Team size: 102

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

During my tenure as Chief Legal Counsel of the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund — responsible for managing a €52bn envelope for the restructuring of the Greek banking sector — I had the privilege of being involved in a number of unique and high-stakes legal experiences.

I played an integral role in negotiations with international creditors concerning the legal terms of the three rounds of recapitalisation of the Greek systemic banks under the Economic Adjustment Programmes. These were complex, multi-layered negotiations, carried out under intense pressure and within strict time constraints, with significant legal, financial, and geopolitical implications.

The position required the rigorous application of legal expertise, crisis management capabilities, and a well-calibrated combination of commercial acumen and political sensitivity.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

The key role of a modern in-house counsel is to understand and align with the company’s business needs and strategic objectives, acting not merely as a legal advisor but as a trusted business partner who proactively manages legal risk.

This requires a deep understanding of the business, a strategic mindset, and a pragmatic, problem-solving approach. The ability to provide clear, timely advice — and to communicate complex legal concepts in plain, accessible language — is essential to ensure legal input is both understood and actionable.

Strong organisational and project management skills are also vital, particularly when coordinating multi-disciplinary legal teams or managing complex transactions across jurisdictions. Ultimately, the modern in-house counsel must be agile, commercially aware, and able to balance legal integrity with business practicality.