Department profile
VdA

Public Law

Europe Guide 2026 : Portugal


VdA

Rankings

About

Provided by VdA

In recent years assistance in matters of Public Law has been one of the focal points of our strategy and today the firm is a top player in the field. We excel in all areas of public law and are present particularly in: Public Contracts (competition and other pre-contractual procedures), Administrative Contracts (public service and public works concessions, management contracts for public services, service provider contracts, etc), PPPs (public-private partnerships) in various sectors (rail and road network infrastructures, sporting infrastructures, water, sanitation, health), urban development, expropriation and public property. The team have worked through the years with various public-sector bodies i.e. central government and public administration and institutions, regional governments and local authorities – as well as with companies in different areas of activity, with a particularly strong presence amongst road concessionaires and public service licensees in the areas of health, transport, water and sanitation.
For a comprehensive list of the services we provide, visit the VdA website for more details: http://vda.pt/en

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Public Law - Portugal

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

VdA has a stellar reputation in the public law market with deep bench of recognised individuals who are active on matters concerning Portugal and other lusophone jurisdictions. The team advises on concessions, tenders and public procurement, as well as privatisation processes. It possesses a solid presence in the banking, telecommunications, infrastructure, aviation and healthcare sectors. The firm regularly handles public law arbitration and also represents clients in litigation. Its clients include key public organisations and companies, as well as domestic and multinational private entities.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • VdA assisted the Azores Regional Government with arbitration proceedings arising from respective construction and concession matters concerning an infrastructure project.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The department distinguishes itself through multidisciplinary technical excellence, consolidated experience in regulated sectors and the strategic ability to align procedural representation with tailored legal solutions. Its culture of partnership reinforce the trust of the services provided.

    Public Law respondentEurope
  • The team stands out for its unique technical expertise and its ability to anticipate market trends and risks.

    Public Law respondentEurope
  • We highly value VdA's technical and multidisciplinary expertise, direct partner involvement, cooperative client relationship and speed of response.

    Public Law respondentEurope
  • The team is highly accessible and provides clear and practical advice within the deadlines required. Its commitment to responsive service give us great confidence and peace of mind.

    Public Law respondentEurope
  • VdA's public law team is composed of highly experienced and qualified lawyers and is very strong in all areas of public law. The firm is undoubtedly one of the best in the area of public law in Portugal.

    Public Law respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Paulo Pinheiro
    Band 1Paulo Pinheiro

    Paulo Pinheiro

    Paulo Pinheiro provides expert advice to clients on public restructurings, public procurements and privatisations. He also acts in administrative disputes and arbitration proceedings.

    • Paulo Pinheiro distinguishes himself through his combination of technical rigour with strategic vision and deep knowledge of the regulated sectors.

      Public Law respondentEurope
    • Paulo's experience and reputation inspire gravitas and confidence, serving as a reference and guide for everyone.

      Public Law respondentEurope
    • Paulo Pinheiro is a true gentleman who offers complete availability and understanding.

      Public Law respondentEurope
    • Paulo Pinheiro is an excellent professional. He demonstrate great technical expertise, cooperative client interactions, close alignment with the client's mission and delivery of results.

      Public Law respondentEurope
  • Band 1Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira
    Band 1Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira

    Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira

    Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira has a wealth of experience handling arbitration proceedings in relation to concession agreements and administrative litigation cases, as well as providing advice on environmental regulation, tenders and public procurement procedures.

    • Rodrigo is undoubtedly one of the best public lawyers in Portugal. He is calm, diplomatic and assertive, with strong negotiation skills and is always providing pragmatic solutions.

      Public Law respondentEurope
    • Rodrigo's deep expertise is recognised by everyone. He is also cordial and highly dedicated. He is a real trusted lawyer.

      Public Law respondentEurope
    • Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira is the true guru in the public procurement field.

      Public Law respondentEurope
    • Rodrigo Esteves de Oliveira stands out for his team spirit, very strong technical knowledge and focus on finding solutions to the client's problems.

      Public Law respondentEurope
  • Band 4Ana Marta Castro
    Band 4Ana Marta Castro

    Ana Marta Castro

    Ana Marta Castro is a respected lawyer who frequently assists clients with restructurings, public tenders and privatisation mandates. She also advises on administrative disputes and public procurement.

    • Ana Marta Castro distinguishes herself through her comprehensive technical mastery of public law, her international perspective applied to local contexts and her proactive, swift execution.

      Public Law respondentEurope
    • Ana Marta Castro possesses commendable technical excellence, interpersonal skills and extensive experience.

      Public Law respondentEurope
    • Ana Marta Castro guarantees an exceptional level of service. She is always available and extremely quick to respond. She possesses a strong business sense and an excellent ability to manage highly complex legal matters.

      Public Law respondentEurope

Ranked Individuals at VdA (3)

Portugal

Members

Provided by VdA

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