Interview with…

Elena A. Konnari, Managing Director

Elena A. Konnari, Managing Director of ANDREAS KONNARIS LLC explains how the firm is adapting to clients’ changing needs   What do you see as the main points that differentiate ANDREAS KONNARIS LLC from your competitors? At ANDREAS KONNARIS LLC, what truly sets us apart is the personal approach and deep knowledge of each field that the firm specializes in. No client is just a number at our firm and each client, regardless of the value of the transaction or dispute, receives the same personal care, attention and professionalism many times exceeding further than what would have usually been anticipated. We’re not just transactional lawyers — we understand the importance of our clients’ needs, including how to protect and defend them if issues arise. Our clients value our strategic thinking and our ability to handle complex, high-value matters with speed, discretion, and commercial focus. Many of our clients stay with us long-term because they trust us to anticipate risks and to deal with issues that might arise efficiently.   Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that? We expect continued growth in real estate and construction law, particularly in areas like luxury residential developments, tourism infrastructure, and commercial property. Rising foreign investment, updated planning rules, and changes in property tax regimes are also creating more legal complexity — which is driving demand for risk management services provided by lawyers. The sunny living conditions and the Mediterranean hospitality of the locals as well as the appealing tax regimes for investors, make Cyprus an ideal location for persons who wish to relocate or expand the businesses in Europe. Clients’ need for a representation of a trust-worthy and reliable firm become essential when dealing with the requirements of Cyprus’ laws and procedures regarding the obtainment of permits for investors in Cyprus, who choose to invest in an ever-growing and fast developing country like Cyprus.   What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients? We have enhanced our internal systems to ensure faster communication and streamlined case handling. We’ve made a significant investment in aligning our firm with the ever changing and evolving Cyprus market. Clients now benefit from earlier risk analysis in transactional matters and more strategic handling of contentious issues.   Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them? Absolutely. We’ve adopted several digital tools to improve communication, document handling, and client transparency. Technology is helping us save our clients’ time and reduce transaction risk. Taking into consideration our international clientele ,where many of the firm’s clients are based abroad, technology allows us to keep our clients fully informed and involved without delays, while still delivering personalised service.   Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business? At ANDREAS KONNARIS LLC, we have assisted many clients in expanding their business activities both in Cyprus and internationally, adding significant value to their overall operations. By providing expert legal guidance on corporate structuring — including full business relocations to Cyprus — regulatory compliance, and cross-border transactions, our firm ensures a smooth and efficient entry into both the Cypriot and global markets. Our in-depth knowledge of local laws and investment incentives empowers our clients to establish a strong presence while minimizing legal and operational risks. These strategic expansions have not only widened our clients’ market reach but also enhanced their competitive edge on the international stage. Being proactive is at the core of our philosophy — we support our clients from the earliest stages of business ideation through to full implementation. Whether it’s entering into negotiations to avoid lengthy construction dispute litigation or advising on complex corporate matters, we are committed to turning vision into value. At ANDREAS KONNARIS LLC, we don’t just provide legal services — we act as long-term partners in our clients' growth journeys, helping them bring their ideas to life and achieve sustainable success.   Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time? In three years’ time, we see ANDREAS KONNARIS LLC expanding further into advisory and risk-prevention work — helping clients not just close deals or win cases, but structure their portfolios and operations to avoid legal exposure. More than ever, clients want firms who not only understand the law, but also their long-term business goals. Clients in Cyprus — especially international investors and developers — want a firm that offers clarity, local expertise, and long-term support.  Our aim is to be the first call for clients navigating both opportunity and challenge in an evolving legal and commercial landscape.
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