Proença de Carvalho: leading a new generation
How Proença de Carvalho and his newly built team blend tradition and modernity with teamwork, technology, and a human touch
by glória paiva
When Francisco Proença de Carvalho decided to forge his own, independent path and embark on a new chapter in his professional life, Iberian Lawyer announced the news with the headline: “Proença de Carvalho goes solo”. Four months later, however, the endeavor launched by the former Uría Menéndez partner proved to be anything but “solo”. Along with Daniel Proença de Carvalho’s son there are today six partners and seven associates, some colleagues who had worked with him since the early 00’s and up until now, forming a multidisciplinary team ready to address a business practice on various levels, already carrying with them a solid client base. Among them, Francisco Proença de Carvalho continues to defend Ricardo Salgado, former leader of Banco Espírito Santo, in the BES case— one of the most complex cases in Portugal’s history—together with his former colleague and partner at Uría, Adriano Squilacce, proof that good relations with the former firm endure. The current team at Proença de Carvalho covers areas such as commercial, M&A, private equity, labor, real estate, litigation, private clients, and family law, among others. Alongside partner André Matias de Almeida (commercial, corporate, and M&A), Proença de Carvalho welcomed Iberian Lawyer to the brand-new office, recently inaugurated in the Amoreiras building in Lisbon.
What motivated you to embark on your own after 14 years as a partner in a large law firm?
Francisco Proença de Carvalho (FPC): I started my career 21 years ago in my father’s family firm. When Uría came along, we were trying to expand and internationalize the firm, and so the merger happened. Eight of us transitioned, then, to an international law firm model, and indeed it was a very successful project, during which Uría consolidated itself in Portugal and I developed a broader perspective on law practice. Uría was my “university” for law firms. But, after careful reflection, I understood that, at this stage of life, I needed to renew my motivation and take a new path where I could cultivate a more entrepreneurial side. I wanted to have a project that, at its core, I felt was more my own and independent.
What is the model of your new project?
(FPC): A model based on a relaxed, free, supportive, and transparent environment. In our office, we don’t have assigned desks; partners are mixed in with associates. There are no physical or hierarchical barriers that hinder sharing. We’ve introduced new ways of working, in a hybrid system, with personal accountability. We want to create a healthy and flexible work environment but with good organization, reliable service, a code of conduct, state-of-the-art IT systems, and compelling communication for the market.
Did your father have any influence on this project?
(FPC): My father retired about five years ago. Beyond the legacy we want to respect, he had no influence. He simply asked me: “Have you thought about it?” I replied, “Yes.” “Then, whatever you decide is surely right.” I wasn’t even sure this project would be called Proença de Carvalho. We conducted a study with a specialized firm, which concluded that this is a name with historical recognition in Portuguese law, so we decided it made sense to reinvent it and project it into the future. I’m happy to also honor my father’s career in this way.
On the picture, from left to right, Francisco Proença de Carvalho e André Matias de Almeida.
