What does PLMJ mean to you?
PLMJ is the only law firm I have ever worked at. It is the firm that helped me grow, and the one I joined as a trainee lawyer in September 1990 and where, 23 years later, I’m still learning to be a lawyer. It where I continually try to give the people I work with the same opportunities that were given to me.

What is your “PLMJ story”?
I joined PLMJ in September 1990 as José Miguel Júdice’s trainee lawyer. I finished my training in 1992 and joined his team and in 1995 I became a senior associate and then, in 1998, a partner (or salaried partner as it was then known). In January 2002 I took the final step on the career ladder and become an equity partner and I also became coordinator of the capital markets practice. After just over ten years, what had been a small practice had been transformed into the finance and capital markets team with more than 15 lawyers including two other partners, one of whom, if you can imagine it, was actually my trainee.

What is daily life like in PLMJ?
I usually explain to people that the various teams have very different rhythms and ways of working. This is the result of not only the wide range of areas in which the firm works, but also the way in which each practice is coordinated. This practice is one with very varied responsibilities and a very fast rhythm – it is in full operation by 9 a.m. which is very early compared to other areas, and the lights are on till very late – with systematic coordination meetings and, quite literally, glass walls through which we can see each other during the working day.   

What does PLMJ mean to you?
For me, PLMJ is the reference law firm in Portugal. It has held this position throughout its history up to the present day and will continue to hold it into the future. PLMJ is the reference because is the essence of quality, specialisation, competitiveness, dynamism, innovation, vision and courage and it has the capacity to provide a first class response to all present and future challenges in Portugal and around the world. This is only possible because, with its status as an independent firm, PLMJ has been creating a unique set of DNA with high standards of ethics, solidarity (among colleagues and the community at large), cohesion and team spirit, all of which are just as important as professional excellence. For all this, PLMJ was, is and will remain the leader.

What is your “PLMJ story”?
A My journey at PLMJ began as a summer intern and this was fundamental to understanding that this war really where I wanted to be. One year later I began my professional training made up of three periods in three different practice areas, and I am still involved in this process. During my training period, PLMJ was able to reconcile my wishes in the choice practiced areas in which I would work with the needs of the firm. I began in banking and finance and then moved on to litigation and I am now working in the international projects team, as always, alongside very capable professionals with a clear vision of what it means to be a teacher.  My journey so far at PLMJ has been one of constant learning and it is exactly what I was looking for.

What is daily life like at PLMJ?
It is always challenging: the work is interesting and demands the best of is. But all this becomes easier when the relationship between colleagues if relaxed and informal, even with the commitment and strong sense of responsibility. Wherever we turn, doors are open to give help and advice to a trainee lawyer. We feel confident that we are part of something big and the reason for this is simple: PLMJ hires and trains young lawyers to become a part of the frim as associates in the future. We are at PLMJ for the long run.

What does PLMJ mean to you?
It is a reference and leader in Portugal and increasingly the most international law firm in the Portuguese-speaking world.

What is your "PLMJ story"?
I had the privilege to start my career at PLMJ as part of the project to create a presence in the Mozambican market by developing partnerships with Mozambican lawyers. This process culminated in the creation of GLM but also with the creation of the Mozambique Desk in Lisbon, which works in close cooperation with GLM.

What is daily life like in PLMJ?
Every day is different to the one before. We work with the best professionals in both Portugal and Mozambique and we have the opportunity to work together on matters, clients and international transactions involving people and companies from all around the world.

What is PLMJ to you?
It’s my second home.

What is daily life like in PLMJ?
No two days are the same. Sometimes I feel like I’m sailing a large boat on a calm sea. Other times I feel like I’m riding a roller-coaster with loop after loop.