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Pedro Gonçalves Paes

Of Counsel
Lisbon
About

Pedro is a lawyer with international experience across the jurisdictions of Portugal, Angola, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau, practising in Corporate Law, Commercial Contracts and Energy Law.

He has a strategic focus on the Lusophone market, particularly in cross-border transactions and projects in infrastructure, transport and natural resources.

He has solid experience in the structuring, negotiation and ongoing support of Foreign Direct Investment in the transport, banking and extractive industries sectors.

Areas of FocusCorporate
Professional QualificationsAdvogado admitted with the Ordem dos Advogados (Portuguese Bar Association)Advogado registered with Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil (National Bar Association of Brazil)
Education
  • Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Oporto, Postgraduate Degree in Real Estate Law, 2021
  • King’s College London, School of Law, European Law Course, 2007
  • Universidade de Lisboa, School of Law, Postgraduate Degree in Labour Law, 2002
  • Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon – Law Degree, 2000

EXPERIENCE

  • Advising on a EUR20 million acquisition of an express mail company based in Portugal by a French company.
  • Advising on the acquisition (including due diligence), by the south African client, of a major Mozambican insurance company
  • Advising on a EUR10 million acquisition of an mining company based in Mozambique by a Australian company.
  • Advising on a EUR30 million investment and the scale of the 12,000 m² facility, with (EPC or design-build) contracts, performance guarantees and liability regimes.
Languages
  • Portuguese
  • English
  • Spanish

Pro Bono

  • Coordinating Lawyer of RSOL – Solidarity Legal Network, providing pro bono legal services

Publications and media

  • Author of the Guide for Foreign Investors and Residents in Portugal, 2024/2025.
  • Author of several articles on Islamic Finance in Mozambique and Portugal, 2022/2023.
  • Co-author of the Mozambique Financial Legislation Compendium, published by Vida Económica – 2023.
  • Author of four legal articles (relating to Angola, São Tomé, Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde) for the Legal Guide on Dispute Resolution in 54 African Countries.

Seminars

  • Lecturer on the “Crash Courses” organised by Universidade Lusófona of Lisbon on Islamic Finance, 2023/2024.
  • Lectures, 1st Course on Islamic Finance in Mozambique, Order of Accountants and Auditors of Mozambique, Maputo, 2024.
  • Speaker, International Conference on Private Investment in Portugal and Guinea-Bissau, Bissau, 2024.
  • Speaker, Conference – “Doing Business in Mozambique: Legal Aspects”, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 2024.
  • Speaker, Conference – “Overview of the Mining Industry in Mozambique: Legal Aspects”, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 2025.
  • Speaker, Seminar on Corporate Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering, Maputo, Mozambique, 2025.

Prior Experience

  • 2026 – present, Of Counsel at DLA Piper
  • 2019 – 2025, Equity Partner, law firm headquartered in Lisbon, and Partner in charge of the Maputo office.
  • 2012 – 2018, Equity Partner, Portuguese law firm with offices in Mozambique, Angola and Portugal.
  • 2004 – 2012, Senior Associate, Portuguese law firm with offices in Angola, Mozambique and Portugal.
  • 2006 – 2013, Legislative Expert (part-time), European Union – European Economic and Social Committee, Brussels.
  • 2000 – 2004, Associate, Portuguese and Brazilian law firm, Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro.

Connect

Phone

+351 213583620
(Work, Lisbon)
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