Competition/European Law – Greece (Band 2)

What the team is known for

Dryllerakis Law Firm has a competition practice representing well-established domestic clients in proceedings before the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) and in appeals against HCC decisions. The department regularly acts for clients in behavioural investigations and market inquiries. The team also advises clients on state aid issues and is well equipped to assist with obtaining competition law clearance for proposed transactions.

Work Highlights

Dryllerakis Law Firm represented ELΑΙS-Unilever in an appeal against a fine imposed for alleged abuse of dominance.

Strengths

“The lawyers are very responsive and they make every effort to listen and act upon the client’s feedback.”

“ The law firm’s strong grasp of business practices allows it to tailor its advice to the specific needs of clients, so that the solutions are not only legally sound but also practical and actionable.”

“ The team takes an extremely systematic and pragmatic approach to all issues and is business oriented.”

“ The team analysed all the complex issues of the case, making them understandable in a simple manner and within a short period of time.”

“ The lawyers have gathered a great depth of knowledge of our business and commercial awareness to be able to provide us with advice on matters beyond the purely legal.”

Notable practitioners

John Dryllerakis is a highly respected and much sought-after authority on competition law. He regularly represents clients before Greek and European courts in unlawful state aid cases and appeals against HCC fines.

“John Dryllerakis has the ability and experience to come in at very particular points of the process and provide the skills across a number of areas to help the process go smoother.”

“He is a sophisticated leader.”

“His advice is always accurate, consistent, prompt and fast.”

“John Dryllerakis is a competition law guru.”

Cleomenis Yannikas regularly represents clients in investigations into anti-competitive behaviour before the HCC and in appeals against HCC decisions before the administrative courts. His broad expertise also covers merger control filings and competition compliance, including assisting with commercial agreement and distribution network issues.

“He has the ability to find solutions with great analytical and synthetic skills.”

“Cleomenis Yannikas is incredibly skilled in communication and conveying confidence. He is always available to explain, inform, analyse data and synthesise arguments and opinions.”

“He has vast experience in handling complex cases. What truly sets him apart is his in-depth understanding of the market and keen business acumen.”

“Cleomenis Yannikas has a lot of patience and he is always there for us.”

“He is always there to pick up the phone and get back to us.”

Emmanuel Dryllerakis‘ practice covers contentious and non-contentious mandates, including representing clients in behavioural investigations and appeals against HCC decisions in investigations, as well as advising on merger filings. He also assists clients with sector inquiries.

“Emmanuel Dryllerakis is very analytical and strategic in his thinking.”

“Emmanuel Dryllerakis has very good communication skills. He has good a focus on matters and gets the deal done quickly.”

Themelis Zamparas enters the rankings on the back of notable praise from referees. He is particularly adept in assisting clients with the competition law compliance aspects of distribution agreements.

“Themelis Zamparas is exceptionally collaborative, seamlessly integrating with our internal legal team and fostering open communication at every stage.”

“Themelis Zamparas stands out for his hands-on involvement and commitment to fully understanding our business context and commercial priorities, not just the legal framework.”

“His pragmatic and calm approach helps ensure the process remains efficient and constructive.”

“His responsiveness is truly remarkable, providing timely and insightful advice that keeps us well-informed and prepared. He provides comprehensive and effective legal support.”

Ranked Lawyers

John Dryllerakis: Senior Statespeople

Cleomenis Yannikas:  Band 2

Emmanuel Dryllerakis: Band 2

Themelis Zamparas: Up and Coming

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Corporate/Commercial – Greece (Band 2)

What the team is known for

Dryllerakis Law Firm is an Athens-based law firm that houses an excellent corporate department. The team offers particular expertise in handling M&A transactions, including the acquisition of energy and hospitality assets, spin-offs and large privatisations. Clients also benefit from the firm’s strengths in shareholder matters, due diligence and cooperation agreements, as well as joint venture set-ups. Its activity across the technology, real estate and energy sectors further illustrates the firm’s presence in the market and makes the firm particularly attractive to international clients.

Work Highlights

Dryllerakis Law Firm acted for Ingersoll Rand on its acquisition of Michos.

Strengths

“ The team stand out for their deep understanding of complex corporate structures and their ability to deliver highly tailored legal solutions that align with commercial goals

“ Dryllerakis are highly responsive and their services are of high quality.”

“ The team takes an extremely systematic and pragmatic approach to all issues.”

“Dryllerakis’s understanding of the client’s business was good and the advice we received was commercially focused.”

“The team are technically excellent, with a strong work and service ethic and an emphasis on quality and accuracy.”

Notable practitioners

John Dryllerakis is highly regarded for the breadth of his expertise in corporate and commercial law mandates across Greece.

“John Dryllerakis’s experience is unprecedented and he always find a way out of any problem.”

“John Dryllerakis is always accurate, consistent, prompt and fast.”

Cleomenis Yannikas is regularly involved in large privatisations and M&A transactions, especially in relation to the hospitality sector, with further expertise in investments and spin-offs.

“Cleomenis is great to work with and knows how to manage complex matters and push them forward.”

“Cleomenis has really deep knowledge of Greek corporate and company law and is always able to provide sage solutions in sophisticated transactions.”

“Cleomenis stands out for his exceptional legal insight, precision and strategic thinking. He combines deep technical expertise with a commercial mindset.”

“Cleomenis is a pleasure to work with. He is thoughtful, precise and commercial.”

Emmanuel Dryllerakis advises on a variety of corporate and commercial transactions across Greece and other jurisdictions, including the acquisition of energy assets and the establishment of joint ventures.

“Emmanuel has vast experience, is practical and has a good business perspective.”

“Emmanuel Dryllerakis is very analytical and strategic in his thinking.”

“Emmanuel’s participation in a transaction always makes the difference. He provides clarity and sophistication to the most complex matters.”

Leonidas Kastrinakis is active in corporate and commercial law, advising clients on M&A transactions and complex commercial disputes.

“Leonidas is dedicated, technically excellent and hard-working. He is a star of the future.”

Ranked Lawyers

John Dryllerakis: Senior Statespeople

Cleomenis Yannikas:  Band 2

Emmanuel Dryllerakis: Band 2

Leonidas Kastrinakis: Associates to watch

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Dispute Resolution – Greece (Band 1)

What the team is known for

Dryllerakis Law Firm is a market-leading firm that handles both litigation and arbitration work. The law firm advises on diverse commercial proceedings, with notable experience in disputes over the termination of distribution and agency agreements, as well as contract breaches, damages and shareholder disputes. The firm’s senior partners act either as arbitrators or as counsel in domestic and international arbitration. The team further advises on complaints to the Greek competition authority and handles contentious tax mandates and white-collar crime cases flowing from allegations of fraud or embezzlement.

Work Highlights

Dryllerakis Law Firm represented Unilever in the defence of claims for compensation on the grounds of non-causal termination of a distribution agreement.

Strengths

“The firm’s involvement consistently provides confidence that our position is in the most capable hands.”

“Dryllerakis has excellent command of the subtleties of procedural law and exemplary team-building skills.”

“The team takes a clear and well-reasoned stance on matters, which helps guide decision-making.”

“Dryllerakis Law Firm provides clients with very good knowledge and expertise, quick responses and an awareness of the business environment.”

Notable practitioners

Senior lawyer John Dryllerakis boasts outstanding experience in commercial and administrative litigation. He is also frequently appointed as arbitrator.

“John is a very experienced, clever and well-respected lawyer.”

“He combines more than five decades of high-level advisory services with the unique flair of a litigator. His in-depth legal knowledge is paired with unparalleled business acumen.”

Panagiotis Kakaletris assists with disputes arising from the non-performance of contracts and the termination of other commercial agreements, as well as the violation of IP rights and shareholder disputes.

“Panagiotis is proactive, understands commercially sensitive issues and his advice is clear and persuasive.”

“Panagiotis stands out for his ability to anticipate issues before they arise, and his clarity, commercial instinct and ability to break down complex matters.”

“Panagiotis provides outstanding service, is highly responsive and offers feedback that is clear and to the point. His practical approach and strategic oversight make him a trusted adviser.”

Vassilis Constantinidis offers advice on diverse issues including those linked to commercial disputes, competition law breaches and employment litigation.

“Vassilis is an excellent litigator with good knowledge and an understanding of his clients’ businesses.”

Ranked Lawyers

John Dryllerakis: Senior Statespeople

Panagiotis Kakaletris: Band 3

Vassilis Constantinidis: Band 3

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Employment – Greece (Band 3)

What the team is known for

Dryllerakis Law Firm maintains a noteworthy employment team that frequently acts alongside international law firms in the capacity of Greek local counsel. It provides guidance on the drafting of employment contracts and policies, including with regard to outsourcing and flexible working arrangements as well as the hiring of foreign nationals. The firm also assists with the termination of employment and the signing of labour agreements.

Work highlights

Dryllerakis Law Firm provided advice to Henkel Hellas in connection to the relocation of executives and on the updating of existing corporate policies.

Strengths

“Dryllerakis Law Firm provide clear, actionable advice rather than theoretical guidance, which helps us make confident decisions quickly.”

“The department distinguishes itself through its deep expertise, responsiveness and pragmatic approach to legal support”

Notable practitioners

Vassilis Constantinidis is well known and respected for his skills as a general commercial litigator, which he also deploys to great effect in employment disputes. He provides further counsel on non-contentious employment matters, including those relating to the implementation of collective agreements.

“Vassilis Constantinidis is also an expert in employment matters and has very good negotiation skills.”

Ranked Lawyers

Vassilis Constantinidis: Band 3

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Energy – Greece (Band 4)

What the team is known for

Dryllerakis Law Firm is an established law firm that handles a broad range of mandates in the energy sector and has a particular expertise in renewable energy matters. The team has significant experience in providing regulatory advice, as well as assisting with due diligence and M&A transactions. The department frequently assists clients with complex photovoltaic development projects.

Strengths

“ The team at Dryllerakis possess a well-known understanding of legislation concerning civil law and large experience in dealing with difficulties in the energy sector.”

“The team’s strength lies in its interdisciplinary approach, collaborating closely with competition, corporate, public law and finance teams to provide holistic and commercially focused solutions.”

Notable practitioners

Anna Ntionia advises clients on regulatory frameworks pertaining to energy and environmental law. She offers additional expertise in renewables.

“Anna Ntionia is truly an outstanding example of what a good lawyer is supposed to be. She stands out for her expertise, directness, speed and responsibility in dealing with each case.”

“Anna is very deep in the details and works very hard to give the perfect result. Her advice is very good and very analytic.”

Ranked Lawyers

Anna Ntionia: Up and Coming

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Tax – Greece (Band 2) / Πέρυσι Band 2

What the team is known for

Dryllerakis & Associates has a long-established department that is widely respected for its prowess in contentious tax proceedings, frequently litigating before the administrative courts. The law firm offers comprehensive advice on the full gamut of cases relating to real estate tax, VAT, stamp duty issues and general tax compliance. The team also assists with matters relating to corporate income tax.

Strengths

“What truly differentiates the team is its ability to translate highly technical legal and economic concepts into practical, results-oriented strategies that align with the client’s business objectives.”

“Their hands-on involvement throughout all stages of a dispute sets them apart. They provide comprehensive support, anticipating potential challenges and adapting the strategy as the matter evolves.”

Notable practitioners

John Dryllerakis leads the firm’s tax practice. He is a highly respected and much sought-after authority on tax law matters. He stands out for his unrivalled experience in litigation proceedings.

“John Dryllerakis creates and provides legal solutions where there are grey areas in legislation.

Eleftherios Rantos is a highly regarded lawyer who is active in both contentious and non-contentious cases relating to corporate income tax.

“His vision goes beyond legal tax compliance; he contributes to structuring solutions that support the client’s broader strategic goals, especially in high-value transactions and restructurings.”

“Eleftherios Rantos is an excellent partner with a strong sense of responsibility.”

Nikolaia-Anna Lepida has particular experience in contentious tax mandates, handling matters such as VAT and income tax, as well as indirect taxation issues.

“Nikolaia-Anna Lepida shows business acumen and a depth of understanding our business needs.”

“Νikolaia-Anna Lepida is proactive in anticipating challenges and ensures that all stakeholders are fully informed at every stage of a matter. Her approach is highly collaborative and client focused.”

John Papadakis is recognised for his involvement in contentious tax cases, including stamp duty and VAT matters, as well as his assistance on non-contentious tax audits.

“He understands the broader business and operational context and tailors his advice accordingly, ensuring that it is not only legally sound but also aligned with long-term strategic goals.”

“Papadakis’ responsiveness and personal commitment are remarkable; he anticipates potential risks, identifies opportunities and guides us through every stage of the process with clarity and confidence.”

Ranked Lawyers

John Dryllerakis: Senior Statespeople

Eleftherios Rantos: Band 3

Nikolaia-Anna Lepida: Band 3

John Papadakis: Up and Coming