Rankings and Recognition

• "This 'customer-oriented' establishment retains a substantial percentage of financing, corporate and securities deals. The boutique ethos of the firm leans towards the international client, pinpointing the Anglo-Saxon market with its 'very responsive and commercial approach,' one example being its work as local counsel for US firm LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae. Sources are impressed with the team's ability to 'understand what you want to do, not just what the law says.' Recently, the team acted on behalf of the Greek government with regard to the securitisation of a portfolio of overdue tax claims, worth approximately €3.5 billion. It is further representing an international financial institution with regard to a bond loan, and is also active in property financing, aircraft financing, refinancings, derivatives and the sale of financial products in the Greek market."

• "As to the Lawyers: 'Well regarded in the banking industry,' managing partner Dimitris Paraskevas is described as being 'very resourceful in identifying the right solution.' With a sound client base, he is praised for having the 'gravitas and contacts that you need in the Greek environment.' 'Highly professional and with a pragmatic approach,' Olga Galazoula receives positive feedback from clients and peers alike, all of whom describe her as an 'exceptional lawyer' who is 'very dedicated and knowledgeable.' "

• "Clients/Work Highlights: The team acted for Fortis Bank in its establishment of a branch in Greece. Other major clients include Credit Suisse Asset Management; Citibank; UBS; Goldman Sachs; Euroclear; BNP Paribas and RBS."

• "The Firm: Elias Sp Paraskevas Attorney at Law represents primarily international clients handling cross-border transactions, most notably in the areas of M&A, banking and finance, capital markets, private equity, privatisations and projects."

• "The Lawyers: Managing partner Dimitris Paraskevas shines for his 'savvy business knowledge of the Greek system and for being a reliable solution seeker.' Rivals describe him as 'an energetic and well-connected person.' "

• "Clients/Work Highlights: The group was involved in the privatisation of Olympic Airlines representing York Capital and acted as a consortium in the EUR56 million shares offering of TIM Hellas. On the litigation side, it acted on behalf of the American University of La Verne in connection with its decision to cease its academic operations in Athens. It also handled complex litigation work and dispute resolutions for international investors, and acted for a major English property service provider and on behalf of a number of international banks. Boots Healthcare International sought the firm's advice in the sale of its Greek business to Reckitt Benckiser, and BenQ Corporation did so for corporate matters as well as major international IT companies."

The European Legal 500 (2003, 2006 and 2007) lists us first in the section "Privatisation and Projects," and identifies the firm as one of the 20 largest in Greece.  From Legal 500:

• Designated as a top tier firm in Projects and privatisation: "Elias Paraskevas Attorneys at law advised the preferred bidders in each at the four relating relating to the privatization and potential acquisition of Olympic Airways. Thus involved two rounds in 2006, where it advised an international venture capital business  funding a potential acquiring vehicle. The firm has also been advising a number of private equity firms and international organizations such as the World Bank on privatizations in Greece. Clients say that Dimitris Paraskevas 'is a strong presence and well connected in Greece' and 'commercial and client focused', and that 'the work has been excellent.' "

• Designated in the two top tiers of Banking, Finance and Capital Markets: "Elias Paraskevas Attorneys at law has a large portfolio of international banking clients, including Royal Bank of Scotland, which it advised on its first subscription to a Greek bond loan, to be used to refinance multiple parcels of real estate throughout Greece, a complex piece of work involving the project management of lawyers throughout Greece. The firm is also currently advising the Greek government on the  € 3-4 bn securitization of a portfolio of overdue tax claims. This is likely to become one of the largest transactions ever to take place in Greece. Clients refer to an 'excellent, service-oriented law firm' and describe it as the 'best firm in Greece.' "

• Designated in the three top tiers of Corporate and M&A: "Elias Paraskevas Attorneys at law has a focus on advising U.K. and U.S. based clients involved in Greek acquisitions, and advised on the Greek aspects of one of the largest transactions to take place in 2006. It also advised a leading private equity house in relation to its first investment acquisition in Greece, of a leading Greek telecoms company. Dimitris Paraskevas is recommended. Clients describe the firm as 'truly superior' with one commenting: 'A particular strength is its comprehension of and expertise in the Greek market and intelligence on proposed developments.' "

• Designated in the two top tiers of energy: "Elias Paraskevas Attorneys at Law has been advising various international firms on Greek energy regulation."

• Designated in the two top tiers of I.T. and telecoms: "Elias Paraskevas Attorneys at Law has been advising a major Indian software company on software licensing in Greece, and a leading private equity house on the acquisition of a leading Greek telecoms company."

• Designated in the three top tiers of real estate and construction: "Elias Paraskevas Attorneys at Law advised international clients and trust companies on real estate investments in the Balkans region, Switzerland, the Middle East and Russia. Strong in banking, it recently advised a leading international institutions on its first subscription to a Greek bond loan to be used to refinance a real estate throughout Greece. Clients also include the United States State Department."

• Designated in the top three tiers of Dispute Resolution: "Elias Paraskevas Attorneys at Law is strong in banking and has particular expertise in the restructuring and bankruptcy proceedings. It is instructed by U.K. law firms in relation to the enforcement of UK judgments and freezing orders in Greece, and has also recently advised a major university on multiple lawsuits connected to the Closing of its academic operations in Greece."

TOP