João has been assisting DTA on a wide range of matters related to the Timorese legal system since 2023. His practice focuses on banking & finance law, insurance, oil & gas, energy, public procurement and digital law.
João began his legal career in Portugal as a trainee lawyer at APSMAR & Associados. Later, he took on the role of Partner and Coordinator of the Civil Liability Department at Jurisvalor, Lda. He then joined Miranda & Associados as an associate and, after working in other jurisdictions, became head of the Miranda Law Firm’s Timor-Leste office, a position he held between 2019 and 2023. Upon his return to Portugal in June 2023, João was engaged as Of Counsel for PRA – Raposo, Sá Miranda & Associados, advising on administrative law and public procurement.
João holds a Law Degree (Licenciatura) from Lisbon University Law School and a Master's Degree in Law and Financial Markets from Lisbon Nova University Law School / Information Management School. He also obtained post-graduate degrees in Insurance Law from Lisbon University Law School; in Banking, Securities, and Insurance Law from the University of Coimbra; and in Public Procurement from the University of Coimbra.
João is admitted to practice law in Portugal, Timor-Leste and France. He is also a member of the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN).
João speaks Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, and Tetum.