Inês Sequeira Mendes foresees 2026 as a year of consolidation of profound change

Inês Sequeira Mendes, Managing Partner of Abreu Advogados, foresees 2026 as a decisive year for the Portuguese legal profession, marked by the consolidation of profound transformations affecting economic and social activity as a whole. She emphasises that the legal sector is not immune to technological acceleration, digitalisation, increasing regulatory complexity and the evolving expectations of citizens and businesses, a context that is both challenging and rich in opportunities.

According to Inês Sequeira Mendes, the main challenge facing the legal profession lies in its ability to adapt swiftly to multiple changes occurring simultaneously, without compromising the sustainability of the activity or the pillars that underpin public trust in the profession: independence, professional secrecy, technical rigour, ethical commitment and value creation. Addressing this scenario will require a more advanced integration of technological tools and the adoption of innovative models for the delivery of legal services.

These changes are also reflected in the internal reorganisation of law firms. The Managing Partner highlights a clear shift away from structures centred on practice areas towards models organised around sectors and projects.

Among the priority sectors for 2026, the Managing Partner of Abreu Advogados identifies the energy transition as one of the most competitive and decisive fronts for the legal profession. This sector demands sophisticated legal solutions in areas such as licensing, contracting, regulation, green taxation and territorial competition for infrastructure, energy and technology, positioning it as a central area on the legal, economic and political agenda.

In summary, 2026 is set to be a demanding year for the Portuguese legal profession, but also an opportunity to strengthen its relevance, consolidate its identity and reaffirm its mission in a context of accelerated change, while preserving intact the values that underpin the trust of clients and society.