Catarina Portela Morais

Legal Director
About

Catarina Portela Morais is a member of the firm´s aviation law practice team and leads the litigation work regarding the airline´s activity, namely with passengers and with the regulatory authority, representing and coordinating the work for more than 20 airlines in this field. She represents airlines in complex litigation procedures and in landmark cases.

Catarina Portela Morais also advises clients on highly regulated sectors such as transport (especially aviation), tobacco, waste management and environment.

She is also a regular presence in the media with op-eds and articles related with aviation matters.

Professional QualificationsAdvogado admitted with the Ordem dos Advogados (Portuguese Bar Association)

EXPERIENCE

  • Advising several airlines in particular on aviation law and regulatory issues, as well as litigation in general
  • Advising on compliance issues in regulated sectors, including transport (especially aviation), tobacco and online gambling
  • Advising on negotiations with the Portuguese government and on implementing support plans involving public discussion of new legislation and changes to the regulatory framework applicable to highly regulated sectors
Languages
  • English
  • Portuguese
Education
  • European Institute of Communications, Post Graduate Diploma in EU Public Affairs & EU Studies, 2024
  • Católica Lisbon School of Law, Intensive Course on Climate Change Regulation 2023/2024
  • Autónoma Lisbon University, Post-Graduation in Forensic Practices / Preparation Course for the CEJ, 2010/2011
  • Lisbon University, School of Law, Law Degree, 2001

Awards

  • Ranked as Associate to Watch by Chambers and Parners in Chambers Europe
  • Distinguished by Legal 500 as a Rising Star in Aviation

Prior Experience

  • 2019-present, Senior Associate, DLA Piper ABBC (previously ABBC)
  • 2008-2019, Associate, DLA Piper ABBC (previously ABBC)
  • 2008, Internal Lawyer, The Edge Group, SGPS S.A.
  • 2004-2008, Associate Lawyer, Lisbon based law firm
  • 2002-2004, Trainee Lawyer, Lisbon based law firm

Memberships And Affiliations

  • Member of the Council of Justice of the Triathlon Federation of Portugal
  • Member of APFN - Portuguese Large Families Association since 2003

Connect