Department profile
VdA

Projects

Global Guide 2026 : Portugal

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VdA

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About

Provided by VdA

We have a wide experience in advising on national and international projects, assisting all players in the infra-structure, energy and natural resources sectors - including sponsors, awarding entities, construction companies, operators and financiers.

We advise clients in all development phases of a project - structuring, legal due diligence, drafting, negotiation and closing, in close connection with the clients' internal teams and trusted advisers. We focus on the development and financing of projects as well as on the secondary market, including refinancing and acquisitions, regulation and public procurement.

Our team provide legal assistance to major projects such as road infra-structures- including toll and shadow toll highways, railroad infra-structures - including light rail and high-speed rail - airports, ports and logistics projects, energy projects including fossil fuel and renewable energy power stations, gas projects including natural gas terminals, water supply and treatment and waste management projects, health PPP projects, procurement (licenses and concessions, design and construction and EPC contracts, equipment supply, etc.)

In addition to advising a significant number of foreign clients, VdA provides assistance to companies expanding to foreign markets, notably to Portuguese speaking African countries and Timor-Leste.

We often work together in international projects with major global law firms in the UK and US.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Projects - Portugal

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
VdA's first-class department is active in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The law firm is experienced in the corporate and financial aspects of various road concessions, renewables, waste and water projects. It also boasts further expertise in the healthcare sector. The team benefits from a strong domestic-side practice as well as strengths in international work owing to an extensive network of offices across lusophone Africa, including in Mozambique. The lawyers advise an impressive roster of clients including major financial institutions as well as Portuguese construction companies.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • VdA assisted LusoLav and LusoLav III with their participation in two public tenders for the high-speed rail project between Porto and Lisbon.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • VdA has a strong team, especially in terms of their knowledge. The team are really available.

    Projects respondentGlobal

  • VdA offers excellent service to clients with a good response rate.

    Projects respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Manuel Protásio
    Manuel Protásio

    Manuel Protásio

    Manuel Protásio boasts a longstanding reputation and outstanding market knowledge. He represents banks and international companies in a variety of energy and infrastructure-related mandates.
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  • Teresa Empis Falcão
    Teresa Empis Falcão

    Teresa Empis Falcão

    Teresa Empis Falcão is proficient at handling both financing and refinancing for projects arising in the infrastructure, energy and health sectors. She frequently represents eminent energy players and financial institutions, often advising on international deals.
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  • Paulo de Barros Baptista
    Paulo de Barros Baptista

    Paulo de Barros Baptista

    Paulo de Barros Baptista stands out for his knowledge of significant road infrastructure projects. He has additional experience in cross-border sub-concession agreements.

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  • Ana Luís de Sousa
    Ana Luís de Sousa

    Ana Luís de Sousa

    Ana Luís de Sousa demonstrates solid knowledge of renewable energy projects, including those regarding wind, hydro and solar energy. She has experience in both national and cross-border mandates.
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  • João Afonso Fialho
    João Afonso Fialho

    João Afonso Fialho

    João Afonso Fialho has extensive experience handling projects with cross-border elements, often involving Angola. He regularly advises clients in the energy and oil and gas sectors.

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Ranked Individuals at VdA (5)

Portugal

Members

Provided by VdA

VdA has rankings in the following guides

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