Competition/European Law: Greece (Band 1)
What the team is known for Top-tier competition practice representing both international and domestic clients in proceedings before the Hellenic Competition Commission. Regularly acts for clients on investigations, cartel cases and abuse of dominance matters. Additionally reputed for handling state aid issues. Also assists clients with merger control mandates and antitrust compliance programmes.
Strengths An impressed source lauds Dryllerakis & Associates as "exceptional" and "fantastic in competition law - the top firm in Greece." This interviewee goes on to highlight the lawyers' strong communication skills and responsiveness.
Another client enthuses that the practitioners "have an excellent and deep knowledge of competition matters," and appreciates the team's attentive service.
Work highlights Represented Orion in a cartel case against 13 undertakings in relation to the alleged bid rigging of a tender.
Notable practitioners
Outstanding practitioner John Dryllerakis receives plaudits for his experience and expertise. One interviewee states: "He has the broadest spectrum of competition knowledge, both in an academic and a practical sense. He always finds solutions and has a unique approach to arguments and clients." He is well versed in a range of topics including merger clearance, abuse of dominance and state aid mandates.
According to interviewees, Emmanuel Dryllerakis "is very practical, always understands the client's point of view and will find a solution tailored to their needs." He frequently advises on investigations relating to abuse of dominant position and cartel cases.
Cleomenis Yannikas has extensive experience in antitrust matters, particularly abuse of dominance and cartel cases. One interviewee praises his "deep knowledge" in the competition space and describes him as "diligent and detail-focused.
Corporate/Commercial: Greece (Band 2)
What the team is known for Popular with clients from the real estate, hospitality and energy sectors. Acts for buyers and sellers on M&A transactions, both at a domestic and international level. Assists with due diligence, shareholder matters, joint ventures, company structures and corporate governance. Clients benefit from the firm's close collaboration with its strong competition department. Also advises on commercial topics such as franchise and distribution agreements.
Strengths One client enthuses that the lawyers are "very knowledgeable" and "the service is really excellent."
Another source appreciates that "they are quick and respond promptly." This interviewee goes on to praise the group's full-service offering, with "very proactive" specialists who "collaborate so that we get complete legal advice."
Work highlights Assisted the consortium of Deutsche Investment Equity Partners, Terminal Link and Belterra with its successful bid for the privatisation of Thessaloniki Port Authority.
Notable practitioners
Clients describe John Dryllerakis as "a very well-respected figure with a rare knowledge and unique experience of the Greek market." He receives numerous plaudits for his long-standing expertise and commercially-oriented approach. He advises large corporates and business owners on transactions and commercial mandates.
Emmanuel Dryllerakis moves up the rankings to the second tier following impressive market endorsements. One client says: "He is hard-working, business-oriented and offers practical solutions to complex legal matters." He has a broad corporate and transactional practice encompassing privatisations, commercial agreements and restructurings.
Cleomenis Yannikas assists with a variety of transactions, joint ventures and commercial partnerships. He advised SoftOne Technologies on the tender process to acquire 93% of Unisoft Hellas. One client describes him as "absolutely excellent" and particularly appreciates his approach to negotiations which "helps the whole process go as smoothly as possible."
Dispute Resolution: Greece (Band 1)
What the team is known for Market-leading firm handling both litigation and arbitration work. Has capabilities in diverse areas of civil and commercial litigation, with particular strength in contentious tax and competition matters. Senior partners act as arbitrators as well as counsel on domestic and international arbitrations. Also advises on white-collar crime disputes such as fraud and embezzlement.
Strengths Clients describe it as a "high-quality law firm with lawyers who are always available to co-operate and offer opinions."
Work highlights Represented Raytheon in its dispute and negotiations with the Greek Ministry of Defence relating to the performance of an offset agreement.
Notable practitioners
John Dryllerakis has long-standing experience in high-value litigation and arbitration, on both a national and international level. He is knowledgeable of disputes in a range of areas, including contentious commercial, banking, competition and construction issues.
Head of department John Damilakis handles litigation following contract termination for clients in the technology and defence sectors.
Gerassimos Apergis acts on commercial disputes relating to breach of contract, with experience advising clients from the insurance and shipping industries. Clients describe him as "very collaborative."
Panagiotis Kakaletris assists with a range of civil and commercial disputes. Clients praise his ability to quickly and efficiently find solutions.
Employment: Greece (Band 2)
What the team is known for Furnishes domestic and multinational companies with a variety of day-to-day employment advice. Often assists international law firms with Greek law matters. Mandates often relate to remuneration issues, workforce restructurings, terminations, collective redundancies, pensions and employee benefits. Additional expertise in data protection compliance. Also has experience in industrial action.
Strengths A client praises the team for its "careful handling of court cases, with excellent preparation every time."
Another source says: "The team has all the skills required. The communication is excellent, as is the service we receive."
Notable practitioners
John Damilakis is a key contact for clients.
Real Estate: Greece (Band 3)
What the team is known for Deep knowledge of zoning, planning, permitting, licensing and land use issues connected to urban regeneration and development projects. Additionally advises on transactions and joint ventures in the real estate arena, including tax aspects. Also assists with contentious real estate mandates. Other areas of expertise include the negotiation and termination of leases. Roster of clients entails entities from the retail and tourism sectors.
Strengths Clients appreciate the team's"immaculate quality, sound documentation and effectiveness."
Work highlights Advised Hellenic Casino of Parnitha on real estate matters connected to the relocation of Casino Mont Parnes, including zoning and land use issues.
Notable practitioners
John Dryllerakis is a key contact for the department.
Tax : Greece (Band 2)
What the team is known for Widely respected and long-established tax department with strong practical experience litigating before the administrative courts. Offers comprehensive advice on all aspects of tax law, including tax advice relating to M&A transactions and transfer pricing. Also knowledgeable of property transfer tax, VAT and stamp duty topics. Acts for clients from a variety of sectors, such as telecommunications, banking, consumer goods and manufacturing.
Strengths One client highlights the "excellent co-operation" with the tax department, praising its "appropriate and efficient resource management."
Another interviewee highlights the team's "long experience and expertise in tax," and also appreciates the lawyers' "international knowledge."
Work highlights Represented Dimon Hellas Tobacco in litigation proceedings regarding the invalidation of a tax assessment.
Notable practitioners
One client admires John Dryllerakis' "extensive experience," describing him as "very perceptive as well as business- and solution-oriented." He advises clients on all direct and indirect tax matters, frequently handling litigation proceedings.