My Journey: from Digital Marketing to Law, and why I started my own Law Office
Through a wide variety of mobile applications, we’ve developed a unique visual system and strategy that can be applied across the spectrum of available applications.
With a total of 5 years of professional experience navigating the Cyprus legal regime, I am a licensed Litigation Lawyer with comprehensive experience managing complex court cases, providing expert legal advice, and drafting contracts and legal documents. At my firm, I am dedicated to providing personalized solutions that are tailored to your unique needs. My legal expertise has been strengthened by working on the legal research team of Cyprus Central Bank, and I have served as a trusted legal counsel for clients across various legal firms
I provide experienced and effective representation for clients in all types of litigation matters. I handle civil and commercial disputes, including contract disputes, intellectual property disputes, and disputes involving real estate and construction. I also represent clients in administrative and regulatory proceedings, as well as in alternative dispute resolution forums, such as mediation and arbitration. My goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients in a timely and cost-effective manner.
I provide comprehensive contract drafting services to individuals and businesses across a variety of industries. Whether you need a simple agreement or a complex contract, I will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and objectives. My services include drafting and reviewing contracts, as well as negotiating contract terms to ensure your interests are protected. With a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of contract law, I am committed to delivering high-quality, customized contracts.
I offer comprehensive services for clients looking to establish a company in Cyprus or other jurisdictions. From selecting the appropriate business structure to registering with relevant authorities, I guide clients through every step of the process. I also provide nominee services, allowing clients to protect their privacy and maintain anonymity in business transactions. Whether you are starting a new venture or expanding an existing one, I can help you navigate the legal and regulatory landscape with ease.
My Immigration Services cater to clients who require assistance with various immigration matters. I provide guidance and support in navigating the complex legal landscape of immigration law, helping clients to obtain visas, residency permits, and citizenship. Whether clients are seeking to move to Cyprus for work, study, or family reasons, I am here to provide comprehensive legal advice and representation throughout the process. I assist to necessary steps to ensure the best possible outcome.
In this case, my client was a European citizen who came to Cyprus to work as a barwoman. Instead of the promised employment, she was forced into prostitution by the bar owner, who had taken her passport and held it against her will. After the criminal court case against the owner concluded successfully, my client hired me to seek damages for the trauma and harm she had suffered. As a tort case, this presented an opportunity to assert fundamental human rights in the context of district court proceedings.
In this on going case, my client was an immigrant who had travelled to Cyprus by boat with 25 other individuals. During the journey, a ship approached them, and the smugglers on board abandoned them in the middle of the sea. In an attempt to save himself and the others, my client decided to take control of the boat and navigate towards the shore. However, when they reached the harbor, the police arrested my client, accusing him of being a smuggler and human trafficker.
My client was charged with obstructing an policeman in the performance of his duties during the implementation of public health measures. The dispute arose due to a difference in interpretation of the early measures, which resulted in a physical altercation. Despite the seriousness of the charge, I was able to mount a successful defence, highlighting the lack of criminal intent. Although I was only hired after the last hearing day, I was pleased to secure a favourable outcome for our client, with the court imposing a modest fine. This case underscores the importance of seeking legal counsel at an early stage and the value of effective representation in defending against criminal charges.
The case involved a foreign national who was employed at their home country's embassy in Cyprus. The employee's contract was terminated due to a conflict with higher-ranking colleagues. The challenge in this case was to establish that the conflict in question was exempt from the Acta Jure Imperii principle, which governs the diplomatic immunity of foreign officials. This was particularly difficult given that part of the damages sought by the employee were grounded in tort law (bullying for sexual orientation). The case required a careful consideration of the legal principles governing diplomatic immunity and the employment relationship, as well as the specific facts and circumstances of the conflict at issue.
The case involved a surgeon who performed a successful surgery to remove a malignant tumor from the plaintiff. However, after the surgery, the plaintiff claimed to have dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome and that the experienced obstructions in the movement of the affected area, as well as unsightly scarring. The plaintiff sued the surgeon for medical negligence, arguing that the surgery was not performed with reasonable care and skill. The case presented a delicate balance between the plaintiff's dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome of the surgery and the success of removing the tumor. During the trial, different medical opinions were presented regarding the best way to treat such cancer, further complicating the case. Ultimately, the court had to determine whether the surgeon had breached their duty of care to the plaintiff, resulting in the alleged injuries.
My client, a Syrian national who had fled his country due to the ongoing war, was facing criminal charges for allegedly participating in a Telegram group that was labeled as promoting ISIS. FBI had informed the local police about his participation, leading to his arrest and detention. As his defense attorney, I worked on amending the bill of indictment to more accurately reflect the charges against him. In addition, I raised a hearing within a hearing based on the argument that my client could not have been aware of the cache files that were found on his device, which were being used as evidence against him.
The appeal was related to the implementation of the lots theory in an EAC tender competition of €1.1M. The initial call did not use the term 'lots theory,' and it was quite challenging to argue in the pleadings that this was a competition of tendering based on the lots concept, and that the EAC did not comply with EU requirements and soft law pertaining to such procurement processes
There were two separate cases where two different clients had been forced to be transferred to shell companies and lose regulated employee benefits. It was a solid opportunity to understand & trigger the EU Council Directive 2001/23/EC (Acquired Rights Directive).
I was hired by a middle-aged foreign client who had recently experienced unilateral termination of his employment. Due to his foreign status, he had not met all the minimum requirements necessary to secure a pension from the Cyprus social insurance office. In order to help him, I had to navigate the bureaucracy of the Cyprus social insurance office and trigger the voluntary contribution scheme. Despite the challenges involved, I was successful in securing a pension for my client, providing him with financial security in his retirement. This case highlights the importance of understanding the legal and regulatory requirements of a country in which one works and the potential consequences of failing to meet these requirements.
As part of my work, I was assigned to establish a limited entity with a registry office in the buffer zone of Cyprus. The process of ensuring AML compliance and completing the necessary paperwork proved to be a challenge, particularly given the residency status of some of the members who were Turkish Cypriots residing in North Cyprus. Despite these difficulties, I was able to successfully establish the limited entity in compliance with all necessary regulations.
I was assigned with submitting the appropriate data of Beneficial Owners to the Cypriot Company Registrar for a portfolio of 30 companies, which included NGOs and NPOs, as well as for an association where the appropriate department was the District Administration Offices. This was necessary due to the recent amendment to national law, which required the submission of such data. Despite the volume of data involved and the lack of clarity in the board structure of some entities, I was able to work quickly and accurately to ensure compliance.
My client's trademark application had been pending for two years due to their own negligence. As their legal representative, I assessed the legal concerns and devised a strategy to revive the abandoned application. However, we faced a challenge from a patent troll company that had submitted a similar trademark to the EUIPO. I worked to fight against this company and through my efforts, we successfully revived the trademark application. In addition, I secured the internal appeal against the EUIPO for accepting the application of the patent troll. This case highlights the importance of proactive trademark management and the potential consequences of neglecting such matters.
A legal research during my tenure at the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC), specifically in relation to the highly publicized court case involving FBME Ltd. As part of this research, I compiled a comprehensive timeline report that analyzed the legal arguments and decisions made in each phase of the revocation of the licensed bank FBME, which was a result of amendments to the US sanctions lists. This report provides valuable insights into how administrative law works in Cyprus and how international law and sanctions lists can impact national law
37 Annis Komninis, 6th Office (2nd Floor), Nicosia, PC 1061, Cyprus
Phone: +357.22253189 Email: panayotis@yannakas.meThrough a wide variety of mobile applications, we’ve developed a unique visual system and strategy that can be applied across the spectrum of available applications.
Through a wide variety of mobile applications, we’ve developed a unique visual system and strategy that can be applied across the spectrum of available applications.
Through a wide variety of mobile applications, we’ve developed a unique visual system and strategy that can be applied across the spectrum of available applications.
Through a wide variety of mobile applications, we’ve developed a unique visual system and strategy that can be applied across the spectrum of available applications.
Through a wide variety of mobile applications, we’ve developed a unique visual system and strategy that can be applied across the spectrum of available applications.
Through a wide variety of mobile applications, we’ve developed a unique visual system and strategy that can be applied across the spectrum of available applications.