

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About

Provided by CMS

CMS Portugal´s Energy practice is a powerhouse in Portugal. The team has extensive experience and strong capabilities assisting a roster of national and international clients, notably energy players in the areas of oil and gas, energy and renewable energy as well as electric vehicle infrastructure, in national and cross border transactions.

Our activity includes legal advice on:

  • Oil & gas exploration and production
  • M&A
  • Energy efficiency
  • Project finance
  • Disputes or regulatory and commercial issues
  • Traditional or newer electricity generation technologies
  • Energy transition and climate change strategies

The team has in-depth knowledge of how energy law applies across different markets and with cross-disciplinary teams. We work to provide advice close to our clients’ needs.

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

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy & Natural Resources - Portugal

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

CMS has a top-tier practice which is skilled at handling the development of renewable energy projects, regulatory issues and related litigation in the energy sphere. The firm has further expertise in construction, administrative law and M&A transactions. It assists financial institutions, as well as key domestic and international players in the petrochemicals and electricity sectors, and provides additional advice on renewable projects, including solar, wind and hydropower.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • CMS advised Lightsource BP on its entry into the Portuguese solar market, providing ongoing legal and regulatory support for a solar power plant project.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • CMS has great capacity for initiative and leadership. The firm has the ability to understand the specific context of concrete problems in the energy area very quickly.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope

  • CMS' team is really helpful at spotting issues before they become a problem.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope

  • The team has extensive knowledge of the energy sector and the work and information provided is duly detailed according to the client's request.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope

  • The firm stands out for its availability, technical knowledge and knowledge of market trends and legislation. The firm has a pragmatic and executive approach.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope

  • CMS goes in the details of the matters, including technical details. It provides specific advice and reacts quickly.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Mónica Carneiro Pacheco
    Mónica Carneiro Pacheco

    Mónica Carneiro Pacheco

    Mónica Carneiro Pacheco is recognised for her standout expertise in energy and natural resources, handling transactions and regulatory matters in the sector. She offers an especially impressive practice in relation to renewables, with clients benefiting from her comprehensive knowledge of solar, hydropower and wind projects.

    • Mónica Carneiro Pacheco is a true expert and someone who is very easy to work with.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope

    • Mónica Carneiro Pacheco has high leadership and communication skills. She is very competent in the real identification of problems, obstacles and challenges. She is an architect of solutions in this specific sector.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope

    • Mónica Carneiro Pacheco is a dedicated professional with extensive experience she provides high-quality work that meets the client's requests.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
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  • Manuel Cassiano Neves
    Manuel Cassiano Neves

    Manuel Cassiano Neves

    Manuel Cassiano Neves assists both domestic and international companies with a range of regulatory matters and tariff issues, as well as advising on the development of renewable energy projects.

    • Manuel Cassiano Neves is extremely knowledgeable and provides a relevant commercial approach which is useful to have. He is a key lawyer in the industry.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope

    • Manuel Cassiano Neves is very easy to work with and helps with the deal. He has good communication throughout and offers quick responses that are open and transparent.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope

    • Manuel Cassiano Neves is a dedicated professional with extensive experience and he provides high-quality work that meets the client's requests.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
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  • Bernardo Ferreira
    Bernardo Ferreira

    Bernardo Ferreira

    Bernardo Ferreira is active on numerous M&A transactions relating to energy projects, as well as advising on regulatory, licensing and contractual matters pertaining to environmental issues and the energy sector.

    • Bernardo Ferreira is humble in his dealings and very bold in the solutions he presents. He is reliable, extremely polite, patient and with a great ability to listen. He is an excellent lawyer.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
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  • Duarte Lacerda
    Duarte Lacerda

    Duarte Lacerda

    Duarte Lacerda focuses on energy transactions and advises public and private clients on energy and natural resources matters in Portugal. He is well placed to act on acquisitions and has a particular expertise in the development of renewable projects.

    • Duarte Lacerda has a very good attitude and excellent communication with clients.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope

    • Duarte Lacerda is driven and extremely competent.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
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Ranked Individuals at CMS (4)

Portugal

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Provided by CMS

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