What trends have you noticed in the labor and employment law and in technology law in the last year?
The main trend in labor and employment law in the last year has been the slowing of the government’s reformist drive, which had been the prevailing trend in labor and employment law in the wake of the financial crisis. In addition, precisely targeted amendments to the Portuguese Employment Code have, to a certain extent, reversed previous amendments in non-essential areas.
In technology law, the agenda has been dominated by the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, which will apply from May 25, 2018. In particular, companies (and their lawyers) have been busy making sure that their internal practices regulations will comply with the new data protection rules.
Are there any recent policies in either of these practice areas specific to Portugal that have created any shifts in dynamics or led to major changes?
Recent changes have significantly strengthened the legislation to prevent situations of harassment at work in both the public and private sectors. This has been achieved by making changes to the Employment Code and the General Law on Work in the Civil Service. It is expected that new regulations will come into force soon and that the Working Conditions Authority (Autoridade para as Condições do Trabalho) will be granted additional means to enforce the fight against harassment at work. In particular, it is expected to have dedicated teams of inspectors to receive complaints about assault in the workplace. In addition, important legal amendments are currently being discussed in the Portuguese parliament, especially concerning TUPE regulations and the right to professional disconnection.
Can you describe any landmark cases you’ve worked on recently in either (or both) practice areas?
In the labor and employment law practice area, we have worked on significant staff reductions in one of the most important media groups in Portugal. We have also worked on a transaction involving the partial sale of another of the most important media groups in Portugal.
What characteristics does your firm have that you believe led to this recognition?
PLMJ has one of the largest labor and employment law teams in Portugal, and this team is made up of specialists with strong academic backgrounds and unmatched experience. Together, in acting for many of Portugal’s leading employers who recognize our dedication to achieving excellence in the delivery of legal services, this team has built an extensive track record of achieving very pragmatic results with a client-focused approach.
