Record partner moves in 2025 in Portugal
This year saw 46 lateral partner hires in the country, a 39.4% increase from 2024, and 47 internal appointments to partnership
by glória paiva
In 2025, Portugal’s legal market kept pace with the fast-evolving global landscape, driven by economic shifts, technological advances and regulatory change. Partners lateral moves and internal appointments tracked by Iberian Lawyer point to a market in expansion and consolidation, with new international law firms showing interest in Portugal, boutique practices emerging from experienced talent, the steady growth of multidisciplinary teams, and a new generation of leaders redefining the profession. Corporate and M&A, dispute resolution and tax stood out as the most active areas, reflecting the growing demand for specialised expertise across the market.
This year saw 46 lateral partner hires in Portugal, a 39.4% increase from 2024, when 33 moves were recorded, according to law firm statements and Iberian Lawyer’s database (as of December 1st). Andersen led in recruitment with eight new partners across Lisbon and Porto, where it strengthened its presence by opening a new office and bringing its national team to nearly 70 professionals across both cities (here the news). This expansion highlights the need of response to increasingly complex client demands, the rising appeal of regional business hubs, and Portugal’s growing role as a strategic market for international law firms.
Newly launched Proença de Carvalho followed closely, bringing in seven partners since its opening in January. The team includes professionals coming from law firms such as Uría Menéndez, PwC Portugal and Gama Glória, signalling strong momentum among new independent firms (here the news). The third most active was Fieldfisher, which entered the Portuguese market by integrating the 68-person team from André Miranda Associados. The British firm opened offices in Lisbon and Porto with two managing partners and four local partners (here the news).
Women represented 48% of all partner moves (22 out of 46). Examples include…
