Fast, pragmatic legal advice for businesses and investors in Lisbon — Portuguese law specialists with international deal experience.
Let me explain this in a very practical way, as if we were sitting together and you were asking me what I actually do for clients on a day-to-day basis.
As a commercial lawyer in Lisbon, my role is to help businesses operate, grow, and protect themselves legally in Portugal. That means translating Portuguese commercial law into clear, actionable advice you can rely on — whether you’re starting a company, negotiating a contract, expanding into the Portuguese market, or restructuring an existing business.
Lisbon is a dynamic business hub, especially for startups, international investors, and cross-border companies. Because of this, commercial legal work here often combines Portuguese corporate law, EU regulations, and international business standards. My job is to make sure all of these layers work for you — not against you.
At a high level, my work focuses on six core areas:
I assist with:
This includes:
My work includes:
This includes:
When you work with me as your commercial lawyer in Lisbon, my goal is to: Protect your business legally under Portuguese law, help you make confident commercial decisions, reduce risk while supporting growth, and act as a long-term legal partner.
Everything I do is focused on practical, business-oriented legal advice — not unnecessary complexity.
Let me briefly explain who usually comes to me and how I help — in a very straightforward, practical way. I’m Clara, a commercial lawyer in Lisbon with over 10 years of experience advising businesses operating in Portugal.
Typically, they need help setting up the right company structure, drafting shareholder agreements, and putting solid commercial contracts in place from day one.
A tech startup needed to onboard its first strategic partner. I helped structure the partnership agreement so the founders retained control while still attracting growth opportunities.
Small and medium-sized companies often come to me once their operations become more complex, involving ongoing contracts and distribution agreements.
An established Portuguese SME wanted to renegotiate supplier contracts to reduce liability and improve termination protections.
They need a commercial lawyer in Lisbon who understands both Portuguese law and cross-border business realities.
An EU-based company opening a branch needed advice on setup and local compliance. I guided them so they could start quickly.
Portuguese law is very specific, especially when it comes to termination and compensation risks for agents and distributors.
A foreign company wanted to terminate an agent. I assessed the risks and structured an exit strategy that avoided disputes.
Commercial legal support related to contracts, liability allocation, and risk management under Portuguese and EU rules.
A Lisbon-based exporter needed stronger international sales contracts to better protect them in cross-border transactions.
Let me walk you through the commercial law services I personally provide, so you know exactly how I can support your business — clearly, honestly, and without legal jargon.
I’m Clara, a commercial lawyer in Lisbon with over 10 years of experience advising Portuguese and international companies. Everything I do is grounded in Portuguese commercial law, real business practice, and years of hands-on work with clients operating in and from Lisbon. My role is not just to draft documents — it’s to protect your business, reduce risk, and help you make confident commercial decisions.
Contracts are where most commercial problems either start — or are prevented.
I draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts that are clear, enforceable under Portuguese law, and commercially realistic. I don’t rely on generic templates. Every contract is tailored to how your business actually operates.
Clear contracts that protect you if things go wrong — and don’t block your business when things go right.
Request a review or quoteIf you’re buying, selling, or restructuring a company in Portugal, you need more than theory — you need local experience. I support clients throughout the entire M&A process, from due diligence to closing, ensuring compliance with Portuguese corporate and commercial law.
Transactions that are legally solid, transparent, and aligned with your commercial goals.
Discuss your transactionStrong governance protects both the company and its shareholders. I advise companies on corporate governance, director responsibilities, and ongoing compliance under Portuguese law — especially as businesses grow or bring in new investors.
A company structure that reduces internal disputes and legal exposure.
Get governance adviceMany of my clients operate internationally while using Portugal as their base. This is where Portuguese law, EU law, and international practice intersect. I help structure cross-border contracts so they work in practice — not just on paper.
Commercial property contracts in Portugal can carry significant long-term risks if not handled carefully. I advise businesses on:
Property agreements that support your operations — not restrict them.
Review before signingMy priority is always to prevent disputes before they escalate. When issues arise, I help you act quickly and strategically. I assist with:
A strong legal position — whether the goal is resolution or formal action.
Get early adviceTransparency matters. For many services, I offer clear fixed-fee packages, so you know the cost upfront. If your matter is more complex, I’ll explain the pricing structure clearly before we begin.
Post-Engagement Support ensures I remain available to answer questions as your business evolves.
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Let me tell you a bit about who I am and how I work, so you can decide if I’m the right person to support your business. My name is Clara, and I’m a commercial lawyer in Lisbon with over 10 years of professional experience advising companies under Portuguese commercial and corporate law. Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with startups, SMEs, and international businesses — helping them navigate legal decisions that directly impact growth, risk, and long-term stability.
I don’t approach law in a purely academic way. My focus has always been practical, business-oriented legal advice that clients can actually use to make decisions with confidence.
With more than a decade of hands-on experience, I’ve seen how small legal details can have major consequences. This is why clients trust me to: Identify risks early, before they become disputes; Explain Portuguese commercial law clearly and honestly; Structure agreements that hold up in practice, not just on paper.
Below are some of the most common questions I’m asked by clients looking for a commercial lawyer in Lisbon. I’ve answered these the same way I do in practice — clearly, honestly, and based on over 10 years of hands-on experience.
In most straightforward cases, a Portuguese company can be incorporated in a few business days. However, the real timeline depends on the structure you need, shareholder arrangements, and whether there are foreign investors involved.
With my experience advising startups and international clients in Lisbon, I make sure the company is not just formed quickly — but formed correctly, so you don’t face legal issues later.
Legally, contracts can be in English. That said, Portuguese-language versions are often essential for enforceability, regulatory matters, or court proceedings. Based on my experience, I usually recommend:
This approach protects you if the contract ever needs to be enforced in Portugal.
The most common issues I see are:
After more than a decade as a commercial lawyer, I can tell you these mistakes are costly but avoidable with proper legal advice upfront.
It depends on the type of work. For many services, I offer clear fixed fees (such as contract reviews, NDAs, or company formation support). For more complex matters, I explain hourly rates or retainers in advance.
Transparency is a key trust principle for me — you will always know the cost before any work starts.
Yes, and this is something international clients often underestimate. Portuguese commercial law has specific mandatory rules, especially around contracts, agency relationships, and corporate governance. My role is to bridge the gap between international business expectations and local legal reality — something I’ve done consistently throughout my career.
Most commercial disputes are resolved before reaching court, through negotiation or settlement. When disputes do arise, they can be handled through Portuguese courts or Arbitration (often faster and confidential).
With my experience in dispute prevention and litigation readiness, I focus on protecting your position early, so escalation is a last resort — not the first.
Yes, NDAs are enforceable, but only if they are properly drafted under Portuguese law. I regularly draft and review NDAs to ensure a clear scope of confidential information, proportionate penalties, and enforceability before Portuguese courts. This is a good example of where expertise matters more than templates.
This is a high-risk area if not handled correctly. Portuguese law gives strong protection to commercial agents, particularly regarding termination compensation. I’ve advised many clients on structuring these relationships to minimize long-term financial exposure while remaining legally compliant.
Commercial law is my core focus. With over 10 years of experience, I understand not just the law, but how businesses actually operate. Clients work with me because I:
"If you’re looking for a commercial lawyer in Lisbon who combines experience, expertise, and clear communication, this is exactly how I work."
Request ConsultationLet me explain how pricing works when you work with me, so there are no surprises and you can make decisions with confidence.
I’m Clara, a commercial lawyer in Lisbon with over 10 years of experience, fully licensed to practice law in Portugal and registered with the Ordem dos Advogados. Transparency and professional ethics are part of how I work.
For complex or evolving matters such as negotiations or ongoing advisory work. I clearly explain when this is appropriate and how time is tracked.
Well-defined services where you know the cost upfront:
Ideal for businesses that need regular legal support. A trusted commercial lawyer who already understands your business can respond quickly.
Special consideration with reduced fixed fees and phased legal support aligned with growth and budget.
I offer a free 30-minute initial consultation to discuss your business needs, identify risks, and determine if I’m the right lawyer to support you. There’s no obligation — just a focused conversation with a licensed Portuguese lawyer.
Discuss Business & Legal Needs
Identify Risks & Priorities
Confidential & Expert Focused
Av. António Augusto de Aguiar 183 1º Esquerdo, 1050-014 Lisboa, Portugal
+351 215 896 071
info@cscadvogada.com
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