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

The M&A specialists at Bernitsas Law cover the renewable energy, construction and insurance sectors. The team is praised for its ‘excellent quality’ by its domestic and international clients. The firm’s corporate offering is broad, covering cross-border joint ventures, spin-off transactions and regulatory compliance measures, among other areas. The ‘very experienced’ Nikos Papachristopoulos jointly leads the department and is an expert in capital markets and corporate reorganisations, and fellow co-head Lambros Belessis primarily concentrates on private sector mergers. Managing partner Panayotis Bernitsas is knowledgeable in competition law issues; Maria Nefeli Bernitsa is hailed as a ‘rising star’; Evi Kitsou focuses on commercial transactions; and Yannis Seiradakis concentrates on privatisations. Iris Sotiriou is also a key contact.

Characterised by its ‘high level of professionalism’, Bernitsas Law regularly assists with the development and operation of high-value solar and wind renewable initiatives. On the corporate side, the practice is well versed in overseeing acquisitions of international and domestic energy companies, alongside managing joint venture formations. Based out of Athens, team leader Yannis Seiradakis displays ‘detail and sophistication’ when handling complex privatisations, project financings and infrastructure projects. Managing partner Panayotis Bernitsas has vast expertise across the whole spectrum of renewable and conventional energy issues. The highly regarded Eleni Stazilova frequently negotiates commercial and finance agreements.

Demonstrating in-depth knowledge in advising on EPC contracts and complex project financings, the ‘highly experienced’ and ‘deeply knowledgeable’ Bernitsas Law regularly represent tech corporations and national funds. The firm has strong cross-border capabilities – primarily with European jurisdictions – while specialising in the investment, banking, and infrastructure fields. Based out of Athens, managing partner Panayotis Bernitsas has extensive experience in major renewable and conventional energy initiatives, Nikos Papachristopoulos is a leading practitioner in the capital markets and M&A sphere, while Yannis Seiradakis primarily focuses on privatisations and infrastructure matters. Dimitris Roussis is knowledgeable in PPP projects, and Eleni Stazilova concentrates on commercial agreements.

Counting financial institutions, investors, and developers amongst its key clients, Bernitsas Law is particularly strong in advising on complex real estate transactions, ownership issues, developments and financings. The firm is well versed in assisting with ESG compliance measures and property investment issues, with the Athens-based duo of Panayotis Bernitsas and Lambros Belessis leading the practice through their knowledge of concession projects and privatisations. Belessis is knowledgeable in the hospitality and industrial fields, and Christina Zakopoulou primarily focuses on construction contracts and leisure developments.

With the ‘exceptional’ Fotodotis Malamas and Panayotis Bernitsas at the helm, Bernitsas Law has vast expertise in handling tax aspects associated with cross-border M&A transactions, alongside assisting with VAT assessments. Since being promoted to partner in March 2024, Malamas specialises in advising businesses on tax-efficient structures and indirect taxation matters, while Bernitsas is highly knowledgeable on VAT refund claims and arbitrations. The team is particularly active in the financial services, energy, and beverage sectors.

Frequently acting on behalf of credit institutions and multinationals in investigations and criminal proceedings concerning corruption, bribery, and negligence matters, Bernitsas Law is hailed as being ‘very professional’ and ‘high quality’. The firm has notable experience in handling Deferred Prosecution Agreements and AML compliance measures, with co-heads Panayotis Bernitsas and Christos Paraskevopoulos each specialising in all types of competition and antitrust law issues, alongside corporate misconduct and defamation claims. Evangelos Mamalakis has expertise in directors’ liability matters, whilst Fotini Karra is also highlighted as key.

The ‘extremely business-oriented’ department at Bernitsas Law has vast experience in representing domestic and international clients before the Hellenic Competition Commission. The practice is especially well versed in handling cross-border merger clearances, alongside advising on competition law compliance strategies and antitrust matters. Based out of Athens, Panayotis Bernitsas has expertise in managing civil and administrative actions before the high courts and arbitration boards. Team leader Marina Androulakakis is highly knowledgeable in state aid issues and complex regulatory compliance measures, while Tania Patsalia focuses on the application of EU law in Greece and merger control cases.

With vast expertise in litigation related to competition, corporate crime and fraud, Bernitsas Law delivers a ‘high level of service’ to major international energy and pharmaceutical corporations, among others. The practice has extensive experience before the Athens Court of Appeals and First Instance Administrative Court, with Athens-based co-head Panayotis Bernitsas being an expert in EU and antitrust law matters. The other co-heads, Christos Paraskevopoulos and Dimitris Roussis, specialise in contractual, administrative and civil litigation, while Evangelos Mamalakis covers all areas of corporate law and commercial lease agreement claims. Fotini Karra is knowledgeable in arbitration proceedings and Pelina Leontiadou is also cited as a key contact.