securing land rights are key; in infrastructure, concession agreements and public law aspects dominate; in banking, capital requirements and regulatory oversight are central. Our approach is to tailor our advice to the specifics of each sector, while still applying the same core principles of clarity and pragmatism. An important lesson I’ve learned is that working across different industries allows us to bring fresh solutions to the table. A deal structure used in an energy transaction, for example, may provide inspiration for a banking or retail deal. That cross-pollination of ideas is one of the real strengths of having a broad practice. Mentorship and collaboration are vital in any successful law firm. Who influenced your career, and how do you support the next generation of corporate lawyers at Koutalidis Law Firm? I was fortunate to have senior colleagues, such as Nikos Koritsas (Managing Partner of our firm) and Katia Protopapa (head of our M&A practice) who not only taught me the technical side of M&A but also showed me the importance of integrity, persistence, and client care. Those lessons have stayed with me. Having grown within the same firm since my trainee days, I benefitted from being entrusted with meaningful work on complex deals very early on. That culture of involving younger lawyers at the front line of major transactions is something we consciously continue today. At Koutalidis, we take mentoring seriously. In practice, that means giving younger lawyers real responsibility early on, encouraging them to ask questions and think commercially, and leading by example in terms of work ethic and professionalism. Watching colleagues develop into trusted advisors in their own right is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a partner. It also ensures that our clients will continue to receive the same high standard of advice in years to come. Finally, what does receiving the Cross- Border M&A Lawyer of the Year award mean to you personally, and how do you hope it reflects the work you and your team are doing in Greece? On a personal level, I am proud of the recognition. It is encouraging to see years of effort in this field acknowledged. But I see it less as a personal award and more as recognition of the collective effort of our whole team at Koutalidis. No deal is ever the work of one person. Every transaction, especially in M&A, requires contributions from lawyers across different levels and practice areas — whether it’s competition, tax, employment, or capital markets. I hope this award highlights the strength of Greek legal practice more broadly, and the role that firms like ours play in making Greece a reliable destination for international investment. Ultimately, the award reflects the trust that clients place in us. My hope is that it also reinforces to the international community that Greece is a jurisdiction where complex cross-border deals can be executed smoothly and to the highest standard. www.koutalidis.gr GREECE CROSS-BORDER M&A LAWYER OF THE YEAR LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 13
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