Brief Introduction

Sofia Vale is a university professor based in Luanda, Angola. She has acted as an arbitrator and legal expert, assisting both foreign and Angolan lawyers in various arbitration proceedings held in a wide range of jurisdictions.

Her academic research and professional practice focus on the areas of Company Law, Commercial Law, Corporate Governance, Corporate Finance (PPP/PFI), Corporate Sustainability, Administrative Law, Banking and Financial Law, and she acts in disputes relating to these matters.

Sofia Vale was appointed to the ICSID -International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes Panel of Arbitrators by the Republic of Angola (in Washington, in 2022) and to the ICC – International Chamber of Commerce Arbitration Commission (in Paris, in 2024).

Sofia Vale authors several academic works on arbitration, notably the Annotated Angolan Arbitration Law.

Short CV

Full CV

Arbitrator

Sofia Vale sits as sole arbitrator and on three-member Tribunals, in ad hoc arbitrations and arbitrations promoted by Angolan and Foreign Arbitration Centres.

Arbitrations

Legal Expert

Sofia Vale has been carrying out a strong activity as Legal Expert, issuing legal opinions to support judicial and arbitration actions (brought before angolan and foreign courts)

Legal Opinions

Arbitrator

Sofia Vale sits as sole arbitrator and on three-member tribunals, in ad hoc arbitrations and arbitrations promoted by angolan and foreign arbitration Centres. She participates in national and international arbitrations, which concern, in particular, to disputes regarding Construction Agreements, Concession Agreements (PPP/PFI) and Facility Agreements.

Arbitrations

Legal Expert

Sofia Vale has been carrying out a strong activity as Legal Expert, issuing legal opinions to support judicial and arbitration actions (brought before angolan and foreign courts) in the various fields of law in which she acts (Company and Commercial Law, Corporate Governance, PPP/PFI, Administrative Law, Banking and Financial Law). She is often part of the team of attorneys who represent a party before arbitral tribunals, acting as their consultant.

Legal Opinions

Academic Career

Teaching & Coordination

Professor at the Faculty of Law of Agostinho Neto University, Sofia Vale is Head Professor of Commercial Law since 2004

Currently lectures at the Master Programs

Faculty of Law of Agostinho Neto University

- Tax Law
- Master Program on Company Law
- Master Program on Civil Law
- Master Program on Criminal Law
- Maritime Law

University Katyavala Bwila, in Benguel

- Civil Law

Centre of Public Policy and Local Governance of the Agostinho Neto University

Coordination of various Post-Graduation Courses at the Faculty of Law of Agostinho Neto University

- Coordinator of the Post-Graduation Course in Company Law from 2010 to 2013 – 1st and 2nd editions.
- Coordinator of the Post-Graduation Course in Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering from 2011 to 2013 – 1st and 2nd editions.
- Coordinator of the Post-Graduation Course in Financial Markets from 2011 to 2013 – 1st and 2nd editions.
- Executive Coordinator of the Post-Graduation Course in Oil and Gas from 2007 to 2012 – 1st to 3rd editions.

Currently lectures at the Master Programs

Faculty of Law of Agostinho Neto University

- Tax Law
- Master Program on Company Law
- Master Program on Civil Law
- Master Program on Criminal Law
- Maritime Law

University Katyavala Bwila, in Benguel

- Civil Law

Centre of Public Policy and Local Governance of the Agostinho Neto University

Coordination of various Post-Graduation Courses at the Faculty of Law of Agostinho Neto University

- Coordinator of the Post-Graduation Course in Company Law from 2010 to 2013 – 1st and 2nd editions.
- Coordinator of the Post-Graduation Course in Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering from 2011 to 2013 – 1st and 2nd editions.
- Coordinator of the Post-Graduation Course in Financial Markets from 2011 to 2013 – 1st and 2nd editions.
- Executive Coordinator of the Post-Graduation Course in Oil and Gas from 2007 to 2012 – 1st to 3rd editions.

Testimonials

Recognition & Appreciation

Sofia's most impressive traits are: solid academic curriculum, intelligence, ability to work, inner independence and sense of humour.

Paula Costa e Silva

Arbitrator and Professor of Law at the Faculty of Lisbon

Sofia Vale has an international mindset, but at the same time a strong knowledge of the specifics of the legal framework in her adopted country, Angola, not to mention being one of the main academic figures in national law.

José Miguel Júdice

Independent Arbitrator

Sofia is a world class arbitrator, both in terms of knowledge and professional attitude. Solid and attentive to detail, she has a strong legal culture that allows her to address any legal issue in her areas of expertise. Its inherent intellectual integrity is the best guarantee of impartiality and independence. And her multicultural life experience enables her to understand the subtleties of international commercial disputes, revealing a patent impartiality and neutrality.

Agostinho Miranda

Lawyer and Arbitrator

I have the great pleasure of working with Sofia Vale in several arbitrations in which she intervenes as President or Co-Arbitrator. She is a proactive person, a talented jurist and an exceptional professional.