Vera Chalaça is a partner at VCA, with 23 years of experience advising national and international clients on family-related matters, including relocation and retirement planning, as well as real estate, corporate governance and investment projects.
Since 2017, Vera has led VCA’s Litigation Department, coordinating complex national and cross-border disputes and providing strategic advice in pre-litigation and litigation, with a focus on family and succession planning, high-value family disputes, and contractual litigation, notably in banking, construction, infrastructure and distribution.
Vera’s experience centres on complex family law matters, including high-stakes divorce proceedings and parental responsibility disputes, complemented by acting for and against public entities across a wide range of sectors. Her practice combines contentious expertise with preventive legal strategies in risk management, asset structuring and intergenerational wealth planning for private clients, families and investors.
Previously served as Legal Adviser to the XVIII Constitutional Government of Portugal and led VCA’s strategic expansion in Côte d’Ivoire between 2018 and 2024, advising multinational investors and overseeing high-impact projects in the tourism, real estate and corporate sectors. Vera was admitted to the Portuguese Bar in 2005 and is affiliated with the Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA).
Practice areas
Dispute Resolution, Litigation and Arbitration
Education
Degree in Law – Faculty of Law, Universidade Clássica de Lisboa (2003)
Professional Associations
Portuguese Bar Association – Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA)
Languages
Portuguese, French and English
Recognitions
