Angolan projects, M&A, and corporate law expert Rúben Brigolas promoted to partner at PMLJ

The appointment of new partners is one of the most special moments for a law firm, said PLMJ Managing Partner Bruno Ferreira when announcing the promotion of three of the firm’s lawyers to partner on Thursday, including Rúben Brigolas, who has almost 20 years experience working with Angolan law, projects, and transactions.

Brigolas, who works on the Angola Desk and was in Luanda last week for the US-Africa Business Summit, becomes a partner in the international practice of PLMJ, a leading Portuguese firm that operates throughout the Lusophone world, including in Angola, Cabo Verde, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe. 

“This milestone is the result of many years of learning, collaboration, and trust,” says Brigolas, who first joined PLMJ as an associate in 2010, and also writes regularly for Angolan newspapers on various subjects. “I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues, mentors, clients, and friends who have supported me along the way.” 

Brigolas advises investors, developers, and stakeholders on strategic transactions, project investment, and M&A across multiple jurisdictions, notably in Angola and Mozambique. His experience spans the entire lifecycle of resource-based projects - from structuring and negotiation to execution and risk management. He provides ongoing advice and assistance with project and investment management in Angola across various sectors, particularly oil and gas, mining, finance, and retail.

For several years now, Brigolas has consistently been ranked as a leading lawyer in Chambers, IFLR, Legal 500 and other legal directories, for Angola and his expertise in natural resources, project investment, and cross-border M&A. 

“There is a particular sense of pride when the partnership grows with lawyers who chose this firm early on in their careers to develop professionally and personally,” said Ferreira, while praising Brigolas for his promotion, along with fellow new PLMJ partners Alexander Ehlert (Corporate M&A) and Dinis Tracana (Tax).

“PLMJ offers its lawyers the opportunity to work on some of the most interesting cases in the country and gain significant international exposure. However, we believe that personal experience is equally important in shaping PLMJ lawyers, equipping them with a critical spirit, a great deal of freedom, strategic thinking and a permanent ethical compass. Alexander, Dinis and Rúben are three great examples of this. We welcome them all, and hope that they will continue to contribute their talent, dedication and personalities to building the future, and that they will always remain curious and driven.”

Brigolas says his journey will continue with the same focus he has had for nearly two decades: advising on strategic projects and transactions across Africa. “The continent holds immense opportunity, and I look forward to strengthening the PLMJ network and contributing to its growth through meaningful work.”