Lorena Charalambous, Partner
Partner Lorena Charalambous on cross-border work, technology and the firm’s strategic growth.
What do you see as the main points that differentiate Michael Kyprianou & CO LLC from your competitors?
One of the defining characteristics of the firm is its international footprint combined with strong local expertise. With offices in Cyprus, Greece, Germany, Malta, Israel, Poland, the UAE, Ukraine and the UK, we are uniquely positioned among Cyprus-based firms to support clients across multiple jurisdictions through a single integrated platform. This allows us to assist clients with cross-border matters in a way that is seamless and coordinated, rather than relying solely on external networks.
Another important differentiator is the depth of our team. As one of the largest law firms in Cyprus, we are able to field specialised teams across a wide range of practice areas while still maintaining a partner-led approach to client service. Clients work closely with senior lawyers who are actively involved in the delivery of advice and in guiding matters to completion. This ensures that our advice is both practical and tailored to the client’s specific circumstances.
Our work and the calibre of our lawyers have also been consistently recognised by international legal directories such as The Legal 500, where a number of our partners and associates are ranked as Leading Lawyers and Next Generation Partners. For us, these recognitions reflect not only technical excellence but also the trust our clients place in the firm over many years.
Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?
We expect continued growth in corporate, M&A and cross-border transactional work, particularly as Cyprus remains an important gateway for international investment and structuring within the EU. Our international presence also means that we are increasingly involved in matters that span multiple jurisdictions within our network.
The real estate and investment sector is also likely to remain active, driven by both international investors and regional developments.
At the same time, regulatory and compliance advisory work continues to grow in importance. The increasing complexity of EU regulatory frameworks, coupled with heightened scrutiny across financial services and corporate governance, means that businesses are seeking more strategic legal support in navigating these obligations.
Finally, in a more uncertain economic environment, we typically see an increase in dispute resolution work, as companies place greater emphasis on protecting their interests and managing contractual relationships carefully.
What's the main change you've made in the firm that will benefit clients?
One of the most significant developments within the firm has been the continued investment in our internal technology and operational infrastructure. We have a dedicated IT department that works closely with our lawyers and administrative teams to streamline internal processes and improve the way we manage matters and communicate with clients.
This has allowed us to simplify workflows, enhance document management systems and create more efficient internal coordination between our offices in different jurisdictions. The result for clients is a more responsive and streamlined experience, particularly on complex matters that require input from multiple practice areas or offices.
In parallel, we have continued to focus on building specialised teams across the firm, ensuring that clients have access to lawyers with deep expertise in their particular sector or legal issue, while still benefiting from the broader resources of a large international firm.
Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?
Technology is certainly reshaping the way legal services are delivered, particularly in terms of efficiency, communication and collaboration across jurisdictions. Given our presence in several countries, technology plays an important role in allowing our teams to work together seamlessly on cross-border matters. Our internal systems enable lawyers in different offices to collaborate in real time, which is particularly valuable in transactions that require coordinated advice across multiple legal frameworks.
We have embraced these digital tools that enhance efficiency while maintaining the high level of personal interaction that clients value. Because the essence of legal advice remains the same: thoughtful analysis, sound judgement and practical solutions. Technology supports that process, but it does not replace the human element that is central to trusted legal advice.
Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?
A good illustration would be our work advising international clients looking to establish or expand their presence within the EU through Cyprus. In such cases, our role often extends beyond the legal mechanics of setting up a structure or completing a transaction.
For example, in one recent matter we assisted a client in structuring their investment in a way that allowed them to operate efficiently across several jurisdictions. This involved coordinating advice from multiple offices within our network, anticipating regulatory considerations and designing a structure that would support the client’s long-term business objectives.
By taking a holistic approach that combines corporate, regulatory and cross-border expertise, we were able to create a framework that not only facilitated the immediate transaction but also positioned the client for future expansion.
Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms - where do you see the firm in three years’ time?
Clients increasingly look for advisers who offer both stability and a strategic perspective, particularly in a business environment that is becoming more complex and regulated.
Over the next three years, our priority will be to continue strengthening our position as a leading Cyprus law firm, further developing collaboration between our offices and investing in the next generation of lawyers within the firm.
We will also continue building on the strong reputation we have established in international legal directories such as Legal500, which reflects the quality of our work and the relationships we have developed with our clients.
Ultimately, our goal is to remain a firm that combines international reach with a highly personalised approach to client service, while continuing to evolve in response to the needs of the businesses we advise.
