Bird & Bird recently announced its official launch into the Portuguese market with the opening of a Lisbon office, recruiting an eight-member team from a local law firm.

The Lisbon office is led by Ana Rita Paínho, intellectual property partner, who joined the firm together with corporate partner Sofia Carreiro, a counsel, two senior consultants, and a team consisting of three associates and support staff, all previously from Sérvulo & Associados.

Paínho focuses on core areas including life sciences, intellectual property, TMT and IT. Her practice covers the legal protection of trademarks and patents, as well as specialized IT matters including software, e-commerce, data compliance and advertising and marketing law. Carreiro specializes in mergers and acquisitions, with extensive experience in corporate restructurings and civil and commercial contracts.