João Varela is a founder and partner of RV Lawyers and Notary, where he focuses on corporate governance, commercial disputes, and civil matters.

He has worked on a wide range of legal matters, including domestic and cross-border transactions, as well as arbitration. He has gained valuable experience as legal counsel and as a general manager for Macau-based companies, acquiring a wealth of knowledge regarding the business and political environment of Macau. He has also acted as the main defense lawyer in high profile and mediatic cases brought to the Macau courts.

João Varela is a lawyer registered with the Macau Bar Association, and a registered mediator, with experience in handling complex legal disputes. He also possesses a deep knowledge of the Macau SAR’s political environment. He served for more than 10 years as a political advisor to local deputy and members of the Executive Council, a body that advises chief executives of the Macau SAR on political and legal matters.