PLMJ Transformative Legal Experts
Portugal
PLMJ is a leading independent Portuguese law firm, nationally recognized for its focus on advising the business sector. With one of the largest teams of lawyers in the country, the firm has been a market leader for over 50 years, building a strong culture of excellence and client partnership.
What defines their approach?
Full-service expertise with a bold, transformative approach
PLMJ is a leading, independent Portuguese law firm with over 50 years of experience and 300+ lawyers. The EU and Competition team – ranked Band 1 by Chambers Europe, Tier 1 by The Legal 500 EMEA and Top 100 by the Global Competition Review – combines deep sector knowledge with a practical, business-oriented approach to distribution, franchise, agency and competition law.
The competition practice at PLMJ is steered by Ricardo Oliveira, who is supported by fellow partners Rita Aleixo Gregório and Martim Valente, senior counsel Alexandra Dias Henriques, and eight associates.
Strategic support for distribution and commercial structures
PLMJ advises businesses on designing, implementing and restructuring distribution, franchise and agency models. Our expertise spans negotiating and drafting franchise, agency and distribution agreements; e-commerce models; compliance programmes; hub-and-spoke investigations; and cross-border commercial relationships. The team regularly advises suppliers on their relationships with retailers.
Multidisciplinary agility and deep knowledge of the market
🟧 Multidisciplinary agility and deep knowledge of the market
One of our key strengths at PLMJ lies in our smoothly functioning multidisciplinary teams, which enhance our European and Competition law practice by providing added sensitivity in corporate, regulatory and litigation matters. This integrated approach combined with our deep knowledge of the market equips us to navigate complex transactional and litigation cases, ensuring that we deliver comprehensive and effective legal solutions to our clients.
Distribution law practice
EU & Competition and Distribution Law
PLMJ’s EU and Competition team advises on cartels, abuses of dominant position, merger control, State aid, restrictive trade practices and compliance programmes. Sector expertise spans consumer goods, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, financial services, aviation, energy, telecommunications, retail and automotive. The team has handled virtually all major competition matters in Portugal in recent years.
PLMJ also advises clients on negotiating and drafting distribution, franchise and agency agreements, commercial concessions, and licensing arrangements.
What clients value most
Clients value PLMJ’s deep market knowledge, their strategic, results-oriented approach and ability to translate complex legal challenges into practical, workable solutions. As noted by clients: “The lawyers were always aware of the overall business and the most efficient strategy to accomplish the goal. The team is incredibly helpful, responsive and easy to work with.”
As a member of the Distribution Law Network (DLN), PLMJ works closely with partner firms across Europe on cross-border distribution and commercial matters.
Related publications
Understanding Distribution in a Changing Market: DLN’s Comparative Legal Study
The Comparative Legal Study on Distribution Models, published by the Distribution Law Network (DLN), brings together insights from leading European law firms to compare how these models operate across major jurisdictions. It highlights their key advantages, challenges, and legal implications, offering practical guidance for businesses seeking the most effective and compliant path to market.
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