Uría Menéndez: 24 years in Portugal
Co-managing partners Antonio Villacampa and Bernardo Diniz de Ayala on long-term strategies, talent retention, and why Portugal’s legal market is more competitive than ever
by glória paiva
It has been 24 years since Uría Menéndez (UM) opened its doors in Portugal. In 2001, the Portuguese legal market was considerably smaller, dominated by medium-sized firms, many of family origin. The Portuguese economy was beginning to flourish, driven by its recent entry into the Eurozone. Among the three UM lawyers who arrived in Lisbon was the Spanish Antonio Villacampa, today co-managing partner in the country. Seven years later, Portuguese lawyer Bernardo Diniz de Ayala joined the team and now leads the office alongside Villacampa. Today, Uría Menéndez in Lisbon has 112 lawyers, including 18 partners, and is experiencing a moment of expansion—growing 10% last year in terms of revenue—and consolidation in a much more robust and competitive market. Villacampa and Ayala spoke with Iberian Lawyer about this journey.
How do you assess the current moment of Uría Menéndez’s office in Portugal?
Bernardo Diniz de Ayala (BA): We are at the best moment in our history, and this is due to the following main reasons: a group of partners fully aligned with the firm’s interests, a body of excellent and consistently high-quality lawyers, a portfolio of national and international top-tier clients, professional management extending to all areas, and, lastly, our “one firm” model, which ensures sharing, management unity, and aligned objectives.
What were the main challenges and milestones in these 24 years in Portugal?
Antonio Villacampa (AV): The most difficult part was the arrival. We were a highly regarded firm in Spain but little known in Portugal. We were the first international firm to register with the country’s bar association. We had the challenge of assembling the team and made incorporations. There were two relevant milestones: in 2005, the integration of Vasconcelos, F. Sá Carneiro, Fontes & Associados, and in 2009, the entry of Proença de Carvalho (note: alliance that lasted until 2024). We also incorporated essential partners like Bernardo Ayala. But staying at the top is even more difficult. The legal market recognises our lawyers as top talent in their respective fields and knows that our career plan produces excellent results.
In which sectors of the economy are Uría Menéndez’s clients in Portugal?
AV: In almost all sectors where the Portuguese economy stands out, particularly in the services and financial services sectors, banks, and private equity. Renewable energies and infrastructures are another area that has developed significantly. Real estate and tax have also been strong topics. The firm is very well positioned when it comes to operations and taxation of large clients moving to Portugal. Other important areas include labour and litigation.
On the picture: Villacampa (left) and Ayala (right)
