Corporate/Commercial 

THE FIRM This dynamic firm continues to impress clients with its responsiveness, flexibility and commercial astuteness. The firm is a leader in the energy sector and frequently undertakes regulatory work and project financing, with an increasingly visible footprint in corporate and M&A. The firm has assisted on a diverse range of projects including advising the Ministry of Finance on certain issues and acting for NEL lines on a EUR70 million share capital increase.

Sources say: “The firm has the flexibility that is necessary to provide efficient results for international clients.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Yannis Kelemenis is hailed as a rising star on the Greek legal scene, with clients mentioning that he “understands how clients work and can really understand our problems. He is really commercial.”

Dispute Resolution  

THE FIRM This growing firm has created a strong name for itself advising on commercial disputes in the energy, leisure, insurance and pharmaceuticals sectors. The firm is expanding its international client base and is attracting more cross-border mandates, advising internationals such as GE and Metaxa. Recent highlights include acting for Chevron’s lubricants subsidiary on all its claims filed in Greece, and representing travel operator Thomas Cook in the enforcement of a British-issued payment order.

Sources say: “Our collaboration was smooth; the team anticipates things and gives realistic deadlines.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Yannis Kelemenis is “a seasoned lawyer with excellent case management skills,” clients say. He recently acted for Bond Pearce in an insurance dispute issued by the English High Court.

Energy

THE FIRM This dynamic team enters the rankings thanks to its strong performance and excellent market feedback. The seven-member group covers all aspects of energy law, and has a particularly strong reputation for its regulatory practice. It works with national and international investors, as well as drafting the new law transposing EU directives into Greek legislation for the Greek Ministry of Energy and Environment in 2011. Other clients include major domestic and international corporates such as the Greek Public Gas Corporation (DEPA), Endesa, Veolia and Chevron.

Sources say: “Excellent in terms of quality of the work and very solid knowledge of European legislation and how to implement it in Greece.” “A smooth collaboration, the team anticipates your needs and gives realistic deadlines.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Yannis Kelemenis has made a strong name for himself in this field, especially on mandates relating to wind farms and solar plants. He is praised across the board, with sources commenting: “His involvement in energy is very intimate and his knowledge is excellent. He is one of the experts on energy.” Konstantina Soultati has “solid knowledge of the subject and also the skill to develop new orientation and new alternatives,” according to interviewees. Clients appreciate her “extremely helpful and well-informed” advice.

Tax

Tom Kyriakopoulos of Kelemenis & Co was formerly at KPMG and is praised for his tax know-how. He has experienced an increase in transfer pricing and tax compliance work of late.