Michael Damianos & Co LLC > Nicosia, Cyprus > Firm Profile
Michael Damianos & Co LLC Offices
4TH FLOOR, 2 DRAMAS ST.
NICOSIA 1077
Cyprus
Michael Damianos & Co LLC > The Legal 500 Rankings
Cyprus > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3
Michael Damianos & Co LLC has an ‘experienced team that offers clear and pragmatic advice’. It frequently plays a pivotal role in cross-border and local mergers and acquisitions, as well as more general matters, such as drafting commercial agreements (including agency and distribution agreements). The ‘extremely capable’ Michael Damianos, who is praised for his ‘hands on’ approach, leads the practice.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Michael Damianos has excellent knowledge of the legislation and court practice, which allowed him to find creative solutions in several complicated situations.’
‘Michael Damianos is excellent. He delivers what I want: competence, availability and results – cost effectively.’
‘Michael Damianos’s corporate/M&A practice is truly outstanding in the Cypriot legal market. I have not found better Cypriot lawyers able and willing to go the extra mile with each and every task. They are commercial, pragmatic and extremely quick in responding – which is much needed when working on complex and high-profile matters. I have instructed them on all of my deals requiring Cyprus law support, and will continue to do so.’
‘Michael Damianos is a legendary figure on the Cyprus legal market. His responsiveness level is outstanding, his attention to detail (despite handling multiple projects in many different jurisdictions) is impressive, and the level of service is top notch. I have been working with Michael for many years, I have recommended Michael to all my fellow partners within the firm, and will continue to do so. When I require any support with Cyprus matters, Michael Damianos is my top choice without any hesitation.‘
‘The team is always available and ready to help, however short notice you may have. This is greatly appreciated, especially in the context of dynamic M&A type of work. Michael is a super star Cyprus lawyer, which has been a well-known and professional practitioner for years. I would particularly highlight his commercial and pragmatic approach towards tackling various legal issues, coupled with amazing responsiveness – which makes him stand out on the market. Also, Maria Anastasiadou is an associate to be mentioned – she is quick and quickly grasps your questions, followed by practical advice.’
‘Dedicated, efficient and provides practical solutions. To the point and forward thinking approach.’
‘Michael Damianos is my go-to contact for any Cyprus law matters. He is extremely capable and demonstrates a hands-on approach. Michael is always available and pushes himself and his team to meet the most challenging deadlines.’
‘Damiano’s team is always willing to serve our needs and is always available anytime that we need them. It is an experienced team. High quality of services provided with reasonable fees. Our major collaboration is with Michael in person and some other colleagues depending on the assignment.(C. Aloupa and C. Charalambidou). We highly recommend each one of the team above.’
Key clients
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
CMS Cameron McKenna
Bird & Bird LLP
Linklaters LLP
Dentons
Watson Farley & Williams
Asters Law Firm (Ukraine)
Hogan Lovells LLP
Simmons & Simmons LLP
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Cyprus > Banking and finance Tier 4
Michael Damianos & Co LLC advises on a broad range of matters, such as asset finance, debt restructuring, real estate finance, acquisition finance and corporate finance transactions. The practice is regularly called upon to advise on the Cypriot law elements of international transactions and receives a steady flow of referrals from major international law firms. Michael Damianos leads the team.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I am old fashioned. I look for competence, availability and results – all for a sensible price. This firm delivers that.’
‘Michael Damianos is excellent. He delivers what I want: competence, availability and results – cost effectively.’
‘The team is very flexible and ready to find unique solutions. Very responsive.’
‘Michael Damianos is very experienced and was able to address most of the many queries arising during the transaction on the spot or shortly thereafter.’
‘The team is always available and ready to help, however short notice you may have.’
‘Michael is a star Cyprus lawyer, who has been a well-known and professional practitioner for years. I would particularly highlight his commercial and pragmatic approach towards tackling various legal issues, coupled with his amazing responsiveness, which makes him stand out in the market. Also, Maria Anastasiadou is an associate to be mentioned; she is smart and quickly grasps your questions, and delivers practical advice.’
‘Lawyers are practical, to the point and dedicated to achieving the corporate goal of transaction.’
‘Michael Damianos is dedicated to the matter, responsive and forward thinking.’
Key clients
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
CMS Cameron McKenna
Bird & Bird LLP
Linklaters LLP
Dentons
Watson Farley & Williams
Asters Law Firm (Ukraine)
Hogan Lovells LLP
Simmons & Simmons LLP
Resolute Asset Management LLP
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Rybalkin, Gortsunyan & Partners
Maples Teesdale LLP
Michael Damianos & Co LLC > Firm Profile
The firm: Michael Damianos & Co LLC is a Cyprus law firm based in Nicosia. The firm’s founder is a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales and a member of the Cyprus Bar Association. He is a graduate of the University of Southampton with the degree of Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with First Class Honours and a graduate of Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge with a degree of Master of Law (LLM). Before practising in Cyprus he qualified as a solicitor at the London office of Simmons & Simmons and then moved to the London office of Lovells LLP (now Hogan Lovells), where he was mainly involved in mergers and acquisitions (general), energy-related mergers and acquisitions and energy-related commercial and regulatory work.
The firm has grown in size considerably since its formation in 2010. It now employs six lawyers and four paralegals.
The firm’s objective and commitment is to provide best-quality, practical and cost-effective advice/services to its clients and to rapidly respond to their instructions and needs. It has an expanding client base ranging from financial institutions, to high-net-worth individuals, a variety of corporate entities and multinational organisations (private/public company and funds), but despite the diversity of its clients, it recognises that each client is unique with particular business concerns and needs and, therefore, it exercises a personal commitment to all of its clients.
Areas of practice: The firm’s practice is highly international with a strong commercial, corporate, M&A, banking and finance, and energy focus. Although a full-service Cyprus law firm, our main areas of practice are: (a) banking and finance (such as asset finance, refinancing and debt restructuring, real estate financing, acquisition financing and corporate financing), (b) international and local mergers and acquisitions, (c) corporate (such as joint ventures, takeovers and restructurings), (d) private equity, (e) energy related projects (including the drafting of acquisition documents and commercial agreements), (f) general commercial work (such as preparing all types of commercial contracts, such as agency, distribution, franchising, supply of goods/services, outsourcing, manufacturing and licensing contracts), (g) real estate (including advice and negotiation on the terms of sale-purchase agreements and drafting of lease agreements), (h) shipping, and (i) privacy and data protection.
The majority of the firm’s work comes from referrals from international law firms in relation to the Cypriot element of international transactions that are usually run by overseas counsel, or by clients of such international law firms in relation to transactions that the firm will run itself for them directly from Cyprus. The firm, therefore, specialises in this type of transactions. Local corporate and banking work comes from Cypriot groups of companies (in various sectors) in relation to their legal work in Cyprus (and sometimes abroad) and also with respect to their advisory role with Cypriot banks as outsourced consultants.
In addition to the firm’s purely legal work, it also practises in the area of company formation and administration/corporate services. The firm incorporates Cyprus companies (along with companies in various other jurisdictions, mainly offshore) to suit its clients’ needs and provides a complete range of fiduciary/corporate services to such companies (such as the provision of company secretarial services, registered office address, company directors, company nominee shareholders and bank account opening). The firm is also able to assist its clients to establish representative offices in Cyprus and, through its associated companies, provide them with all relevant services for such purpose.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and finance | Michael Damianos | michael@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Banking and finance | Maria Anastasiadou | manastasiadou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Corporate and M&A | Michael Damianos | michael@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Corporate and M&A | Maria Anastasiadou | manastasiadou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Corporate and M&A | Christina Charalambidou | ccharalambidou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Corporate and M&A | Andrea Petridou | apetridou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| EU and competition | Maria Anastasiadou | manastasiadou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| EU and competition | Andrea Petridou | apetridou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| IP & Data protection | Christina Aloupa | caloupa@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| IP & Data protection | Christina Charalambidou | ccharalambidou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| IP & Data protection | Evelyn Ioannou | eioannou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Real estate | Michael Damianos | michael@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Real estate | Christina Aloupa | caloupa@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Real estate | Evelyn Ioannou | eioannou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Real estate | Christina Charalambidou | ccharalambidou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Capital markets | Michael Damianos | michael@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Capital markets | Maria Anastasiadou | manastasiadou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Capital markets | Christina Aloupa | caloupa@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Commercial | Christina Aloupa | caloupa@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Commercial | Evelyn Ioannou | eioannou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Immigration | Christina Aloupa | caloupa@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Immigration | Evelyn Ioannou | eioannou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Immigration | Andrea Petridou | apetridou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Cyprus International Trusts | Michael Damianos | michael@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Cyprus International Trusts | Christina Aloupa | caloupa@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Cyprus International Trusts | Evelyn Ioannou | eioannou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Dispute resolution | Michael Damianos | michael@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Dispute resolution | Christina Aloupa | caloupa@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Employment | Christina Aloupa | caloupa@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Employment | Evelyn Ioannou | eioannou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Employment | Christina Charalambidou | ccharalambidou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Employment | Andrea Petridou | apetridou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Private client | Michael Damianos | michael@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Private client | Christina Aloupa | caloupa@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Shipping | Michael Damianos | michael@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Shipping | Maria Anastasiadou | manastasiadou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Shipping | Andrea Petridou | apetridou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Energy | Michael Damianos | michael@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Energy | Christina Aloupa | caloupa@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Energy | Christina Charalambidou | ccharalambidou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Energy | Andrea Petridou | apetridou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Insolvency | Michael Damianos | michael@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Insolvency | Maria Anastasiadou | manastasiadou@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
| Insolvency | Christina Aloupa | caloupa@damianoslaw.com | +357 22021212 |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Ms Christina Aloupa | Christina Aloupa is an associate at Michael Damianos & Co LLC. Her… | View Profile |
 | Ms Maria Anastasiadou | Μaria Anastasiadou is a senior associate at Michael Damianos & Co LLC. Her… | View Profile |
 | Ms Christina Charalambidou | Christina Charalambidou is an associate at Michael Damianos & Co LLC. Her… | View Profile |
 | Mr Michael Damianos | Michael Damianos is the founder and managing partner of Michael Damianos &… | View Profile |
 | Ms Evelyn Ioannou | Evelyn Ioannou is an associate at Michael Damianos & Co LLC. Her… | View Profile |
 | Ms Andrea Petridou | Andrea is an associate at Michael Damianos & Co LLC. Her practice… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Lawyers : 6 Paralegals : 4Languages
English GreekMemberships
Cyprus Bar Association Nextlaw Global Referral NetworkDiversity
Michael Damianos & Co LLC is committed in promoting diversity and inclusion and for this purpose it provides equal opportunities to individuals of all genders, different age groups, and from different cultures. In particular, the firm employs individuals from different age groups ranging from 25 to 60 years old as well as individuals from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds.
The firm is also committed in providing a supportive work environment where employees feel inclusive, confident, and listened to and for this purpose the firm communicates goals with each employee and holds productive meetings where employees discuss with the management of the firm the firm’s various affairs and share their opinion on various matters.
The firm further promotes healthy work-life balance since it allows for flexible working hours, the employees’ ability to work remotely, and the grant of annual leave on short notice.
Recently, the firm has been more gender-balanced, noting that we have always had a higher number of female lawyers and employees. The firm has also incorporated the English language in its daily communication between its employees so that non-Greek native speakers are able to communicate with all members and employees of the firm equally and efficiently. In addition, the firm is, for the first time since its establishment in 2010, engaging Erasmus students from the University of Cyprus, from various ethnic backgrounds, to complete internships at the firm’s corporate and commercial department as part of their academic qualification in the Erasmus program.
International Capabilities
MICHAEL DAMIANOS & CO LLC – GLOBALLY MINDED
The Firm
Michael Damianos & Co LLC is a globally minded Cyprus law firm based in Nicosia with a team of highly professional, experienced, and dedicated legal professionals (some of whom are dually qualified in Cyprus and England & Wales). Although not having a physical presence out of Cyprus for the time being, the firm’s international presence is high since over 90% of the work that the firm undertakes is international.
The firm is also currently proceeding with an expansion of the regions that it is active in.
The firm’s practice is highly international due to the advisory work undertaken for a plethora of international clients in various industry sectors such IT & telecoms, energy, oil & gas, mining, real estate, construction, retail, entertainment and general hospitality, pharmaceuticals, shipping/leasing, fintech, prop-tech and general ecommerce.
The firm is best known for its ability to provide practical and clear legal advice on transactional and general commercial work. It is very well known for its responsiveness to clients’ request and for its general availability to close a deal when needed to.
The Clients
Michael Damianos & Co LLC takes pride in the team’s ability to provide concise, direct, and commercially practical solutions to its clients at all times and to effectively and rapidly respond to clients’ requests and needs. The firm’s mission is to provide exceptionally high quality and cost-effective advice and services to its clients. The firm is working with a diverse range of international clients including, between others:
- Some of the banks in the world;
- International law firms, such as Hogan Lovells, CMS, Dentons (and now through Dentons Nextlaw network that the firm is a member of), Linklaters, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and Bird & Bird;
- Europe’s biggest online food delivery company;
- A gold mining company with activities in various countries around the world;
- Various international investment companies;
- Global information technology corporations; and
- A sustainable energy service provider based in the UAE.
The Network
Michael Damianos & Co LLC is a member of various international networks and alliances and, therefore, has access to an extensive global network of legal, accounting and consulting firms and businesses. Through its network, the firm is able to assist its clients with their international needs via working with all type of business professionals in and out of Cyprus.
Interviews
Michael Damianos, Managing Partner
Michael Damianos, founder and managing partner of Michael Damianos & Co LLC, explains how the firm is adapting to clients’ changing needs.What do you see as the main points that differentiate Michael Damianos & Co LLC from your competitors?
We are an internationally minded law firm and the majority of the work that we do is international, being instructed by international law firms, financial institutions or other international organisations that do work in or via Cyprus.
The firm provides practical, commercial and non-academic advice which tends to be to the point. As the firm’s founder and managing partner is an English qualified solicitor and has spent time in the City of London with two international law firms, the firm has been set up and grown to satisfy the needs of instructing counsel, such as to be responsive and to make instructing counsel feel that the firm is their own office presence in Cyprus (just like having an office in another part of the world).
Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?
We see growth in demand mainly in international acquisitions work in the technology and life science sectors. Having said that, we also see a lot of demand in foreign corporations setting up offices or even moving their headquarters in Cyprus, which is something that provides growth for real estate, commercial, employment law and immigration work.
What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?
As the firm has grown over the years, it has been spilt into different departments such as transactional department (dealing mostly in corporate and finance work), the advisory department (dealing with all types of commercial and related business work), the corporate services and the immigration departments.
This is very beneficial and important for clients who different needs and need to be serviced via different departments and not merely by specific lawyers on all matters.
Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?
Technology has, especially during recent years, facilitated to a great extent our way of interacting with our clients. Meetings are now taking place online through various channels and this provides value to the client, in terms of not losing time in going back and forth in physical meetings unless this is essential.
Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?
We have recently acted for a prop-tech start-up company. The start-up was founded and is being managed by an experienced team of real estate and technology professionals, but with no experience in corporate and contract related matters or matters concerning start-up business capabilities. We assisted with the legal and commercial aspects of pulling of investors in the said start-up, which resulted in having a successful Cypriot prop-tech start-up with multiple investors (which is uncommon).
Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?
We see the firm expanding in the services it provides, in the regions that it is active in, and growing in numbers of employees, clients and of course revenue and profits.
- Commercial, corporate and M&A