Bernitsas Law > Athens, Greece > Firm Profile
Bernitsas Law Offices
5 LYKAVITTOU STREET
106 72 ATHENS
Greece
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Bernitsas Law > The Legal 500 Rankings
Greece > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1
The ‘very experienced‘ team at Bernitsas Law provides an ‘innovative and commercial approach’ to lenders and borrowers across a broad swathe of transactional and regulatory work in the banking and capital markets sphere. Although it handles some more commoditised mandates, the team is best known for its aptitude at providing ‘solutions-oriented’ advice on complex transactions, including as it relates to work in the secondary market for non-performing loans (NPLs) and the structuring and implementation of securitisation transactions. The ‘exceptional’ Athanasia Tsene, who is lauded as a ‘true business partner’ as a result of her ability to provide ‘sharp and practical advice’, has been pivotal to the firm’s success in the NPL field, work which she combines with other, often highly structured finance transactions. Nikos Papachristopoulos has ‘extensive exposure and experience across all areas of banking, finance and capital markets’ and co-heads the team alongside Tsene. The team was strengthened at the beginning of 2024 by the arrival of fintech and payments expert Anastasia Mallerou and Pantazis Karamanolis, who adds tremendous gravitas to the practice in light of his vast in-house banking experience, from their own practices.Practice head(s):
Nikos Papachristopoulos; Athanasia Tsene
Other key lawyers:
Pantazis Karamanolis; Anastasia Mallerou; Maria Nefeli Bernitsa; Kelly Hatzigaki; Sildia Fotopoulou
Testimonials
‘They are a very experienced team with strong expertise in banking and capital markets work and display an innovative and commercial approach.’
‘High level of expertise and professionalism, exceptional team and level of collaboration.’
‘They are particularly strong at advising on complex financing transactions and provide a solutions-oriented approach.’
‘Nikos Papachristopoulos has extensive exposure and experience across all areas of banking, finance and capital markets.’
‘Athanasia Tsene is an exceptional lawyer and a true business partner. She provides sharp and practical advice.’
‘Athanasia Tsene is a strategic partner for all the legal aspects of the business related to the banking sector.’
‘They focus on the client’s goal and getting results. They communicate well with our team and they are fully committed to our case. Their legal advice is exceptional.’
‘Prompt service and response to any phone calls at any time, with a detailed explanation of the issues.’
Key clients
AGC Equity Partners
Alpha Bank
American Express
Amerra Capital Management LLC
Apollo Global Management
Arena Investors
Astir Group
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Bank of New York Mellon
Black Sea Trade Development Bank
BNP Paribas
Cepal SA
Citigroup
Commerzbank
Credit Agricole
Credit Suisse
CPPIB
CVC
Deutsche Bank
Elpedison Power SA
Eurobank
European Investment Bank
Euroxx Securities
Gastrade
Goldman Sachs
Hellenic Healthcare Group
HELLENiQ ENERGY Holdings Societe Anonyme (former Hellenic Petroleum SA)
Hoist Finance AB
Hoist Hellas SA
HSBC
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Intesa San Paolo SpA
Intrakat
Intrum AB
Intrum Hellas SA
JP Morgan
Lapithus Group
Lavipharm SA
Macquarie Asset Management
Morgan Stanley
Motor Oil Group
Mytilineos SA
N.M. Rothschild and Sons Limited
National Bank of Greece
Nordic Trustee & Agency AB
Olympic Commercial and Tourism Enterprises SA (Avis Hellas)
Olympia Odos Concession Company
OTE Group
Pareto Securities
Partners Group
PIMCO
Piraeus Bank
Public Power Corporation
Raiffeisen Bank International
RIA Payment Institution
Santander UK PLC
SMB Holdings BV
Societe Anonyme of Maintenance Compulsory Stocks and Trading of Crude Oil
Société Générale
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB
Stripe
Titan Group
Unicredit
Waterfall Asset Management
Western Union
Work highlights
- Advised Intrakat SA on the structuring, execution and completion of its €100m equity capital raising and the listing of its new shares on the Athens Exchange.
- Advised Pancreta Bank in connection with its investment in Attica Bank in the context of Attica Bank’s c.€473m equity capital raising.
- Advised Intrum Hellas, acting as co-ordinator, on the secondary sale and transfer to a consortium of a portfolio of securitised loan receivables, with a total legal claim of €285m (project Tethys), secured over hotel and hospitality real estate assets located in popular Greek tourist destinations.
Greece > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
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.Practice head(s):
Lambros Belessis; Nikos Papachristopoulos
Other key lawyers:
Panayotis Bernitsas; Evi Kitsou; Yannis Seiradakis; Linda Vasaka; Iris Sotiriou; Eleni Stazilova
Testimonials
‘Knowledge and commitment to excellence. We have a real partnership.’
‘Nikos Papachristopoulos is trustworthy and has in-depth experience.’
‘Nikos Papachristopoulos is the best M&A and public capital markets lawyer in Greece. His commitment to client service is second to none.’
‘Very helpful and responsive – they go above and beyond to explain local legislation to us.’
‘This team has a fantastic dynamic between the partners and associates and they are able to handle a wide variety of complex matters while always keeping an eye on the larger commercial picture, which we highly appreciate.’
‘They provide the highest level of legal services in an effective manner.’
‘The Bernitsas team displayed not only a command of the technical issues, but also resilience and a problem-solving attitude. The team was readily available to discuss, analyse and tackle the many challenges that arose during our project. The team effectively handled both the local and international requirements.’
‘Iris Sotiriou was instrumental to the success of the project. Iris proved to be attentive to details, responsive and maintained the focus and energy required for such a complicated, intensive and lengthy project.’
Key clients
BMW Group
Bristol Meyers Greece
CVC
CNH Industrial
Helleniq Energy
GIC Fund
Intrakat
Lundbeck Hellas
Motor Oil Hellas
North Star Group
Pancreta Bank
Partners Group
Percassi
RCS Group
Saint Gobain Group
Viatris
Ydrogeios Insurance
Vivartia Group
Hellenic Healthcare Group
Work highlights
- Advised GIC on its entry into a strategic partnership with Sani/Ikos Group, under which GIC became the leading shareholder alongside Sani/Ikos Group’s management team.
- Advising Intrakat on its agreement to acquire 100% of Aktor from Ellaktor and Aktor Concessions.
- Advised CNH Industrial, a multinational corporation specialising in farming automation equipment and services, on its acquisition of 90% of the Augmenta group.
Greece > Dispute resolution Tier 1
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.Practice head(s):
Panayotis Bernitsas; Christos Paraskevopoulos; Dimitris Roussis
Other key lawyers:
Fotini Karra; Pelina Leontiadou; Evangelos Mamalakis
Testimonials
‘Evangelos Mamalakis and Dimitris Roussis both focus on each small detail of the case and this makes their work really exceptional. In addition, they are both very proactive and never leave issues to the last minute. A really reliable team with a perfect legal background.’
‘Evangelos Mamalakis is very responsive to the client’s questions at any time and Dimitris Roussis is keen to cooperate with other teams and find out about other aspects of the case.’
‘They handle our cases with professionalism, after an extensive analysis of the data based on the legal framework that may be applied on a case-by-case basis. They provide clarification in a way that allows non-lawyers to understand the facts.’
‘Good communications skills. Comprehensive. Great at building a litigation strategy.’
‘Evangelos Mamalakis is very smart. His comments are always to the point. He is hardworking, with great sense of humour.’
‘Attention to detail and efficiency, producing tangible results.’
‘The law firm has a great reputation in Greece.’
‘What stands out is the availability of the partners even at very short notice.’
Key clients
BMW Hellas SA
CNP Zois SA
Euronet Group
Fresenius Kabi Hellas
Helleniq Energy
Japan Tobacco International
Kosmocar
Orion Pharma SA
Viomes SA
Work highlights
- Represented a leading Spanish manufacturer in ICC proceedings against its former Greek distributor.
- Represented a leading insurance company in proceedings initiated against it before the Greek courts by its software provider, involving a claim for royalties arising from software licences and alleged outstanding fees.
- Representing an energy company in a dispute arising from the development of a wind park in the Peloponnese.
Greece > Energy Tier 1
‘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.Practice head(s):
Yannis Seiradakis
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is very professional with strong business acumen.’
‘Yannis Seiradakis is highly responsive and really promotes our business interests.’
‘One of the most respected Law firms in Greece, Integrity and professionalism. Personal touch – always feel the company has your “back”.’
‘Panagiotis Bernitsas and Yannis Seiradakis stand out for their professionalism and responsiveness.’
‘They work super as a team.’
‘Seiradakis and Belessis are really experienced and valuable.’
‘The team is very professional, experienced and very well informed in the relevant fields and are always available.’
‘Yannis Seiradakis is a top-tier professional, highly knowledgeable and experienced with strong knowledge of the local market. ’
Key clients
CVC Capital Partners
Econergy Renewable Energy (Econenergy)
ERKA Energy
Gastrade SA
Hellenic Association of Photovoltaic Companies
Helleniq Energy SA
Helleniq Renewables SA
ICGB AD
Masdar
Motor Oil
Motor Oil Renewable Energy
National Bank of Greece SA
National Energy
PPC (Public Power Corporation)
Pyletech
RWE Supply & Trading
S’ENERGY Renewable Energy
Solarmacht
Taaleri Energia
Vinci Energies
YHS STRYMON SA
Work highlights
- Advised Motor Oil on the acquisition of 100% of Thalis ES and on the acquisition of Elin Verd, a biofuels company.
- Advising a solar and storage project developer in relation to the development and sale to a third-party investor of a solar portfolio with a capacity of 150MW and storage portfolio with a capacity up to 400MW.
- Acting as sole Greek legal advisor to Gastrade in the structuring and documentation of the c.€280m financing and project development of the Alexandroupolis INGS.
Greece > EU and competition Tier 1
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.Practice head(s):
Marina Androulakakis
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘It is a top-tier law firm with an outstanding competition team. They are highly knowledgeable in competition law and provide business-oriented spot on advice, tailored to our company’s needs. They are truly devoted to their clients, always available and business friendly. Bernitsas Law competition team achieved great results which allowed us to move forward with our business goals. They always ensure that we are well informed and involved every step of the way. ’
‘Panayotis Bernitsas is an authority in competition law and one of the most established and well-respected lawyers in the Greek market. He provides invaluable strategic advice, played a key role in our case and is very solutions oriented. Marina Androulakakis is an expert in competition law and a standout partner. She was the heart and soul of the case, always available, responsive, effective and dedicated. She offers excellent legal work. Tania Patsalia, with whom we also work, is a very talented lawyer, provides clear and to the point advice and is highly efficient. She takes her work personally, goes the extra mile and has a great client orientated approach. ’
‘Really kind and polite team. Very good chemistry and communication. Willingness to understand your problem and find a practical solution. Eagerness to understand the technical and commercial perspective of the transactions. Really fast in responding to our requests. ’
‘Marina Androulakakis has a deep understanding of the market and gives each time a really thorough and deep-dive approach, making you feel comfortable as a client.’
‘Tania Patsalia has a very practical approach being to the point, being at the same time comprehensive and concise.’
‘High competence, strong proactivity, fast.’
‘Marina Androulakakis is an outstanding professional responsive, flexible, reactive, strong competence.’
Key clients
ANEK
Attica Group
Bristol Myers Squibb
BMW Hellas SA
CVC
Euronet
Hellenic Fuels (formerly BP Hellas)
Helleniq Energy SA
Hellenic Republic
Intrakat
Motor Oil Hellas
Vivartia
Work highlights
- Advising Attica Group and ANEK on the clearance procedure before the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) in relation to the merger by absorption of ANEK by Attica Group.
- Advising Intrakat on obtaining merger clearance from the Hellenic Competition Commission for the acquisition of Aktor from ELLAKTOR and AKTOR CONCESSIONS.
- Advised an international investor on obtaining merger clearance from the Hellenic Competition Commission for its participation in the acquisition of Med Frigo Group.
Greece > Projects and privatisation Tier 1
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.Practice head(s):
Panayotis Bernitsas; Dimitris Roussis; Yannis Seiradakis
Other key lawyers:
Nikos Papachristopoulos; Eleni Stazilova; Stella Papakosta; Anna Meletiou
Testimonials
‘Immediate, deeply scientific response to all requests. Extremely high confidentiality standards.’
‘Ethos, hard-working approach, profound industry knowledge and detailed background.’
‘Hard-working, dedicated, and responsive. Efficient, business-oriented, value for money, keeping deadlines and motivated.’
‘Hard-working, efficient, knowledge of the market and legislation.’
‘This practice at Bernitsas law firm is exceptional. The team is very efficient, responsive and is capable of solving complex queries and concerns which are raised by the client. They have extended knowledge in the Greek concession market and are aware of standard practices, risks and difficulties which are inherent to these kind of projects.’
‘The partners Yannis Seiradakis and Dimitris Roussis are always present in meetings and are always available to discuss urgent matters. Their skills and knowledge in the sector are key in decision making and their advice is accurate and informed.’
‘Stella Papakosta is excellent, skillful, resourceful and always delivers on time.’
Key clients
Avax
Credit Agricole
CVC
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Gastrade SA
Grant Thornton
Helleniq Energy
The Recovery and Resilience Facility Agency
ICGB AD
Masdar Abu Dhabi
Motor Oil Hellas
Mytilineos Group
National Bank of Greece SA
Olympia Odos SA
Pyletech
Piraeus Bank
Taaleri Energia
TIIC Infrastructure Fund
The Hellenic Republic
Vinci Group
Vodafone
Work highlights
- Act for the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development in connection with the design, financing, construction and maintenance of the student accommodation facility of the University of Thessaly and the development of a Government Park.
- Advising a consortium in their participation in the tender launched by the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund regarding the award of the concession agreement for the financing, operation, maintenance and exploitation of Attica Motorway.
- Advise Vodafone in relation to the development of a fiber network as well as the development of a submarine cable system for the interconnection of several islands in Greece.
Greece > Employment Tier 2
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.Practice head(s):
Panayotis Bernitsas
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Maria Kloni delivered excellent results and successfully dealt with all our requests and legal matters as soon as they arose.’
‘Bernitsas has a great team of professionals who are very qualified in all aspects of employment law and are able to provide timely solutions to any issues that a client may face.’
‘All the individuals can provide solutions, even for challenging issues, always within the required time schedules. They willing to offer their services immediately.’
‘Very experienced, professional and qualified team of adaptable problem solvers.’
‘Maria Klioni is knowledgeable, has good market insights, and is great to deal with.’
‘What stands out is their understanding of the client and their business, their knowledge of the subject, the market and the local environment, their collaborative mindset and attitude, and their effectiveness and efficiency.’
‘The team has an excellent knowledge of the subject, providing clear and credible guidance. They are up to date with the ongoing changes in the Greek market and they provide an exceptional service.’
‘I have worked with Maria Kloni on employment cases. She has strong communication skills and the ability to simply explain the right solution. She has excellent and up-to-date labour-related knowledge.’
Key clients
BMW Hellas SA
Bristol Myers Greece
CNH Industrial
CVC Capital Partners
GIC Fund
Liknoss SA
Monster Energy Europe Limited
Saint Gobain Group
Work highlights
- Advised on employment law matters and technology transfer issues in relation to employee-created software within the context of CNH Industrial’s acquisition of Augmenta Group.
- Advised a retail brand on employment agreement templates, including executive agreements, and on Greek employment law regulations arising from the establishment of a subsidiary and the setup of its commercial network in Greece.
- Undertook an employment due diligence exercise, which included reviewing employment law issues relating to approximately 4,000 employees, in the context of GIC’s entry into a strategic partnership with Sani/Ikos Group.
Greece > Intellectual property Tier 2
The specialist IP lawyers at Bernitsas Law are ‘hardworking, efficient and productive’, demonstrating vast expertise in patent infringement, trade mark disputes and software licensing agreements. The group is well equipped to manage litigation arising in the pharmaceutical, automobile and technology industries, with Lambros Belessis leading the practice from Athens, bringing 35 years’ experience in advising on IP-related aspects of medical devices and beverages to the department. Yannis Chryssospathis is knowledgeable in EU pharmaceutical law and Aristeidis Papathanasiou focuses on data protection matters.Practice head(s):
Lambros Belessis
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Hard working, efficient, productive.’
Key clients
CNH
Whiteside Capital Holdings
Work highlights
- Advised CNH on risk assessment (proprietary and authenticity) of the IP issues and specialised software developed and marketed by the seller.
- Advised a major life sciences manufacturer, as well as its Greek distributor, in a European patent infringement dispute.
- Advised several companies on their day-to-day IP law issues as well as on their trade mark filing strategy and registration.
Greece > Real estate and construction Tier 2
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.Practice head(s):
Panayotis Bernitsas; Lambros Belessis
Other key lawyers:
Eleni Gerasimidou; Christina Zakopoulou
Testimonials
‘International profile, quality of service, knowledge of the real estate market.’
‘Eleni Gerasimidou has shown a very strong expertise and knowledge of the market, together with a great capability to understand the company’s needs. Furthermore, her flexibility has been a success factor in order to deliver the service on time and when needed. Finally, the communication with an international company has always been very effective and fully aligned to the company’s needs.’
‘There is exceptional immediacy in the response to any question, communicative, excellent knowledge of their subject. Reasonable in billing hours.’
Key clients
Astir Group
GIC Private Limited Sovereign Fund
Intrum Hellas
Percassi
Red Circle Srl
SMB Capital
Work highlights
- Advised GIC on its strategic partnership with Sani/Ikos Group, making GIC the leading shareholder alongside Sani/Ikos’ management team.
- Advised ASTIR, owner of the Astir Palace Vouliagmeni Hotel, with regards to the sale of premium vertical properties in the high-end area of Mikro Kavouri, Vouliagmeni, Attika, Greece.
- Advised Red Circle in relation to its long-term lease of a large office building in the centre of Athens to a Greek hotel group which plans to develop the property into a luxury hotel.
Greece > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2
The ‘sharp and responsive’ team at Bernitsas Law provides ‘very accessible and customised advice’ to lenders and borrowers across a range of restructuring and insolvency matters, running the gamut from balance sheet restructurings and distressed M&A through to advice on administrations, workouts and receiverships. Under the guidance of the ‘exceptional’ Athanasia Tsene, and Lambros Belessis the team remains a prominent player in the secondary market for NPLs - whether acting as Greek counsel to an investor, the originator bank, the arranger or the note and security trustee. As part of her broad corporate and commercial expertise, Evi Kitsou regularly provides ‘succinct and on-point advice’ to clients on refinancing matters.Practice head(s):
Lambros Belessis; Athanasia Tsene
Other key lawyers:
Panayotis Bernitsas; Nikos Papachristopoulos; Evi Kitsou; Yannis Seiradakis; Linda Vasaka
Testimonials
‘It is an exceptional, sharp and responsive team.’
‘They provide very accessible and customised advice.’
‘Athanasia Tsene is an exceptional lawyer who provides sharp and practical advice.’
‘Evi Kitsou provides succinct and on point advice.’
Key clients
Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc.
Apollo Capital Management LLC – Lapithus Group
CPPIB
Eurobank Ergasias
Hellenic Petroleum SA
Hoist Hellas SA and Hoist Finance (publ) AB
Intrum AB (publ)
Intrum Hellas SA
Piraeus Bank
PIMCO
The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF)
Viatris
Vivartia
The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF)
Work highlights
- Advising Apollo Global Management LLC and its servicing arm (Lapithus Group) in the recovery process for the securitised Jupiter portfolio of receivables from non-performing corporate and SMEs loans originated by Alpha Bank, in various restructurings and secondary sales of restructured exposures, as well as in the financing arrangements for the Jupiter portfolio.
- Advising Viatris, a global healthcare group of companies, in relation to their intragroup restructuring which includes various transfers of shares and share parts and a merger by absorption of three Group Companies by another Group Company.
- Advising Hoist Finance in connection with its participation in PQH SA, which is the single liquidator appointed by the Bank of Greece in respect of credit and financial institutions placed into liquidation.
Greece > Tax Tier 2
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.Practice head(s):
Panayotis Bernitsas; Fotodotis Malamas
Testimonials
‘The team is very professional and wad very attentive to our needs and concerns. Mr. Panayotis Bernitsas and Mr. Fotodotis Malamas are very committed to achieving the goals and we enjoyed working with them.’
‘Panayotis Bernitsas and Mr. Fotodotis Malamas are true professionals. We felt that we were in good hands. The are very committed to achieving the goals and we enjoyed working with them.’
‘Detailed work, efficiency, value for money, excellent legal knowledge.’
‘Very experienced, professional and qualified team, adaptive and problem solvers without sacrificing the legal/tax position of the client, presenting and explaining in great detail any potential risks.’
‘Always on time and willing to match the deadlines set by the client, business oriented approaches, experienced.’
‘Bernitsas’ tax team has accumulated strong knowledge over the years on Greek tax matters and their partners have a wealth of experience. They are very prompt with their responses which is very important as a private equity client.’
‘Very good technical knowledge.’
‘Very consistent approach – great response times.’
Key clients
CNH Industrial
CVC
CNP Insurance
Pyletech
Vinci Energies
Work highlights
- Advised on the tax aspects of the acquisition of Augmenta Group by CHN Industrial.
- Advising on the tax aspects concerning the conversion of a multinational energy company from a corporation to a private company.
- Advising a venture capital firm on the tax aspects of the establishment of their presence in the Greek market through companies active in hospitality, catering and leisure in Athens as well as in other areas of Greece.
Greece > TMT Tier 2
Acting on behalf of international technology corporations and telecoms providers, Bernitsas Law displays ‘excellent technical skills’ when handling complex M&A and strategic partnership transactions in the TMT sector. The team shows considerable strength in the data privacy and cybersecurity spheres, with Athens-based practice head Marina Androulakakis being an expert in EU, competition and regulatory law matters. Highlighted as ‘very committed and technically great’, Tania Patsalia regularly assists clients with antitrust and competition law issues, while Aristeidis Papathanasiou focuses on data protection and intellectual property matters.Practice head(s):
Marina Androulakakis
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent team.’
‘Tania Patsalia is an excellent lawyer.’
‘Great team with excellent technical skills and attention for details.’
‘Tania Patsalia is a very committed and technically great attorney.’
‘Established firm with excellent collaboration profile.’
‘Dedicated contact points that allow for deep knowledge of our organization and its processes and culture that enhances collaboration, effectiveness and efficiency.’
Key clients
BMW Group
CNH
GIC
Intrum Hellas
Vodafone Greece
Work highlights
- Advised CNH Industrial on software licencing and data privacy issues arising from its acquisition of 90% of the Augmenta group.
- Advised Intrum Hellas, acting as servicer and coordinator of a secondary sale and transfer, on data privacy issues and notice to data subjects.
- Advised an international technology solutions and software provider in relation to data privacy and whistleblowing requirements.
Greece > White-collar crime Tier 2
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.Practice head(s):
Panayotis Bernitsas; Christos Paraskevopoulos
Other key lawyers:
Evangelos Mamalakis; Pelina Leontiadou; Fotini Karra
Testimonials
‘The legal advisors of Bernitsas Law Office have handled white-collar crime cases with a high degree of professionalism and expertise. Moreover, they are characterised by excellent communication skills and they consistently achieve a high level of collaboration with us as a client, throughout the whole legal process.’
‘Christos Paraskevopoulos, the legal advisor of Bernitsas Law Office who handles the White-Collar legal cases on our behalf, has exceptional knowledge of the legal framework of our industry, handling respective cases very successfully. Moreover, he and his team are always available, cooperating with us in a highly professional and collaborative way.’
‘Lawyer availability even with short notice’
‘Availability, capability to answer and provide support within the term.’
Key clients
AMPNI
Kosmocar SA
Work highlights
- Representing a global industrial minerals company in relation to disputes for mismanagement and breach of fiduciary duties against the former CEO.
- Advising a company active in the energy sector in relation to potential disputes arising from actions member of their former management, including potential breaches of their fiduciary duties and white-collar crimes.
- Representing a commercial banking and wealth management services provider in a high-profile white collar crime, fraud and forgery dispute.
Greece > Insurance Tier 3
Demonstrating substantial strength in advising on the negotiation of insurance contracts and regulatory issues, the Bernitsas Law insurance team is highly regarded for representing Greek and international companies. Based out of Athens, Lambros Belessis leads the practice, specialising in private sector mergers, acquisitions and corporate restructurings. Evi Kitsou is an expert on the insurance, consumer goods and automobile industries, and Christos Paraskevopoulos is knowledgeable in contractual disputes. Senior associate Aristeidis Papathanasiou is also noted.Practice head(s):
Lambros Belessis
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Knowledge, experience, efficiency.’
‘Bernitsas has produced bespoke advice on a number of occasions where requested on relevant issues and assisted in trying to achieve the client’s objectives.’
‘Pelina Leontiadou has produced helpful guidance on the bespoke issues when requested and dealt with my follow up queries well.’
Key clients
CVC
CNP Zois SA
CNP Asfalistiki Ltd (Greek Branch)
Ydrogeios Insurance
Work highlights
- Advised the majority shareholders of Ydrogios Insurance on their entry into an agreement for the sale of 80% of their share capital with the Italian Reale Group.
- Advised an international life insurance company established in the EU in relation to the distribution of a unit-linked life insurance product from a regulatory, consumer protection and tax perspective.
- Represented a leading insurance company in proceedings initiated against it before the Greek Courts by its software provider.
Bernitsas Law > Firm Profile
The firm: Bernitsas Law is a market leader in the provision of commercial law services in Greece and one of the largest firms in the country. We count industry frontrunners, listed and private companies, supranational, global and national entities and corporations, and small and medium sized enterprises from all the major industry sectors among our clients.
We are leaders in the corporate, commercial and finance sectors, specialising in foreign direct investment, banking, capital markets, funds, energy, projects, privatisation and real estate transactions. We offer expert practices in employment, ESG, EU, competition & antitrust, intellectual property, data protection and privacy, public procurement and tax, and in the environment, insurance, life sciences and healthcare and telecommunications, media and technology industries. Our litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution practice is recognised for its track record in significant administrative, civil and commercial and corporate crime disputes, some of which have created precedents.
We deliver an international level of service. A substantial part of the firm’s practice concentrates on complex domestic and cross-border transactions and disputes and our work is consistently recognised by all the major international legal directories.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Banking, Finance & Capital Markets | Nikos Papachristopoulos | npapachristopoulos@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Banking, Finance & Capital Markets | Athanasia Tsene | atsene@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Banking, Finance & Capital Markets | Maria Nefeli Bernitsa | mnbernitsa@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Corporate and M&A | Lambros Belessis | lbelessis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Corporate and M&A | Nikos Papachristopoulos | npapachristopoulos@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Data Protection, Privacy & Security | Marina Androulakakis | mandroulakakis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Data Protection, Privacy & Security | Tania Patsalia | tpatsalia@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Employment | Maria Kloni | mkloni@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Energy | Panayotis Bernitsas | pbernitsas@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Energy | Yannis Seiradakis | yseiradakis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) | Yannis Seiradakis | yseiradakis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) | Maria Nefeli Bernitsa | mnbernitsa@bernitsaslaw.com | |
EU, Competition & Antitrust | Marina Androulakakis | mandroulakakis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
EU, Competition & Antitrust | Tania Patsalia | tpatsalia@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Foreign Direct Investment | Panayotis Bernitsas | pbernitsas@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Foreign Direct Investment | Yannis Seiradakis | yseiradakis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Insurance | Lambros Belessis | lbelessis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Insurance | Evi Kitsou | ekitsou@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Intellectual Property | Lambros Belessis | lbelessis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Life Sciences and Healthcare | Yannis Chryssospathis | ychryssospathis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Life Sciences and Healthcare | Ria Venaki | rvenaki@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Litigation, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution | Christos Paraskevopoulos | cparaskevopoulos@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Litigation, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution | Dimitris Roussis | droussis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Privatisations | Nikos Papachristopoulos | npapachristopoulos@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Privatisations | Dimitris Roussis | droussis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Privatisations | Yannis Seiradakis | yseiradakis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Project Development, Finance & PPPs | Panayotis Bernitsas | pbernitsas@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Project Development, Finance & PPPs | Yannis Seiradakis | yseiradakis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Public Procurement | Dimitris Roussis | droussis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Real Estate, Land Development & Hospitality | Panayotis Bernitsas | pbernitsas@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Real Estate, Land Development & Hospitality | Lambros Belessis | lbelessis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Tax | Panayotis Bernitsas | pbernitsas@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Tax | Fotodotis Malamas | fmalamas@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Telecommunications, Media & Technology | Lambros Belessis | lbelessis@bernitsaslaw.com | |
Telecommunications, Media & Technology | Tania Patsalia | tpatsalia@bernitsaslaw.com |
Meet The Team(s)
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Ms Chryssa Andresaki | Associate Chryssa advises on civil and commercial disputes and acts in litigation,… | View Profile | |
Ms Marina Androulakakis | Partner Marina is an expert in EU, competition and antitrust law. She… | View Profile | |
Mr Lambros Belessis | Partner Lambros is an expert in private sector mergers, acquisitions and corporate… | View Profile | |
Ms Maria Nefeli Bernitsa | Partner Maria Nefeli is specialised in financial services and ESG law, with… | View Profile | |
Mr Panayotis Bernitsas | Managing Partner Panayotis is the Managing Partner of the Firm and a… | View Profile | |
Ms Maria Cheimona | Associate Maria is an associate with the Firm which she joined in… | View Profile | |
Ms Angeliki Chlivinou | Associate Angeliki is an associate with the Firm which she joined in… | View Profile | |
Mr Yannis Chryssospathis | Partner Yannis has over 35 years of experience in advising on pharmaceutical… | View Profile | |
Ms Evi Diamantopoulou | Associate Evi is an associate with the Firm and a member of… | View Profile | |
Ms Vasiliki Fasfali | Associate Vasiliki is an associate with the Firm and a member of… | View Profile | |
Mr Antonis Fix | Associate Antonis is an associate with the Firm and part of the… | View Profile | |
Mr Odysseas Fokas | Associate Odysseas is an associate with the Firm and a member of… | View Profile | |
Ms Katerina Fotopoulou | Associate Katerina advises on energy and environment regulatory issues in the renewable… | View Profile | |
Ms Sildia Fotopoulou | Associate Sildia is an associate with the Firm which she joined in… | View Profile | |
Ms Anastasia Kaiara | Senior Associate Anastasia is a senior associate at the Firm which she… | View Profile | |
Ms Yolanda Kalogirou | Associate Yolanda is an associate with the Firm and a member of… | View Profile | |
Mr Pantazis Karamanolis | Of Counsel Pantazis is a senior practitioner with over 30 years of… | View Profile | |
Ms Manto Karamanou | Associate Manto is an associate with the Firm which she joined in… | View Profile | |
Ms Fotini Karra | Senior Associate Fotini is a senior associate with the Firm which she… | View Profile | |
Ms Konstantina Karveli | Associate Konstantina is an associate with the Firm which she joined in… | View Profile | |
Ms Afroditi Kazani | Associate Afroditi is an associate with the Firm and part of the… | View Profile | |
Ms Evi Kitsou | Partner Evi is a specialist in advising on corporate and commercial transactions,… | View Profile | |
Ms Maria Kloni | Counsel Maria is a counsel at the Firm which she joined in… | View Profile | |
Ms Pelina Leontiadou | Senior Associate Pelina is a senior associate with the Firm which she… | View Profile | |
Ms Mara Lissari | Senior Associate Mara is specialised in all aspects of administrative and public… | View Profile | |
Mr Fotodotis Malamas | Partner Fotodotis is an expert in advising businesses on tax efficient structures,… | View Profile | |
Ms Anastasia Mallerou | Counsel Anastasia is a leading banking and finance lawyer with over 20… | View Profile | |
Mr Evangelos Mamalakis | Counsel Evangelos is a counsel at the Firm which he joined in… | View Profile | |
Ms Lina Mastrogiannopoulou | Senior Associate Lina is a senior associate with the Firm and a… | View Profile | |
Ms Marialena Mavrikaki | Associate Marialena is an associate with the Firm and a member of… | View Profile | |
Ms Anna Meletiou | Associate Anna is an associate with the Firm and a member of… | View Profile | |
Ms Domna Mirasyesi | Partner Domna is a senior member of the Firm’s management team. Her… | View Profile | |
Ms Marina Myzithra | Associate Marina is an associate with the Firm and a member of… | View Profile | |
Ms Niki Nisotaki | Associate Niki is an associate with the Firm and a member of… | View Profile | |
Ms Martha Ntounou | Associate Martha is an associate with the Firm which she joined in… | View Profile | |
Mr Nikos Papachristopoulos | Partner Nikos is a leading practitioner in capital markets and corporate and… | View Profile | |
Ms Stella Papakosta | Senior Associate Stella is a senior associate at the Firm which she… | View Profile | |
Mr Christos Paraskevopoulos | Partner Christos is a leading litigator with an expertise in contractual, commercial,… | View Profile | |
Ms Tania Patsalia | Partner Tania is specialised in EU, competition and antitrust law, advising on… | View Profile | |
Ms Ioniki Poulaki | Associate Ioniki assists on compliance with antitrust and merger control issues, international… | View Profile | |
Mr Dimitris Roussis | Partner Dimitris has been with the Firm since 1997 and has vast… | View Profile | |
Mr Yannis Seiradakis | Partner Yannis has a wide-ranging transactional practice which encompasses significant experience in… | View Profile | |
Ms Maria Sofia Sfika | Senior Associate Maria is a senior associate with the Firm and a… | View Profile | |
Mr Marinos Shiapanis | Associate Marinos is an associate with the Firm and a member of… | View Profile | |
Ms Iris Sotiriou | Senior Associate Iris is a senior associate at the Firm which she… | View Profile | |
Ms Ioanna Stamou | Senior Associate Ioanna is a senior associate with the Firm and a… | View Profile | |
Ms Eleni Stazilova | Counsel Eleni is a counsel at the Firm which she joined in… | View Profile | |
Ms Athanasia Tsene | Partner Athanasia is a leading expert in banking & finance, with vast… | View Profile | |
Ms Linda Vasaka | Counsel Linda has been with the Firm since 1984. She is an… | View Profile | |
Ms Ria Venaki | Senior Associate Ria is a senior associate with the Firm which she… | View Profile | |
Ms Christina Zakopoulou | Senior Associate Christina is a senior associate at the Firm which she… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 50Languages
English French German Italian SpanishDiversity
At Bernitsas Law, we believe in providing proactive, innovative and socially conscious representation and that doing business responsibly matters and benefits our clients, our people, the legal industry and the community and markets in which we are active and to which we are accountable.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is part of our Responsible Business Strategy. Bernitsas Law promotes and applies the principles of non-discrimination, fairness and equal opportunities to the way it works and delivers its services, all aspects of its professional dealings and all its policies and procedures. This includes its relationships with clients, suppliers and third parties, the engagement of professional services and the instruction of experts. We are committed to ensuring that our workforce reflects and is representative of the community in which we are active, to offering all our people the same opportunities to achieve their full potential and to creating a healthy, cooperative and happy work environment based on diversity and inclusion.
We apply a non-discriminatory, equal opportunities policy to the recruitment, compensation, advancement and progression of all our lawyers and staff. This is based on merit, qualifications and abilities and is irrespective of race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, gender, disability, age, maternity and pregnancy, marital status, religion, belief and faith, sexual orientation or whether they are a permanent, temporary, part-time or fixed-term member of staff or lawyer. We wholly comply with the legislation and regulations in place governing employment and implement best practices.
International Capabilities
Bernitsas Law is a market leader in the provision of commercial law services in Greece and one of the largest firms in the country. We deliver an international level of service. A substantial part of the firm’s practice concentrates on complex cross-border transactions and disputes and we have enduring relationships with leading law firms all over the world across our areas of practice and act together with many of these firms regularly in providing a seamless and integrated international service to our clients.
Our geographical footprint extends beyond Greece to participation across our practice areas in major cross border finance, projects, real estate, joint venture, merger, acquisition and restructuring transactions throughout Europe, the United States and Asia.
The firm’s established international clients include banks, investment firms and other financial institutions, insurance companies, funds, multi-national corporations, global market leaders, small- to medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs from a range of industries, to whom we provide advisory, transactional and litigation services across our areas of expertise.
Over the last three decades, we have participated in the vast majority of significant deals to have taken place in terms of both complexity and value in Greece and have structured and executed numerous pioneering transactions, many of which involved international investors, sponsors and advisors.