The Legal 500

Norton Rose is widely considered to be ‘among the best in the world on shipbuilding contracts, and equally strong on finance matters’, with Dimitri Sofianopoulos regarded by one client as ‘by far the best lawyer acting for us or encountered on the other side’. It advised Safe Bulkers, Paragon Shipping and Hellenic Carriers on shipbuilding contracts. John Liberopoulos is ‘a hardworking lawyer with bags of potential’.

Theo V. Sioufas & Co. Law Offices is a dominant Greek shipping finance firm, with a reputation and standing on a par with its international counterparts. Its clients include Alpha Bank and EFG Eurobank. Theo Sioufas, Charalambos Sioufas and Costas Emmanuel are highly rated.

Timagenis Law Firm’s leading ship finance practice draws instructions from local and international financial institutions, as well as from local shipowners who call on the broad commercial expertise of founding partners Gregory Timagenis and Lily Timagenis. It has been busy acting for banks such as UniCredit Group and EFG Eurobank on ship finance transactions, whether rescheduling of existing facilities or new syndicated loans.

‘Excellent quality of advice in tight timeframes is the strongest characteristic’ of Watson, Farley & Williams – Greek Branch’s highly respected ship finance practice. The ‘committed, client-focused’ George Paleokrassas heads the practice, which advised BNP Paribas Fortis on acquiring Fortis Bank’s shipping portfolio consisting of over 40 facilities, and advised RBS on restructuring Danaos Corporation’s $700m facility. Marsila Karpida and Dimitris Karamacheras are also recommended.

Bairactaris & Partners’ ship finance practice is branching out from its traditionally borrower-side orientation to advise foreign and local banks on sale and purchase transactions. Vangelis Bairactaris and John Vafiadis are recommended for the sale or purchase of second-hand vessels.

Constant & Constant, the Maritime and International Trade Division of TLT LLP’s ‘transaction process is smooth from negotiation to closing of facilities, and partner involvement ensures that the knowledge base is of a high standard’. Clients such as Credit Suisse and Deutsche Schiffsbank ensured a steady workflow despite testing market conditions; highlight deals included acting for ABN Amro on pre- and post-delivery financing of Korean newbuilds for an Abu Dhabi shipping group. Jeremy Watson has ‘a thorough knowledge of shipping and the foresight to apply commercial logic to a legal situation’.

KGDI Law Firm’s Piraeus office has a deeply entrenched reputation for shipping law. It represents local and international investment banks, including Calyon and Alpha Bank, and has been instrumental in establishing shipping-focused investment funds. Basil Spiliopoulos is recommended.

The shipping sector is firmly rooted in Sarantitis Law Firm’s origins, which over the years has cultivated a solid reputation for ship finance among local and international shipping companies. Headed by Despina Maroulis, the practice has been advising Metrostar Management on its acquisition and resale of eight bulk carriers.

Stephenson Harwood’s local and foreign investment banks kept the Piraeus-based shipping practice of Nigel Bowen-Morris highly active on workouts, renegotiations and restructuring of loans, all within the $50m-$200m price range. In addition to its English law capability, the team also offers Greek law expertise through Alexandros Damianidis.

John Papapetros of V&P Law Firm combines shipping and banking expertise to advise investment banks on various facilities. It advised Marfin Egnatia on a $66m term and revolving facility to Alfa Tria Shipping.

G. C. Economou & Associates’ Cyprus focus means it is regularly instructed by Bank of Cyprus on ship finance matters.

Holman Fenwick Willan LLP’s ship finance expertise covers all vessel types, from tankers to mega-yachts. In 2010, the practice acted for National Bank of Greece on extending an overdraft facility and advised HSH Nordbank on delivery finance for four newbuilds. Finance specialist Alexia Kleonakos heads the practice, which was bolstered by finance lawyer Jasel Chauhan relocating from London.

Ince & Co’s international banking clientele regularly calls on the services of Piraeus-based ship finance specialist Robin Parry to advise on loan facilities and restructurings.

Potamitisvekris’ ‘business-oriented, efficient’ practice ‘knows the maritime industry well and delivers pointed advice’. ‘Top-quality shipping expert’ Johnny Vekris heads the practice, which represents shipowners and managers such as Minerva Marine and Primal Shipmanagement Inc.

Scorinis Law Offices’ shipping practice is geared more towards the contentious side, although it is also active on the finance side. Its clients include BNP Paribas and Bank of Cyprus, as well as owners such as Ocean Tankers.

A. S. Papadimitriou & Partners Law Firm’s transactional shipping practice advises lenders and borrowers on financing as well as sales and purchases.

AdvoHellas – Dr Ziouvas & Partners advises international investment funds on transactions in the freight sector.

Headed by Athanassios Avgeros, Avramopoulos & Partners Law Firm’s shipping finance practice advised key client Attica Bank on a loan facility to Mega One Shipping Ltd to finance repairs to an offshore tug.

Law Offices of Basil T Patkos’ Basil Patkos advises local clients on ship financing.

Tsibanoulis & Partners Law Firm has a lender-oriented practice, advising clients such as BNP Paribas and EFG Eurobank on finance transactions.