Lisbon, Portugal — Morais Leitão has elevated its leadership in the Tax Department, promoting Francisco Mendes da Silva as the new co-head alongside Bruno Santiago. This strategic move aims to bolster the department’s prowess in handling complex tax issues and adapting to evolving market trends.
Since joining Morais Leitão in 2006 and becoming a partner in 2021, Mendes da Silva has developed a robust practice that addresses a wide range of tax matters. He specializes in complex litigation that spans administrative, judicial, arbitral, constitutional, and European levels. Francisco is particularly recognized for his expertise in new trends in tax policy, including sectoral or regulatory taxation where he often leads attorney teams at the firm.
His co-head, Bruno Santiago, has been with the firm for approximately 25 years, being a partner since 2015. Santiago has successfully managed the Tax Department for the last four years. His areas of specialty include national and international tax issues, both advisory and contentious, with a strong focus on mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and international investments.
The appointment of Mendes da Silva represents a strategic enhancement of leadership intended to steer the Tax Department through the evolving landscape of tax legislation and market demands. Morais Leitão emphasizes that this shift in leadership is aligned with the firm’s ongoing commitment to adapt and lead within the sector.
Morais Leitão’s Tax Department has continuously aspired to align its operations with the latest developments and demands of the market. With the dual leadership structure, the firm is better positioned to address both traditional tax issues and innovative taxation strategies which are becoming increasingly significant in the global economy.
The firm’s commitment to exceptional client service and staying at the forefront of tax law is reflected in its proactive approach to leadership appointments. The co-leadership model is expected to enhance decision-making processes and allow the firm to deploy more comprehensive strategies in client dealings, litigation, and consultation services.
This leadership enhancement also underscores Morais Leitão’s broader strategic goals to maintain superiority in legal services across Portugal and beyond, ensuring they continue to meet the complex needs of their clients in a rapidly shifting global tax environment.
By strengthening their leadership team, Morais Leitão not only enriches its internal capabilities but also signals to the market its continued readiness to take on complex and high-stakes challenges in the realm of tax legislation and policy. This move is a clear testament to the firm’s dedication to growth, innovation, and upholding the highest standards of legal practice in tax-related matters.