Knowledge

In an interview with Iberian Lawyer, Francisco Espregueira Mendes, the managing partner at TELLES and future managing partner at Deloitte Legal TELLES, revealed the main strategic pillars of the integration between TELLES and Deloitte Legal. This project will result in the launch of the new Portuguese law firm, Deloitte Legal TELLES, in 2026.

The idea of joining Deloitte Legal and TELLES arose almost informally, during a lunch on the future of law. TELLES has almost 90 years of history, always guided by excellence, rigour, independence, and client proximity. We are financially solid, with highly qualified lawyers and a significant client portfolio, while keeping a “challenger” spirit.

Deloitte Legal shares the same values and has grown significantly since joining the Deloitte international network — the world's largest and most prestigious professional services brand, and also the leader in Portugal — thereby reinforcing the project's potential. This union is therefore a natural evolution and a response to the challenges of the present. It is a step forward for us, and we are determined to be at the forefront of innovation and sophistication in the legal services we provide to clients in Portugal and internationally," emphasises Francisco Espregueira Mendes.

Francisco Espregueira Mendes also clarifies that this integration is not an acquisition. “More important than the form is the fact that this is a strategic integration project aimed at creating a leading law firm”, developed in full alignment between the leadership teams at TELLES, Deloitte and Deloitte Legal.

With a combined client base of over 5.000, Deloitte Legal TELLES will integrate into Deloitte's global ecosystem, which is present in around 150 countries. It will benefit from constant investment in technology and artificial intelligence, as well as connections to other areas of knowledge, such as Audit & Assurance, Tax, Strategy, Risk & Transactions, and Technology & Transformation. These areas are made up of excellent professionals who are recognised in their respective fields. This synergy will enable the development of integrated, sophisticated legal solutions tailored to each client.

This move represents a significant paradigm shift in the legal industry in Portugal. It is a law firm that combines tradition and strategic vision with innovation, with the main purpose of responding to the growing needs of clients and contributing to the transformation of the legal sector.

Read the full interview with Iberian Lawyer below or here (english and spanish version).