Competition/European Law
Dryllerakis Law Firm (Band 1)

THE FIRM This full-service firm has a reputation for handling complex competition files, with a large team devoted to this area. The group is highlighted for its experience in handling compliance programmes, with anti-competitive behaviour and abuse of dominance cases being other focus areas. Highlights include successfully advising a major aquaculture company on an alleged cartel accusation, and defending the Greek Flour Mills Association and leading Greek player Loulis Mills against an allegation of violating the competition legislation because of a price readjustment agreement.

Sources say: “We feel the team at Dryllerakis has outstanding skills and abilities; it provides immediate responses and is able to deliver in tight time limits.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees highlight the commercial and academic career of John Dryllerakis, with one impressed client saying he is “an outstanding lawyer with profound knowledge of theoretical and practical issues.” Clients and peers commend Emmanuel Dryllerakis for his commercial knowledge, adding that he is “quick on the uptake, utterly reliable, proactive and creative.”

Corporate/Commercial
Dryllerakis Law Firm (Band 1)

THE FIRM This full-service firm enjoys a great reputation for corporate and commercial work. Despite a death of M&A deals in Greece generally, the team has been busy advising on complex regulatory and corporate governance issues. Key highlights include the establishment of an affiliate company in Greece for the Gucci group, and the setting up of several joint ventures in Greece and South Eastern Europe. The firm has also been active on several corporate restructurings, acting for both the Technical Olympic and Porto Carras groups.

Sources say: “The firm has a great range of matters that it can handle and it is experienced in a variety of areas.” “Clients are very loyal to the firm as it delivers results.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS The team is led by the vastly experienced John Dryllerakis, who is an expert adviser in corporate, competition and tax law. Clients and peers place him at the very top of the legal profession, stating that “he has an amazing knowledge of the field, he is very intelligent, and when you ask him for a solution he will always find one for you.” Other key members of the team include Emmanuel Dryllerakis who is seen as a strong up-and-comer in the Greek legal market. Observers point out that “he is prepared, efficient and quick, and this is why I really enjoy working with him.” He advised paint producer Vernilac on the set-up of a joint venture in Albania. Although better known for her litigation and arbitration work, Sophia Grigoriadou is a respected figure on the corporate scene, and advises several major clients on regulatory compliance issues. Associate-to-watch Kleomenis Yannikas has caught the attention of several observers who say that “he is a brilliant young guy, a very intensive worker. He explores all the issues before he gives you an answer.”

Dispute Resolution
Dryllerakis Law Firm (Band 1)

THE FIRM Dryllerakis & Associates remains a dispute resolution stronghold in the Greek market, serving local and international clients on civil, commercial and fiscal disputes. The team’s extensive courtroom experience makes it one of the top choices for both litigation and arbitration. Notable mandates of late include successfully representing an international fund in a shareholder dispute resolved through a combination of litigation and arbitration procedures, and acting for Minoan Shipping on the enforcement of claims against a broker. Other clients include Regency Entertainment, Siemens, Vectis Capital and AXIOMA.

Sources say: “The team has an absolute client focus. It provides immediate responses, always delivers on time, and takes proactive initiatives. It can efficiently deal with both simple and complex matters.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Dryllerakis is a prominent figure in the field, who peers say is “an outstanding lawyer with a profound knowledge of the theoretical and practical issues.” Commentators highlight his commercial focus and experience, especially in arbitration cases. He was recently appointed as an arbitrator by the ICC, on an arbitration involving an international telephone manufacturing company. John Damilakis recently represented an international retailer in a multi-level dispute with a local licensee, and is generally described by peers as a solid name in litigation.

Employment
Dryllerakis Law Firm (Band 3)

THE FIRM This full-service firm offers a broad range of specialisations to clients, with a six-strong team that is noted for its flexibility. In line with market trends the firm has undertaken a significant amount of restructurings, in both the private and public sectors. The team collaborates closely with major US and magic circle firms on employment matters, as well as for other practices. Recent highlights include advising Grant Thornton on all employment issues regarding the restructuring of Athens public transport, and representing OADYK (Western Crete Development Organization) in a dispute to renew the fixed term employment contracts of its personnel.

Sources say: “The qualities of the firm may be summarised in its prompt response, diligence, experience and deep knowledge of corporate/commercial law.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sophia Grigoriadou divides her time between tax and employment matters, and recently assisted a top global firm on employment matters for a wide array of international clients. Litigation and employment law specialist Vassilis-Thomas Karantounias impresses clients with his experience and proactive attitude. “He shows a great amount of experience, and is very productive and informative,” according to one impressed source.

Real Estate
Dryllerakis Law Firm (Band 2)

THE FIRM This full-service firm’s respected real estate practice is commended for its transactional skills. The team has seen an increase in public tenders for the lease or transfer of state-owned property, and continues to advise major retailers on lease and commercial co-operation agreements. The team recently assisted Minoan Group on the planning of a EUR1.2 billion foreign direct investment project. Other important names in the client portfolio include H&M, Promod and Blanco Group.

Sources say: “A serious and respected firm; an expert in the field.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Voula Anargyrou is widely admired for her vast experience in real estate matters, with peers describing her as “one of the best.” Recently, she has been working on large real estate due diligence for a financial institution.

Restructuring/Insolvency
Dryllerakis Law Firm (Band 3)

THE FIRM The excellent corporate team at this full-service firm handles a broad range of corporate and financial restructuring and insolvency files. In the private sector the team focuses on acting on the creditor side. It also advises public bodies that are undergoing a restructuring process. A key mandate saw it advise the Greek State on the restructuring of the Athens Urban Transport Organisation and its subsidiaries.

Sources say: “This down-to-earth group of experts really cares about the client.” “Being always available when we need it is the most important asset.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Seen as a  “well-rounded commercial lawyer,”  John Dryllerakis impresses peers and clients alike with his  “skills and willingness to always help facilitate our work.”

Tax
Dryllerakis Law Firm (Band 2)

THE FIRM This reputable corporate firm is particularly active on contentious tax matters. In addition, its deep accounting law knowledge enables it to provide a top-class service to an impressive client roster. One of the practice’s recent highlights was assisting Wind Hellas with a tax audit and negotiations. Other clients include Larco, Henkel and Siemens.

Sources say: “It is very strong from a technical point of view, and very thorough in due diligence and documentation.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner John Dryllerakis is regarded as an “exceptional” corporate and tax expert by sources.