Macau

With a team of over 30 lawyers and support staff, C&C Lawyers provides corporate law, intellectual property, litigation and notary services. Led by partner Álvaro Rodrigues, the firm’s litigation team handles litigation and dispute resolution matters in banking, employment, IP, insurance and real estate.

CA Lawyers makes it into our general business law table for the first time. Partner Jose Alvares provides general legal advice on Macau law, and acts for global and domestic corporations in transactions across the retail, transportation, gaming, financial services and property sectors. On the litigation side, he has also participated in a number of civil disputes, including injunction proceedings, civil liability claims, and debt collections.

Client feedback

“The firm is very responsive and the practitioners are knowledgeable about the law and the culture as they have a rich combination of backgrounds. It charges about the same as other firms but its work is actually carried out by the partners and thus the value for money is excellent. Essentially, the firm is young and driven, which is what clients need in today's world. It so manages and fosters its relationships with clients.” – Regulatory

Jose Alvares      

“Jose Alvares is quite knowledgeable about law in general in Macau. Having been among the top of his class in Portugal, he has a deep understanding in interpreting the law, which he combines with a sharp common sense. Most importantly, Jose knows the intricacies of how to explain and find solutions in a system that is wholly different from that of Hong Kong – to a large extent, derives from what I perceive is his insertion in the community in Macau and Hong Kong for a now significant period of time.”

DSL lawyers is ranked ‘Outstanding’ in general business law. Capital markets, corporate and M&A, dispute resolution and regulatory are some of the firm’s core practice areas. Managing partner Carlos Simões is especially skilled in introducing new investors to the Macau market, and at advising Hong Kong businesses on Macau operations.

Established in Macau since 1970, ‘Outstanding’ firm Jorge Neto Valente Advogados is experienced in banking, gaming, insurance and real estate. Founding partner Jorge Neto Valente has extensive experience advising on court cases, real estate projects, cross-border transactions, corporate reorganisations and investments. He has profound legal knowledge and experience of gaming laws and operations in Macau.

Manuela António – Lawyers and Notaries is known for its expertise in aviation, banking and finance, and gaming. Partner Hugo Ribeiro Couto focuses his practice on litigation, being involved in a number of disputes concerning civil, corporate, real estate, insurance and administrative matters.

General business law

Work highlights

Assisted as counsel for a bank in the financing of Fai Po Gem & Jewellery and Fortune Merit Trading.

Acted for a bank in guaranteeing a financial lease in relation to a vessel, involving Avic International Leasing, Ruihao Industry and Hongkong Haili Shipping.

Key clients

Citibank, HSBC, Nanyang Commercial Bank

Client feedback

“It is on the list of designated Macau lawyers for various banks in Hong Kong. Its staff are very helpful with quick responses.” – Banking and finance

“Responsible, reasonable charges, can accommodate clients’ requests within budget.” – Banking and finance

“The law firm has been established in Macau for decades. It always provides professional, efficient and customer-driven services. We are very satisfied with the procedures and outcomes.” – Banking and finance

“Fast responses, clear and useful advice. Great help with preparation of documents.” – Investment funds

“Very thorough, quick response times and friendly.” – Insurance

Hugo Maia Bandeira

“He responds in a timely manner, and provides professional advice.”

Hugo Ribeiro Couto

“Incredibly responsive with in-depth knowledge of local law, practices and various local industries.”

“Impeccable corporate law and relevant knowledge and he'll provide professional advice on significant loan deals in a short period of time.”

Bernardete Fan

“Impressive Chinese language skills. Willing to listen to a client's request and accommodate if possible.”

André Sant'Ana Marques

“Cooperative and helpful.”

“The lawyer is polite, fast, and clear with good communication skills. He is mindful of deadlines and reminds us of outstanding topics while being very helpful with all our questions.”

MdME is known for its speciality in banking, gaming, insurance and real estate. Managing partner Rui Pinto Proença specialises in corporate and M&A, with a focus in highly regulated sectors. Rui Filipe Oliveira joined the firm as partner in December 2019. In April 2020, the firm hired employment specialist Helena Kok as a partner from Galaxy Entertainment.

General business law

Work highlights

Acted for Bank of China (Macau Branch) on its issuance of secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) bonds.

Acted for Brinks, an American private security and protection company, on its $860 million purchase of the majority of G4S’s cash operations.

Key clients

Emperor International Holdings, Huafa Group, MMC Treasury Holdings (UK)

Rato Ling Lei & Cortés specialises in banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A, and dispute resolution. The firm’s industry strengths are in the gaming, IT and real estate sectors. San Chi Chang was promoted to senior partner during the research period.

General business law

Work highlights

Advised Forward Fashion (International) on its HKEX listing.

Advised Vietnam Airlines on setting up its operations in Macau.

Key clients

Huarchi Global Holdings, Portugalia Restauração, Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Yangtze Capital Management

Client feedback

“Experienced, professional and efficient. The law firm has always responded promptly and efficiently to our requests.” – Corporate and M&A

Helena Nazaré Valente

“Professional and a great personality. Helena worked closely with us during the IPO project and we can always count on her. She always provides us with prompt and efficient feedback.”

Riquito Advogados is ranked ‘Outstanding’ in general business law. Led by managing partner João Nuno Riquito, the firm’s core practice areas include corporate and M&A, intellectual property and litigation. Partner Rui Filipe Oliveira departed to MdME in December 2019.

General business law

Work highlights

Acted for a leading gambling and entertainment company in Macau on a sale and purchase agreement involving a helicopter chartered flight operator.

Assisting an investment holding company on the potential regulatory impact of a change in control of a corporate vehicle with a Macau gaming concessionaire.

Client feedback

“We have always considered Riquito Advogados as an extension of our company. We have always felt its work goes beyond just providing a service. That is what distinguishes this team. It is personal, professional and highly capable, with impressive turnaround times and the highest standard of results one can expect.” – Corporate and M&A

“Highly professional and knowledgeable in both Macau and Portuguese laws.” – Corporate and M&A

“The firm has in-depth knowledge of relevant Macau laws and is able to come up with alternative routes to resolve disputes.” – Dispute resolution

“Provides good legal and commercial advice.” – Regulatory

Bruno Almeida

“Bruno Almeida has been indispensable to our growth over the years. His most lucrative contributions have been in corporate, fiscal and contract law.”

“Bruno, besides being very intelligent, is one of the hardest working professionals I have ever met in any industry. Extremely knowledgeable in corporate and contract law, Bruno has an impressive capacity to bridge solutions between legal and corporate matters. Bruno is our head of legal and we wish that to continue as long as he is active.”

“Intelligent, knowledgeable, responsive and attentive.”

João Nuno Riquito

“In-depth knowledge of Macau laws relevant to the business operations of our company.”

“Very professional advice for Macau and Portuguese projects. He knows our business very well.”