Joana Mota

Nelson Raposo Bernardo is the managing partner and head of the firm’s Banking and Projects practices, along with strong expertise in Corporate and M&A; Capital markets; Project finance; Private equity; Energy; Corporate restructuring and Corporate finance and Arbitration. Nelson has more than 25 years of international experience in high-profile and complex operations and has been involved in multiple transactions in Portugal and abroad. Some of his recent transactions include advisi...

Luís Castilho has over 15 years of hands-on experience in the field and has worked in Top Tier 1 firms and Big4 consultancy firms for almost 10 years, with a more recent passage by the Government. In January 2025 Luís launched his own law firm, called CASTILHO. CASTILHO is more than just a law firm. It’s a Partner in Tax, Family, and Corporate Law that aims to deliver straightforward advice, with zero jargon and a refreshingly approachable style. Luís started out as...

Catarina Belim, based in Lisbon, Portugal, has an extensive background working with Tax and Custom matters. Catarina began her professional career in Deloitte’s Indirect Tax division, which she left to join Portuguese leading law firm VdA – Vieira de Almeida & Associados for almost a decade, where she played a successful role in developing the firm’s tax practice area. In 201, Catarina founded her own law firm, Belim (now Belim Castilho), with a special focus on Tax, Cus...

Ana Algarvio de Sousa is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Ana Algarvio de, who practices law in Lisbon, Portugal, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ana Algarvio de is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Hugo is a Partner of VCA since 2010, coordinating and running the Litigation and Labour Departments. Hugo has large experience in matters of international, civil, commercial, criminal and administrative litigation, mass litigation especially on issues related to consumption, arbitration, credits recovery, bankruptcy, labour law and labour disputes. Hugo also accompanies various collective labour contracts and the respective negotiation processes. Practice Areas Labour Dispute Resolution (Civi...

David Coelho is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative Law and Public Law. David, who practices law in Lisbon, Portugal, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rita Montalvão is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Rita, who practices law in Lisbon, Portugal, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Rita is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

João Valadas Coriel co-founded Valadas Coriel & Associados (VCA) in 2001. Currently managing partner, he coordinates across all VCA departments. His expertise and decisiveness are sought to break deadlocks, close deals and generally to get things to the next level. He comes across as a solution minded savvy lawyer. He has worked on many transactions and is a trusted adviser to many private clients, family offices, foundations, and corporations. João excels in leading teams a...

Marta Fonseca Ferreira is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Marta Fonseca, who practices law in Lisbon, Portugal, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Marta Fonseca is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Academic & Professional Training: Graduated by the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra in 2004. Further Education: Attendance of specialization course in “Economia Empresariale” (Accountancy and Tax Specific Systems) in Università Degli Studi di Milano, in 2004; Specific graduation in “Tax and Administrative Law” (2004); “Competence System and Market Regulation” (2005); “Insolvency and Companies Recovery” (2005); and “Ta...