Major European Law Firm Fieldfisher Enters Portugal, Targeting Foreign Investment in Lisbon and Porto
The European law firm Fieldfisher officially announced its entry into the Portuguese market this month, a strategic move actualized through the integration of the local law firm André Miranda Associados. This development establishes a significant new presence in Portugal’s legal sector, with the firm, now operating as Fieldfisher Portugal, opening offices in the key economic hubs of Lisbon and Porto. The firm is now led by co-managing partners André Miranda and João André Antunes, who previously headed the Portuguese firm. This integration marks a notable expansion for Fieldfisher and a significant enhancement of the legal services available to international companies and foreign investors operating in the country.
The selection process was described by André Miranda as a “long and demanding” two-year endeavor, culminating in a partnership based on a “strong affinity between both teams, both in terms of values and strategic vision.” Fieldfisher, a firm with a global footprint spanning from London to China, identified André Miranda Associados as its ideal partner due to its “solid track record, sustained growth, and a diversified client portfolio with a significant international component.” The integration is designed to merge the local firm’s deep-rooted market knowledge with the extensive resources and technological prowess of the international network, creating a powerful service offering for clients with cross-border operations.
The impact of this integration on the professional services landscape is expected to be substantial. Fieldfisher Portugal now comprises a team of over 70 professionals, 53 of whom are partners and lawyers. The firm has signaled its intent for further “progressive and strategic” growth, with new hires planned in the short term to meet anticipated demand. This expansion is directly tied to the firm’s strategic focus on four priority sectors: energy, life sciences, technology, and financial services. These areas have been identified for their significant growth potential in Portugal, which is increasingly seen as a European hub for innovation and investment, bolstered by public incentives and a growing pool of qualified talent.
A key component of the new firm's strategy involves leveraging Fieldfisher's international network and advanced technological tools. André Miranda noted that the integration would allow the team to incorporate the network's processes and work methods, including a “more pronounced” use of technology, to provide a more efficient and integrated response to clients. “This approach ensures that the Portuguese team maintains its cohesion and identity, while benefiting from the advantages of belonging to an expanding international network,” Miranda stated. The firm aims to differentiate itself from other international operations by maintaining its local autonomy while offering a truly global service capability.
The firm has set ambitious but “realistic” objectives for its first year of operation. A primary financial goal is to achieve a 20% growth in revenue, continuing the strong performance of André Miranda Associados, which surpassed five million euros in turnover in 2024. At the client level, the focus will be on consolidating its current base of approximately 2,000 open cases, with a particular emphasis on attracting large-scale transactions in M&A and foreign investment. “This first year will be fundamental to strengthening the Fieldfisher brand positioning in the Portuguese market and to begin the expansion of the defined strategic areas,” Miranda added.
The integration process has been carefully managed to ensure a smooth transition and preserve the cultural identity of the Portuguese team. Miranda emphasized that the transition is viewed as an “evolution” rather than a “rupture,” respecting the non-hierarchical structure and professional autonomy that characterized the local firm. However, aligning with the international network will require careful coordination, particularly in harmonizing work methodologies and adapting to the network's digital tools to ensure seamless cooperation across jurisdictions, especially with its Spanish offices and other key locations.
Industry observers have reacted positively to the news, viewing it as a sign of the Portuguese market's maturity and attractiveness. One legal market analyst commented, “The entry of a firm with the scale and reputation of Fieldfisher is a testament to the opportunities present in Portugal. For international investors, particularly in complex sectors like technology and energy, having access to a globally integrated firm with strong local expertise is a significant advantage. It streamlines due diligence, M&A, and regulatory compliance, which are critical for successful investment.”
The firm’s leadership has expressed confidence in the new venture. “When the Fieldfisher Portugal brand is synonymous with excellence, innovation, and international reach among its stakeholders, it can be said that the integration has fully achieved its objectives,” Miranda projected. The firm’s future plans include deepening its technological integration, further strengthening its teams in strategic areas, and actively developing partnerships with international clients looking to invest in Portugal. While the immediate focus remains on consolidating its presence in Lisbon and Porto, the possibility of future expansion into other Portuguese cities has not been ruled out, contingent on market needs and strategic alignment.
Connect with trusted real estate professionals and legal experts for your investment journey at realestate-lisbon.com.
