Best Commercial Litigation Lawyers in Porto

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NFS Advogados
Porto, Portugal

Founded in 2010
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
We are an independent Portuguese  law firm based in Porto. A dynamic company  , with a capable and motivated team, which assists clients on a daily basis, finding the most diverse solutions within the scope of the legal services it provides. We make use of the latest information...

Founded in 2000
200 people in their team
Portuguese
English
JPAB is a law firm dedicated to providing personalized legal services, balancing the balance between innovation and tradition.Maintaining its sophistication, and its rigorous although discreet attitude, JPAB accompanies diversified clients from different economic sectors and from different...
Neves & Alves - Legal
Porto, Portugal

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
Welcome to Strategic Legal AdvicesStrategic Consulting has answers to all of your legal questions. Our legal experts have years of consulting and litigation experience and will support you in all aspects, from the everyday to the complex.We offer carefully researched, relevant advice to meet your...

Founded in 2019
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
CCSM (Caldeira, Cernadas, Sousa Magalhães e Associados) is a law firm resulting from the association in 2019 of GMSCC (Gil Moreira dos Santos, Caldeira, Cernadas e Associados) with Sousa Magalhães e Associados, being both of them law firms firmly established for several decades in the Portuguese...

Founded in 1983
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
HISTORYQuality and professional excellence for companies, families and private individuals in Spain and Portugal.Martínez-Echevarría & Ferreira is a professional law firm of legal services, both for consultancy and for judicial protection, with activity developed in Spain, Portugal and Turkey...

Founded in 1992
10 people in their team
Portuguese
English
A firm with several full time attorneys interacting with a network of renowned legal experts.A firm marked by great professionalism in all services it provides. A firm committed and respectful of the quality of work for the clients, with an effective response time.Dantas Rodrigues & Associados...

Founded in 2018
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
The FirmPinto Ribeiro Advogados is a medium-sized law firm based in Lisbon, Portugal, which provides comprehensive legal services to its Clients, both domestic and foreign, in various areas of Law and in the most relevant sectors of economic activity.Our MissionWe privilege the personalized...

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
ABOUT USA modern and multilingual office, a team of experienced and dedicated lawyers, with high specialization, capable of clear ideas in an increasingly complex world.The various departments operate globally in all sectors of business and the economy in general, especially in Europe and in...

Founded in 1999
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
Cerqueira Gomes & Associados is a renowned and experienced limited liability law firm, with widely-recognised expertise across the full spectrum of Portuguese law. The firm has been privileged to work with a wide range of clients involved in diverse areas of business, including...
PMS Advocacia
Porto, Portugal

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
ABOUT USOur firm covers Private International Law, Immigration Law, Portuguese Tax Law, Civil and Criminal Law, and is specialized in processing applications for Portuguese Citizenship, with direct entry into Portugal. We have vast experience in Visa applications, Civil Registry rectification,...
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About Commercial Litigation Law in Porto, Portugal

Commercial litigation in Porto, Portugal, involves the legal resolution of disputes arising from business and commercial activities. This area of law encompasses a broad array of conflicts between companies, business owners, shareholders, partners, suppliers, or clients. Commercial litigation can involve contract disputes, debt recovery, shareholder disagreements, corporate restructuring, and other issues relevant to business operations. Portuguese commercial litigation is handled by specialized courts and follows a set procedure aimed at resolving commercial disputes efficiently and fairly.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Retaining a commercial litigation lawyer in Porto can make a significant difference in complex business disputes. Common situations where legal assistance is vital include:

  • Breach of contract between companies or individuals.
  • Non-payment for goods or services rendered.
  • Shareholder or partnership disputes within a company.
  • Claims against directors or officers for mismanagement or corporate wrongdoing.
  • Disputes relating to mergers, acquisitions, or dissolutions of businesses.
  • Problems related to intellectual property used in the course of business.
  • Issues involving unfair competition or antitrust violations.
  • Cross-border commercial disputes involving companies based outside Portugal.

Professional legal guidance is essential to navigate Portuguese law, safeguard your rights, and work toward a favorable outcome.

Local Laws Overview

Commercial litigation in Porto is primarily governed by the Portuguese Civil Code, the Commercial Companies Code, and the Code of Civil Procedure. Here are some key aspects to consider:

  • Business disputes often follow the rules laid out in the Code of Civil Procedure, which sets deadlines and steps for court proceedings.
  • The Commercial Companies Code regulates company formation, governance, and internal disputes such as those among shareholders or directors.
  • Certain disputes may be subject to mandatory pre-litigation mediation or arbitration, especially if stipulated in contracts.
  • Specialized commercial courts (tribunais do comércio) handle most business-related cases in Porto and throughout Portugal.
  • Business contracts are usually enforceable if they comply with the law, are clear, and involve lawful activities.
  • Foreign judgments and arbitral awards are recognized in Portugal provided they meet reciprocity and procedural requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cases are considered commercial litigation in Porto?

Commercial litigation covers disputes arising from business engagements, such as contract breaches, conflicts between shareholders, partnership issues, competition law violations, and business-related torts.

Which court handles commercial disputes in Porto?

Most commercial cases are handled by specialized commercial courts (tribunais do comércio). Depending on complexity and nature, some disputes may also be resolved by civil courts or through arbitration.

How long does commercial litigation usually take in Portugal?

The timeframe varies depending on case complexity, court workload, and parties' cooperation. Simple cases may resolve within a year, but complex cases can last two years or more.

Is alternative dispute resolution available for commercial disputes?

Yes, parties can opt for mediation or arbitration, and many contracts include clauses requiring these methods before or instead of litigation.

Can I recover legal costs if I win my commercial case?

Portuguese law allows the prevailing party to recover a portion of legal costs, including court fees and some attorney expenses, from the losing party.

Are judgments from foreign courts enforced in Portugal?

Foreign judgments can be recognized and enforced in Portugal if certain legal requirements are met, including reciprocity and compliance with public policy.

What evidence is needed in commercial litigation?

Relevant contracts, correspondence, invoices, witness statements, expert reports, and other supporting documents are typically required to prove your claim.

Can companies represent themselves in court?

In most cases, companies must be represented by a licensed lawyer (advogado) in Portuguese courts.

What are the risks of not having legal representation?

Without professional representation, you risk procedural errors, weak defense, missed deadlines, or failure to understand complex legal requirements, which can result in losing your case.

How do I find the right commercial litigation lawyer in Porto?

Look for experienced lawyers or law firms specializing in commercial litigation, preferably with a proven track record in your specific type of business dispute and good knowledge of both Portuguese and international business law if needed.

Additional Resources

  • Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) - Regulates the legal profession and offers a directory of qualified lawyers.
  • Ministry of Justice (Ministério da Justiça) - Provides information on court procedures and locations.
  • Porto Commercial Court (Tribunal do Comércio do Porto) - Handles specialized commercial cases in the Porto region.
  • Centro de Arbitragem Comercial - Offers commercial arbitration services for business disputes.
  • Direção-Geral do Consumidor - For cases involving consumer rights in commercial disputes.

Next Steps

If you are facing a business dispute or have concerns about a potential commercial litigation matter in Porto, consider the following steps:

  • Gather all relevant documentation and correspondence relating to your dispute.
  • Write down a timeline of events and list any witnesses or experts who could support your position.
  • Research local law firms or individual lawyers with experience in commercial litigation.
  • Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case, legal options, and likely costs involved.
  • Ask about negotiation, arbitration, or alternative solutions to resolve the matter efficiently.
  • Act promptly, as certain legal actions are subject to strict deadlines.

Consulting with a qualified commercial litigation lawyer in Porto is the best way to protect your business interests and reach an effective resolution.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Porto through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Commercial Litigation, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Porto, Portugal - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.