ExpertiseMiguel Bozonet Almeida
Senior Lawyer – Of Counsel
Bio
Miguel Bozonet Almeida is a highly experienced lawyer, registered to practice in both Portugal (since 2004) and Macau (since 2006). With over two decades of legal expertise, he has built a career working across diverse jurisdictions in Europe and Asia. In September 2024, Miguel joined CFB’s legal team as a Senior Lawyer – Of Counsel, where his expertise is particularly focused on areas such as Labour Law, Commercial Law, Banking and Finance Law, Gaming Law, Immigration Law, Intellectual Property (IP) Law, Criminal Law, Administrative Law, and Litigation.
At CFB, Miguel also plays a pivotal role in providing legal advice and support on matters directly related to European jurisdictions, particularly Portugal and Switzerland. His comprehensive understanding of cross-border legal issues allows him to navigate the complexities of European law and seamlessly integrate it with Macau and Hong Kong’s legal frameworks.
Miguel’s legal experience spans multiple sectors and geographies. In addition to his time in Macau from 2006 to 2018, where he gained in-depth knowledge of the local legal environment, Miguel has also worked with international clients in Switzerland, particularly within the banking sector. His expertise includes collaborating with a Swiss banking institution and its insurance law division in Lisbon, providing him with valuable insights into both European and Asian financial markets.
As a dual citizen, Miguel has the unique advantage of understanding the legal, cultural, and business dynamics of both regions. While now based in Portugal, he remains actively engaged with clients in Macau and Hong Kong, ensuring they receive up-to-date legal counsel on various matters, from corporate and financial regulations to gaming and commercial disputes.
In addition to his legal acumen, Miguel is fluent in both written and spoken Mandarin Chinese, a skill that has been indispensable in serving clients and navigating legal matters in Greater China. His linguistic capabilities, combined with his deep-rooted expertise in both European and Asian legal systems, make him a sought-after legal advisor for clients with interests in these regions.
Professional Experience
From 2018 until today – Miguel has been acting as an independent lawyer.
2022 – Miguel collaborated as part-time in-house counsel for a Portuguese company, dealing with commercial and banking matters; as well as with a Swiss bank.
2021 – Miguel worked for an IT Indian company as Associate Lawyer, handling, inter alia, Commercial and litigation matters.
2019 to 2020 – Miguel worked in the Lisbon branch of one of the largest Chinese State Construction companies, as in-house counsel.
2015 to 2018 – Senior Legal Counsel in Macau in one of the most luxurious Hotels in the world, being involved in all sorts of legal affairs since its development and construction.
2006 to 2015 – Miguel worked in Macau in two of the most reputed local law firms, actively involved in labour law, civil law, criminal law, business law and gaming law.
2005 to 2006 – Insurance lawyer and of-Counsel for a Zurich company insurance branch in Lisbon.
2004 to 2005 – Lawyer at a Portuguese law firm working with customers for PwC.
2001 to 2003 – Acted as trainee-lawyer in a law firm integrated in the reputed consulting company PwC.
Education
2013-2014 – Curricular program of International Business Law Masters at the University of Macau, Faculty of Law (FDUM);
2013 – Postgraduate in International Business Law at the University of Macau, Faculty of Law (FDUM);
2004 – Postgraduate Program in International Business Law and International Arbitration, Lisbon University, Faculty of Law;
2001 – Law Degree, University of Coimbra, School of Law;
Expertise
Civil Law, Civil Procedure Law, Gaming Law, IP Law, Labour Law, Commercial and Finance/Business Law, Immigration Law, Criminal Law, Litigation.
Memberships
Registered Lawyer with the Portuguese Bar Association
Registered Lawyer with the Macau Lawyers’ Association
Languages
Portuguese | French | English | Mandarin | Spanish