Mr Panayotis Bernitsas > Bernitsas Law > Athens, Greece > Lawyer Profile

‘Client focused and swift to reply’, the energy team at Bernitsas Law has extensive experience in the project development and storage aspects of renewable energy initiatives, with a particular specialism in photovoltaic power. The practice is routinely involved in major M&A transactions in the conventional energy sector, ranging from oil and gas to electric and water, often representing the government and institutional investors. The Athens-based group is headed by the ‘outstanding’ Yannis Seiradakis, who specialises in complex privatisations and projects in the renewable space, while Panayotis Bernitsas handles all elements of transactional and litigation work. Eleni Stazilova regularly advises on project finance and public procurement.

With a successful track record in advising on complex corporate transactions, ownership structures, developments and financings, the Athens-based Bernitsas Law real estate team shows ‘exceptional immediacy’ in responding to its international and domestic clients. The practice routinely acts in hospitality, residential and office space developments, with the leading duo of Panayotis Bernitsas and Lambros Belessis being experts in infrastructure projects and corporate restructuring. Eleni Gerasimidou focuses on construction and leasing issues, and Christina Zakopoulou acts for investors, private equity funds and developers.

Bernitsas Law is routinely involved in complex, cross-border merger cases before the European Commission and the Hellenic Competition Commission, covering industries ranging from maritime to energy. The practice demonstrates considerable strength in competition litigation claims and has a team of specialists providing advice on all areas of EU law. Based in Athens, ‘outstanding’ practice head Marina Androulakakis is an expert in EU and antitrust law, while Panayotis Bernitsas provides ‘invaluable strategic advice’ regarding renewable and conventional energy projects. The ‘very talented’ Tania Patsalia regularly assists clients with antitrust issues arising from their commercial agreements.

Deploying a tax-focused perspective when advising companies on restructurings, planning and policy, and asset ownership, the Bernitsas Law tax team specialises in dealing with high-value tax disputes and general advisory work. The team consistently represents individuals and corporations in investigations, audits, and dawn raids, with the two Athens-based heads Panayotis Bernitsas and Fotodotis Malamas bringing over 70 years’ experience in litigious and transactional proceedings to the practice, along with complex competition and antitrust law issues.

Led by the Athens-based duo of Panayotis Bernitsas and Christos Paraskevopoulos, the Bernitsas Law team specialises in financial and corporate crime matters, with a growing focus on AML compliance measures. Bernitsas has more than 35 years’ experience in the transactional, advisory, and litigious spheres, whilst Paraskevopoulos is an expert in fraud and white-collar crime disputes. Evangelos Mamalakis focuses on joint venture and M&A, and Pelina Leontiadou has expertise in corporate governance matters.

Advising global and domestic leaders, SMEs, and entrepreneurs from the finance, healthcare, and energy industries, the Bernitsas Law team is highly regarded for delivering the ‘highest level’ of service in relation to M&A and corporate governance issues. The practice has extensive cross-border capabilities, frequently dealing with high-profile commercial transactions in the context of foreign investment and new legislation. Based in Athens, Lambros Belessis and Nikos Papachristopoulos co-head the group, specialising in private sector mergers and capital markets matters. Experienced litigator Panayotis Bernitsas, Evi Kitsou, who focuses on company restructurings, and Iris Sotiriou are also highlighted as key members of the team.

Retaining its place at the summit of the dispute resolution market, the Bernitsas Law team boasts vast experience in handling high-profile administrative, commercial and corporate crime disputes. Demonstrating widespread expertise across multiple fields of law, including competition, medical negligence, and insurance litigation, the practice also collaborates closely with the administrative department when dealing with procurement claims. From Athens, Panayotis Bernitsas brings over 35 years’ experience on the litigation front to the outfit, Christos Paraskevopoulos is an expert in fraud-related disputes, and Dimitris Roussis focuses on claims arising from the award of public tenders. Evangelos Mamalakis is knowledgeable in cases relating to financial contracts. Pelina Leontiadou is another name to note.

Counting local and multinational entities from across the pharmaceutical, energy, and finance sectors amongst its clientele, the employment specialists at Bernitsas Law have established themselves as ‘adaptable problem solvers’. The practice has vast expertise in the employment-related aspects of cross-border M&A transactions and also frequently advises on whistleblowing claims, reporting compliance, and employment contracts. Panayotis Bernitsas heads the department, whilst the ‘knowledgeable’ Maria Kloni specialises in voluntary exit schemes, restructurings, and collective labour agreements.

The ‘hardworking, dedicated, and responsive’ projects team at Bernitsas Law specialises in the financing aspects of privatisations, project structuring and implementation, and the regulations governing tender procedures. Demonstrating specific industry expertise across the finance, technology and energy spheres, the practice is frequently called upon to represent Greek and international entities. Panayotis Bernitsas is an expert in major renewable and infrastructure initiatives, while Nikos Papachristopoulos focuses on take-over bids, and Dimitris Roussis is knowledgeable in public tender proceedings. Yannis Seiradakis has vast experience in acting on behalf of clients in the utilities and transport sectors.