AKL Law Firm > Athens, Greece > Firm Profile

AKL Law Firm
102, Vas. Sofias Avenue
Athens 115 28
Greece

Greece > Real estate and construction Tier 1

Displaying ‘commitment and honesty’, the AKL Law Firm real estate team has cemented its place at the top of the market thanks to its extensive expertise in M&A, regeneration projects and development financing. The practice has a growing presence in the planning and environmental restriction space, to add to its already established offering in the licensing procedure sphere. Athens-based practice heads Constantine Alexiou and Helen Alexiou specialise in project finance proceedings and routinely act on urban regeneration schemes. Alexandros Kosmopoulos supports clients in complex development initiatives and infrastructure projects, and Eleftheria Vassila frequently advises real estate development corporations.

Practice head(s):

Constantine Alexiou; Helen Alexiou

Testimonials

‘AKL is not just a legal firm; it is a strategic partner to businesses of all sizes. With a legacy dating back decades, it boasts a wealth of experience that is nothing short of remarkable. The team understands that the foundation of any successful legal practice rests upon enduring client relationships and they have cultivated and nurtured these bonds with exceptional care and unwavering dedication, consistently delivering unparalleled services to their clientele.’

‘Eleni Alexiou epitomizes the embodiment of high experience and a business-oriented mindset. On one hand, her experience equips her with the insight and wisdom required to navigate even the most intricate legal matters, ensuring favourable outcomes for her clients constantly and, thus, amassing an enviable track record of success. On the other hand, her approach to law goes beyond legal expertise; it involves a deep understanding of the intricacies of the real estate sector, enabling her to offer solutions that are not only legally sound but also aligned with the client’s overarching business goals. ’

‘AKL Law Firm has really deep knowledge in real estate in general and real estate development matters. Helen Alexiou, together with Eleftheria Vassila comprise a very unique team that may handle almost every matter related to real estate (i.e. from recommendations on potential change in law matters / estimation of legal risks in controversial legal issues, until regulation and legal advice on development of really huge, pioneering and unique assets).’

‘Helen Alexiou and Eleftheria Vassila are always reachable, friendly and willing to suggest legal solutions in very controversial legal matters. They always provide an in-depth analysis of the legal matters they have been assigned with, and do not hesitate to say “no” to clients in cases the clients’ legal risk is really high, and the proposed solutions only arise a “grey zone”.

‘The team has a holistic understanding of the myriad of laws surrounding real estate purchase and development in Greece. The team has a great network with lawmakers and authorities to discuss and negotiate practical solutions that result in win-win solutions for the State and the developers.’

‘Helen Alexiou is a hands-on lawyer with vast experience in the field and with an ability to describe the roadmap that needs to be followed to arrive at a successful outcome. Her understanding of the core issues and the ways to interpret laws so as to ensure applications are properly drafted are key in obtain the results in a timely manner. Her communication skills in Greek and English are excellent and her personality is very open and straightforward in a personable manner. ’

‘Emphasis on experience but also on the personal relationship. Constantinos Alexiou is extremely approachable for his level, Helen Alexiou very accessible and available – both great professionals. The extremely thorough support and research by Eleftheria Vassila has been impressive. ’

‘Commitment & Honesty are the Firm’s biggest strengths. Knowledge and Experience are also notable.’

Key clients

Lamda Development S.A. /Hellinikon S.A.

Eurobank S.A.

Prodea Investments RECI

Grivalia Properties/ Grivalia Hospitality

Piraeus Bank S.A.

Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund

RAYCAP S.A.

Lamda Olympia Village S.A.

Lamda Domi S.A.

Pylea S.A.

Invel Real Estate Partners

Brook Lane Capital

RND S.A.

ZEUS CAPITAL

MSC Cruises

Sandaya

Werealize S.A.

White Mulberry S.A.

AK Lane S.A.

Alpha Bank S.A.

The Grid S.A.

Ballian Technical S.A.

Grecian Magnecite

Gnosis Investments

Work highlights

  • Advised Alpha Bank on an acquisition and development financing relating to the acquisition by Goldman Sachs Asset Management of five-star and four-star hotels.
  • Advising Lamda on the sale of a large office complex and a separate high-rise office building, which are part of the Hellinikon Development.
  • Advising Lamda on the sale of a retail park, which is part of the Hellinikon Development.

Greece > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2

The ‘agile' and 'very friendly’ team at AKL Law Firm provides a ‘responsive and transparent service’ to a lender-focused client base on syndicated and bilateral loans to facilitate M&A activity and large projects. Team head Alexandros Kosmopoulos‘ ‘wealth of experience in the banking industry shines through in every aspect of his work’, including for systemic Greek banks, such as Eurobank, which he recently advised in relation to the recapitalisation of Ellaktor and the refinancing of its RES portfolio. The ‘incredibly talentedGeorge Zohios is also recommended and is appreciated for ‘his ability to simplify the most intricate financial matters’.

Practice head(s):

Alexandros Kosmopoulos

Other key lawyers:

George Zohios; Kostas Fatsis; George Athanassiou

Testimonials

‘The team is fully engaged, agile, up to date and very friendly to work with.’

They provide a responsive and transparent service.’

Alexandros Kosmopoulos’ wealth of experience in the banking industry shines through in every aspect of his work.’

George Zohios is an incredibly talented banking lawyer. From start to finish, he showcased a level of expertise and skill that left me thoroughly impressed. What sets him apart is his ability to simplify the most intricate financial matters.’

‘The individuals I have worked with are up to date in terms of experience and expertise. They handle my requests swiftly and they always seek to see things through to the very last detail. Lastly, they are very friendly and easygoing to work with.’

‘The team stands out for its commitment, accuracy, time efficiency, and value-for-money services.’

‘Deep expertise in this field. Clients can expect personalised attention, prompt communication, and commitment. The team prioritises ethical conduct and transparency in all interactions, fostering trust.’

Key clients

Piraeus Bank S.A.

Eurobank Ergasias S.A.

Alpha Bank S.A.

National Bank of Greece S.A.

NBG Pangaea REIC

Work highlights

  • Advised Eurobank on a suite of transactions resulting in the recapitalisation of Ellaktor S.A., the refinancing of its RES portfolio, the hive-down of such portfolio to the newly established Anemos RES and financing for the acquisition of Anemos RES by Anemos RES Holdings, a joint venture of MORE and Ellaktor.
  • Advised Eurobank S.A., National Bank S.A, Alpha Bank S.A. and Piraeus Bank on the refinancing of the indebtedness, releveraging and financing of capex of a group of companies whose Greek entities are the owners and operators of ultra-luxury hospitality resorts.
  • Advised Piraeus Bank on the financing provided to the SPV owning the McArthurGlen designer outlet mall for the purpose of refinancing its bank indebtedness and releveraging its capital structure.

Greece > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Displaying extensive expertise in assisting local and multinational clients with the structuring of high-profile corporate transactions, AKL Law Firm is renowned for its ‘responsiveness, market intelligence and efficiency’. The practice is especially strong in the real estate and infrastructure spaces, routinely navigating the legal and regulatory landscape applicable to privatisation projects and tender processes. In Athens, ‘creative’ practice head Alexandros Kosmopoulos is an expert in acquisition and project finance matters, and George Zohios specialises in commercial and M&A mandates, whilst the ‘commercially astuteKostas Fatsis is noted for his work on complex corporate transactions.

Practice head(s):

Alexandros Kosmopoulos

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘I have had the distinct pleasure of working with AKL Law Firm and can vouch for their unparalleled expertise in the legal realm. Their team demonstrates a profound understanding of the law, meticulous attention to detail, and a steadfast commitment to their clients.’

‘I highly recommend Kostas Fatsis for his impeccable legal acumen and unwavering dedication to clients. His meticulous approach, combined with his sharp analytical skills, consistently yields positive outcomes for my company. Kostas is not only an expert in the field but also embodies the highest standards of professionalism.’

‘Alexandros Kosmopoulos and Kostas Fatsis were both excellent in their work and collaboration with the team. Kostas was extremely efficient, commercially astute, knowledgeable and innovative in providing legal and commercial advice.’

‘The AKL team is distinguished not only by its technical knowledge but also by its responsiveness, market intelligence and efficiency.’

‘What makes George Zohios stand out is not only his technical knowledge and expertise, but also his practical approach, up-to-date market intelligence, his search for the most efficient solution and his genuine interest in the best outcome of the case. I was privileged to work with him and cannot recommend him enough.’

‘Kostas Fatsis’s commitment to our cases and his strategic thinking have consistently exceeded our expectations. We truly value the partnership with him and appreciate the personalised attention he has provided.’

‘I think of AKL Law as a boutique law firm, in that it is a relatively small team of people who give you personalised attention with results tailored to your needs. Compared to other firms, I have found them to pay great attention to detail and offer high-quality, yet practical advice. They invest in continuous learning and growth.’

‘Alexandros Kosmopoulos is one of the brightest people I know, with deep knowledge of the law and unparalleled business acumen. As a result, he comes up with creative yet sound solutions to issues. Kostas Fatsis is very structured, calm yet persistent and always delivers an outstanding result on time.’

Key clients

Lamda Development S.A.

Marguerite Fund

Landis + Gyr S.A.

Convert Group

Prodea Reic

SoftOne Technologies S.A.

Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF)

Brooklane Capital

Yano Participation

Upstream S.A.

Shop&Trade S.A.

Work highlights

  • Advising Lamda Development on various aspects of its involvement in the EUR 7 billion Hellenikon project.
  • Acting as co-counsel to the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) regarding the privatisation of two Greek regional ports (Alexandroupolis and Igoumenitsa).
  • Advising Convert, a leading e-business and e-commerce consulting firm, on the realisation of a financing round involving the entry of new private investors in the company and the renegotiation of the investment and shareholders’ agreement between the founding shareholders and the company’s institutional investor.

Greece > Dispute resolution Tier 2

Demonstrating an ‘exceptional understanding of clients’ parameters’, the team at AKL Law Firm consistently represents local and global companies before the local courts, including the Greek Supreme Administrative Court. The department also shows considerable expertise in handling ADR and mediation. Co-heads Constantine Alexiou and Sotiris Foteas act as a ‘coherent team’ when addressing complex, cross-border claims in the corporate and banking arenas. Vicky Zarakioti shows ‘dedication’ when focusing on claims in the hospitality industry, whilst Eleftheria Vassila is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Constantine Alexiou; Sotiris Foteas

Other key lawyers:

Vicky Zarakioti; Eleftheria Vassila; Konstantia Natsiou

Testimonials

‘A very strong team combining academic backgrounds and significant courtroom experience. They handle all cases in a detail-oriented and consistent manner that provides a high quality of representation before the court.’

‘Constantine Alexiou and Sotiris Foteas cooperate and act as a coherent team in an unparalleled way. They prepare high-quality written pleadings including exceptional legal arguments and pragmatic references to evidence and other material. I also appreciate the high quality and dedication of Vicky Zarakioti.’

‘An exceptional understanding of clients’ parameters and deep knowledge of legal procedures and unexpected issues allow them to provide holistic opinions. Fun, industrious, always available.’

‘Always respond immediately, very good legal preparation, winning attitude in court.’

‘AKL Law Firm has high-quality and professional lawyers on its team. They are fully aware of all legal changes and issues and they can advise you on any matter that may concern you.’

‘I have been working with Sotiris Foteas for many years and have the highest regard for the wisdom and inspired creativity which permeate his work. I am truly grateful for the consistent and reliable swiftness in his response times, and the assertive and respectful manner in which he communicates with even the most intrusive and ruthless opponents.’

‘They are a strong and well-structured team with a good distribution of roles, which combines a strong legal background with a very good relationship with clients.’

‘Sotiris Foteas and Konstantia Natsiou have both shown considerable interest in the case and effectiveness in handling delicate issues.’

Key clients

Lamda Group, Lamda Development S.A., Lamda Olympia Village (LOV) S.A. and Lamda Domi S.A.

Pylaia S.A.

Joint Venture Attene S.A. – Latomiki S.A.

Silverton S.A.

Special Financial Solutions S.A.

Piraeus Bank S.A.

Eurobank S.A.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch International Designated Activity Company

LANDIS + GYR AG

Burberry Limited UK

ABN Amro Bank S.A.

Metlife Mutual Fund Company

Shop & Trade S.A.

Do Value Greece S.A.

By the Port S.A.

Dimitrios Konstantinidis-Soutsos

Apostolos Allamanis

Ballian S.A.

Cosmofarm LLC

Academy of Athens

The National Theatre of Greece

Work highlights

  • Acting for Silverton Greece S.A., the Greek representative of a German NPL investor, on a mandate regarding a portfolio of SME debt.
  • Defended the joint venture of Attene S.A. and Latomiki S.A. before the Supreme Administrative Court in an appeal for cassation of the decision of the Patras Administrative Court of Appeals, filed by the Greek state against the client.
  • Represented Eurobank S.A., in its capacity as agent for a syndicate of bondholders under a EUR 33 million project loan, in injunction and interim judgment proceedings before the Athens Court of First Instance.

Greece > Projects and privatisation Tier 2

With extensive expertise across the financial services, infrastructure, and real estate industries, the AKL Law Firm team specialises in obtaining licenses for urban development projects and handling project financing aspects of motorway initiatives. The practice demonstrates strong cross-border capabilities, routinely dealing with projects spanning across the US and European jurisdictions. Athens-based Alexandros Kosmopoulos heads the group, focusing on both corporate finance matters and the privatisation market, whilst Helen Alexiou is an expert on project development. George Zohios is knowledgeable in M&A transactions, and Kostas Fatsis is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Alexandros Kosmopoulos

Testimonials

‘The AKL team is distinguished not only for its technical knowledge, but also for its responsiveness, market intelligence and efficiency.’

‘George Zohios is a distinguished legal figure in the field of project finance, and he is equally knowledgeable and experienced in projects and privatisations. What makes George stand out are not only his technical knowledge and expertise, but also his practical approach, up-to-date market intelligence, his strive for the most efficient solution and a genuine interest in the best outcome of the case.’

‘AKL’s projects and privatisation team has proved capable in handling complex and demanding projects, with many stakeholders, including lenders, project company’s JV partners and other parties involved.’

‘They have deep knowledge in the matters, safeguarding clients’ risks and interests.’

‘Alexandros Kosmopoulos is always hands-on in all matters involved in a certain project.’

‘Partners are always informed and hands-on, able to provide solutions for every obstacle that may arise.’

Key clients

LAMDA DEVELOPMENT S.A.

ALPHA BANK S.A.

Piraeus Bank

Eurobank

HELLENIC REPUBLIC ASSET DEVELOPMENT FUND

RND S.A.

MSC Cruises

Werealize S.A.

White Mulberry S.A.

Work highlights

  • Advise long-standing client Lamda Development on various aspects of its involvement in the EUR 7 billion Hellinikon project.
  • Advised National Bank in connection with an acquisition financing relating to the acquisition by the Issuer of food companies including ION, Greece’s leading chocolate industry.
  • Advised Alpha Bank in connection with an acquisition and development financing relating to the acquisition by Goldman Sachs Asset Management of five-star hotel ‘Theophano Imperial Palace Hotel’ and four-star hotels ‘Athos Palace’ and ‘Pallini Beach’ (G Hotels) in Chalkidiki.

Greece > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2

The ‘proactive, tech savvy, collaborative and extremely resourceful’ team at AKL Law Firm is valued for its 'realistic' approach to court practices - resulting in it being a popular choice on behalf of stakeholders in contentious insolvency matters. Sotiris Foteas is at the forefront of many of the most significant mandates handled by the team and senior partner Constantine Alexiou is also recommended for his wide-ranging commercial litigation expertise. The third of the lead lawyers, Alexandros Kosmopoulos, who heads the banking and finance group, brings this expertise to restructuring cases.

Practice head(s):

Dr. Constantine Alexiou; Alexandros Kosmopoulos; Sotiris Foteas

 

Testimonials

‘The team combines very strong academic credentials and a realistic approach to the Court’s practice. They are able to provide legal arguments with solid background presented in a convincing manner.’

The team is proactive, tech savvy, collaborative and extremely resourceful.’

‘Sotiris Foteas is trustworthy and exceptionally knowledgeable.’

 

Key clients

PIRAEUS BANK S.A.

EUROBANK S.A.

ALPHA BANK S.A.

DO VALUE GREECE

SILVERTON GREECE S.A.

Work highlights

  • Pursuing a mandate “package” regarding a portfolio of SME debt, including auction re-arrangements, issuance of executory titles and other enforcement proceedings against various debtors.
  • Advising the consortium of banks on the status, impact and consequences of a long series of pending proceedings between the owner of a landmark hospitality unit in the island of Crete and the concessionaire of a landmark hospitality asset in the wider Athens area (the Concessionaire Group).
  • Represented Eurobank in its capacity as agent for a syndicate of bondholders under a €33m project loan, in injunction and interim judgment proceedings before the Athens Court of First Instance.

The firm: Established in 1891, Alexiou & Kosmopoulos is one of the oldest and most prestigious law offices in Athens. Building on a solid foundation of four generations of practitioners, Alexiou & Kosmopoulos is a full-service law firm.

Alexiou & Kosmopoulos aspires to offer integrated legal services that consistently exceed expectations and create a model workplace for its people. The firm’s team of select professionals has been brought together by their shared commitment to client value, exceptional quality, innovation and down-to-earth commercial awareness. A consistent performance over time has helped the firm maintain and expand a growing circle of valued and loyal clients across diverse industries, many of whom entrust the firm with providing legal advice and support for their full range of activities. Combining sound expertise in a variety of fields helps realise the firm’s and its clients’ vision of excellence in today’s complex legal and business environment. The firm’s extremely versatile teams are able to interface with any other firm practices as required by the particular focus of the matter at hand (it therefore handles matters with an M&A angle, a finance angle, a litigation angle, an administrative law angle, etc).

Areas of practice
Banking, corporate and project finance: the firm’s experience acknowledges the diversity in the cultures and policies of different clients and organisations and brings its knowledge of domestic and cross-border legal issues, the workings of market infrastructures, systems and platforms to assist with a range of wholesale, retail and consumer products and investments. The practice covers core services and products, financial product structuring, asset finance, acquisition finance, derivatives, debt and equity capital markets, support for financial advisory projects, project finance and syndicated loans. The team has been advising, as single legal counsel, lenders and borrowers for transactions totalling more than €1.5bn in the last three years.

Projects and privatisation: in addition to its exposure in privatisations, concessions, PFI and PPP projects, the firm has been prominently active in major real estate development, energy, telecommunications, tourism, port facilities and transportation projects. The projects and privatisation team is equally adept at advising awarding authorities and bidders as part of public contracts and procurement, including in respect of drafting tender documents, advising on administration of processes, pre-bid and bidding strategies and arrangements, preparation of offer documentation and negotiations. The firm has been successful from whatever role or perspective it has acted; as lenders’ counsel, sponsor/investors’ counsel, lead co-seller counsel. Few law firms in Greece can compete against its recent years’ team track record on privatisations and project development. The firm’s substantial experience includes the first Greek PPP transaction and several privatisations (including Hellinikon, Piraeus Port Authority and Astir Palace).

Real estate: the firm advises on all aspects of investment in real estate, including zoning, planning, construction, development, real estate finance, environmental issues, licensing, and acts for clients within categories with varying requirements, including developers, contractors, financial and strategic investors, lenders, governmental agencies, corporates and high-net-worth individuals. In addition, the experience of the department is showcased by the range of asset and property configurations, types and sizes investigated, including opportunities in the urban, industrial, commercial, infrastructure, governmental, commercial, residential, hospitality-related and agricultural segments. In the complex interdisciplinary setting of projects of significant size, experts from other fields know that the firm understands both the business and their concerns.

Litigation and dispute resolution: the firm’s track record of successful cases spans a wide range of diverse areas, including commercial and financial disputes, construction and real estate, corporate litigation, distribution and licensing disputes, medical negligence, insolvency and enforcement.

Department Name Email Telephone
Banking, finance and capital markets Alexandros Kosmopoulos a.kosmopoulos@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Corporate and commercial Alexandros Kosmopoulos a.kosmopoulos@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Energy and natural resources Alexandros Kosmopoulos a.kosmopoulos@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Mergers and acquisitions Alexandros Kosmopoulos a.kosmopoulos@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Privatisation Alexandros Kosmopoulos a.kosmopoulos@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Procurement and projects Alexandros Kosmopoulos a.kosmopoulos@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Project finance Alexandros Kosmopoulos a.kosmopoulos@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Real estate and construction Alexandros Kosmopoulos a.kosmopoulos@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Real estate and construction Helen Alexiou h.alexiou@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Development, regulatory and environmental Helen Alexiou h.alexiou@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Administrative Helen Alexiou h.alexiou@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Litigation and dispute resolution Constantine Alexiou c.alexiou@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Administrative Constantine Alexiou c.alexiou@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Real estate and construction Constantine Alexiou c.alexiou@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Employment Constantine Alexiou c.alexiou@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Litigation and dispute resolution Sotiris Foteas s.foteas@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Insolvency and recovery Sotiris Foteas s.foteas@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Banking, finance and capital markets George Zohios g.zohios@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Corporate and commercial George Zohios g.zohios@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
EU, competition and regulation George Zohios g.zohios@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Privatisation George Zohios g.zohios@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Procurement and projects George Zohios g.zohios@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Project finance George Zohios g.zohios@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Corporate and commercial Kostas Fatsis k.fatsis@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Energy and natural resources Kostas Fatsis k.fatsis@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Mergers and acquisitions Kostas Fatsis k.fatsis@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Privatisation Kostas Fatsis k.fatsis@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Procurement and projects Kostas Fatsis k.fatsis@aklawfirm.gr 00302103392600
Photo Name Position Profile
Constantine Alexiou photo Dr Constantine Alexiou Partner. Constantine fields of legal expertise include Real Estate, Litigation and Arbitration,…
Helen Alexiou photo Mrs Helen Alexiou Managing Partner. Helen’s fields of legal expertise include Real Estate, Procurement and…
Maria Alexiou photo Mrs Maria Alexiou Partner. Maria’s fields of legal expertise include Litigation, Corporate and Commercial, and…
George Athanasiou photo Mr George Athanasiou Associate.
Kostas Fatsis photo Mr Kostas Fatsis Partner.
Sotiris Foteas photo Mr Sotiris Foteas Partner.
Alexandros Kosmopoulos photo Mr Alexandros Kosmopoulos Managing Partner. Alexandros’ fields of legal expertise include Banking & Finance, Corporate…
Eleftheria Vassila photo Miss Eleftheria Vassila Associate.
Vicky Zarakioti photo Miss Vicky Zarakioti Associate
George Zohios photo Mr George Zohios Partner.
Number of lawyers : 20
Number of paralegals : 1
Number of Comms and Marketing : 1
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