Department profile
CMS

Public Law

Europe Guide 2026 : Portugal

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CMS

Rankings

About

Provided by CMS

CMS Portugal has extensive experience and strong capabilities assisting both public sector entities and concessionaires of public services and of public works, as well as private companies, from banks to technology companies, energy, pharmaceutical and FMCG companies in national and cross border transactions.

CMS's public law team provides legal assistance in the main economic areas of strategic relevance, in major infrastructure projects covering wide range of areas, as well as in regulated sectors such as energy, transport, airport, construction, health, pharmaceuticals and telecommunications.

Our activity includes legal advice in:

  • General Administrative Law
  • Public Procurement
  • Administrative Contracts, in particular, Public Works under Contract and Concessions of Works and Services
  • Litigation and Arbitration
  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
  • Construction
  • Public domain
  • Environment
  • Urbanism
  • Expropriations and Easements

The team has in-depth knowledge of how public 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.

Industries (7)

  • Energy
  • Transport
  • Construction
  • Health
  • Telecommunications
  • FMCG
  • Pharmaceutical

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Public Law - Portugal

Band 2

What the Team is Known For
The CMS team has a noted focus on handling public procurement, administrative contracts and regulatory issues. It possesses additional expertise in public law litigation. The law firm often represents clients from regulated sectors such as energy, transport and banking.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • CMS assisted BYD on the pre-litigation phase concerning a public tender for the award of acquisition of electric buses.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The department stands out for its availability, rigour, subject knowledge and ability to meet deadlines.

    Public Law respondentEurope

  • CMS demonstrates a high degree of knowledge and specialisation. The legal support provided is highly specialised and delivered with a swift response, meeting the client's needs.

    Public Law respondentEurope

  • The team at CMS combines extensive experience and deep technical knowledge with energy and creativity.

    Public Law respondentEurope

  • CMS has solid capabilities in managing complex and sophisticated matters, supported by its experience and resources. The team benefits from a diverse range of expertise and senior-level involvement to handle complex matters effectively.

    Public Law respondentEurope

  • CMS boasts a large and multidisciplinary team which always delivers responses within the expected timeframe. The lawyers possess very good business knowledge and good commercial acumen.

    Public Law respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Gonçalo Guerra Tavares
    Gonçalo Guerra Tavares

    Gonçalo Guerra Tavares

    Gonçalo Guerra Tavares is frequently seen advising clients from the banking, manufacturing and energy sectors on public procurement and regulatory matters. He also acts in administrative disputes and litigation following public tenders.

    • Gonçalo demonstrates deep expertise in public law combined with a practical, oriented approach. He provides solutions that balance legal compliance with strategic objectives.

      Public Law respondentEurope

    • Gonçalo Guerra Tavares displays high technical capacity and full availability.

      Public Law respondentEurope

    • Gonçalo Guerra Tavares displays customer focus and a good understanding of the business context.

      Public Law respondentEurope
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  • Antonio Magalhães e Menezes
    Antonio Magalhães e Menezes

    Antonio Magalhães e Menezes

    Antonio Magalhães e Menezes is a partner with a strong track record of assisting clients with public procurement and concession matters. He further advises on administrative proceedings.

    • Antonio Magalhães e Menezes is always available and very responsive. He demonstrates a high capacity to handle highly specialised requests.

      Public Law respondentEurope

    • Antonio demonstrates interest and dedication to all topics. He responds clearly and quickly to complex and varied questions with total commitment, availability and high technical ability.

      Public Law respondentEurope
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Ranked Individuals at CMS (2)

Portugal

Members

Provided by CMS

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