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Key contacts
Managing Partner: Panayotis Bernitsas
Quick facts
# Partners

14

# Other qualified practitioners

55

Total number of practitioners (worldwide)

69

Languages

Greek, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Network memberships

Legal Sustainability Alliance

Key practice areas
Banking and finance
Banking
Project finance
Capital markets
Capital markets : Debt
Capital markets : Equity
Financial and corporate
Corporate and M&A
M&A
Project development
Firm overview

Bernitsas is a market leader in the provision of commercial law services in Greece and one of the largest firms in the country. The firm has unrivalled experience in both benchmark and mainstream domestic and cross‑border transactions and has acted in many of the significant and often pioneering transactions in terms of complexity and value over the last three decades.

The firm has strong advisory, transactional, and dispute resolution capabilities across its areas of practice.

Key practice areas
  • Asset finance
  • Banking
  • Capital markets: debt
  • Capital markets: derivatives
  • Capital markets: equity
  • Competition
  • Financial restructuring
  • Financial services regulatory
  • Hedge funds
  • Investment funds
  • M&A
  • PPP and PFI
  • Private equity
  • Private equity funds
  • Project development
  • Project finance
  • Real estate finance
  • Real estate funds
  • Restructuring and insolvency
  • Securitisation
  • Structured finance / securitisation
  • Trade finance
Sector expertise
  • Aviation
  • Automotive
  • Banking
  • Consumer goods and services
  • Energy
  • Financial services
  • Food and beverage
  • Gaming
  • Government and public policy
  • Healthcare
  • Insurance
  • Media
  • Natural resources
  • Oil and gas
  • Pharmaceutical and life sciences
  • Real estate
  • Technology and telecommunications
  • Transport
  • Utilities
Address:
5 Lykavittou Street
Athens, 106 72
Tel:+30 210 361 5395 Email:Contact Us Web Address:https://bernitsaslaw.com
Rankings published in 2026
Banking and finance
Tier 1
28 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Bernitsas
10 practice areas
View full profile
Karatzas & Partners
10 practice areas
View full profile
Koutalidis Law Firm
10 practice areas
View full profile
PotamitisVekris
10 practice areas
View full profile
Zepos & Yannopoulos
10 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 2

AKL
8 practice areas
View full profile
Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm
9 practice areas
View full profile
Lambadarios Law Firm
9 practice areas
View full profile
Norton Rose Fulbright
9 practice areas
View profile
Papapolitis & Papapolitis
10 practice areas
View full profile
Watson Farley & Williams
10 practice areas
View profile
Your Legal Partners
10 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 3

DRYLLERAKIS LAW FIRM
10 practice areas
View full profile
KLC Law Firm
10 practice areas
View full profile
Moratis Passas
9 practice areas
View profile
Saplegal - AS Papadimitriou & Partners
4 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 4

DVLAW
10 practice areas
View full profile
Machas & Partners
10 practice areas
View full profile
Politis & Partners
10 practice areas
View profile
PwC Legal
3 practice areas
View full profile
Souriadakis Tsibris
9 practice areas
View profile

Notable

Bahas Gramatidis & Partners
8 practice areas
View full profile
Drakopoulos
10 practice areas
View full profile
KBVL
4 practice areas
View full profile
Kerameus & Partners
2 practice areas
View profile
Marinos Petroulias & Partners
4 practice areas
View profile
Sardelas Liarikos Petsa Law Firm
8 practice areas
View profile
Tsibanoulis & Partners
9 practice areas
View full profile
Capital markets
Tier 1
20 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Bernitsas
10 practice areas
View full profile
Karatzas & Partners
10 practice areas
View full profile
Koutalidis Law Firm
10 practice areas
View full profile
PotamitisVekris
10 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 2

Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm
9 practice areas
View full profile
Lambadarios Law Firm
9 practice areas
View full profile
Papapolitis & Papapolitis
10 practice areas
View full profile
Zepos & Yannopoulos
10 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 3

DRYLLERAKIS LAW FIRM
10 practice areas
View full profile
DVLAW
10 practice areas
View full profile
Moratis Passas
9 practice areas
View profile
Tsibanoulis & Partners
9 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 4

Machas & Partners
10 practice areas
View full profile
Norton Rose Fulbright
9 practice areas
View profile
Your Legal Partners
10 practice areas
View full profile

Notable

Bahas Gramatidis & Partners
8 practice areas
View full profile
Drakopoulos
10 practice areas
View full profile
KLC Law Firm
10 practice areas
View full profile
Sardelas Liarikos Petsa Law Firm
8 practice areas
View profile
Souriadakis Tsibris
9 practice areas
View profile
M&A
Tier 1
29 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Bernitsas
10 practice areas
View full profile
Karatzas & Partners
10 practice areas
View full profile
Koutalidis Law Firm
10 practice areas
View full profile
PotamitisVekris
10 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 2

DRYLLERAKIS LAW FIRM
10 practice areas
View full profile
Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm
9 practice areas
View full profile
Lambadarios Law Firm
9 practice areas
View full profile
Papapolitis & Papapolitis
10 practice areas
View full profile
Saplegal - AS Papadimitriou & Partners
4 practice areas
View full profile
Zepos & Yannopoulos
10 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 3

AKL
8 practice areas
View full profile
KLC Law Firm
10 practice areas
View full profile
Machas & Partners
10 practice areas
View full profile
Norton Rose Fulbright
9 practice areas
View profile
Watson Farley & Williams
10 practice areas
View profile
Your Legal Partners
10 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 4

DVLAW
10 practice areas
View full profile
Drakopoulos
10 practice areas
View full profile
KBVL
4 practice areas
View full profile
Masouros & Partners
4 practice areas
View profile
PwC Legal
3 practice areas
View full profile
Souriadakis Tsibris
9 practice areas
View profile

Notable

Bahas Gramatidis & Partners
8 practice areas
View full profile
Moratis Passas
9 practice areas
View profile
Politis & Partners
10 practice areas
View profile
Reed Smith
6 practice areas
View profile
Tsibanoulis & Partners
9 practice areas
View full profile
VAP Law Offices
5 practice areas
View full profile
Vassilogeorgis And Partners
2 practice areas
View profile
Project development
Tier 1
23 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Bernitsas
10 practice areas
View full profile
Karatzas & Partners
10 practice areas
View full profile
Koutalidis Law Firm
10 practice areas
View full profile
Lambadarios Law Firm
9 practice areas
View full profile
PotamitisVekris
10 practice areas
View full profile
Zepos & Yannopoulos
10 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 2

AKL
8 practice areas
View full profile
KLC Law Firm
10 practice areas
View full profile
Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm
9 practice areas
View full profile
Watson Farley & Williams
10 practice areas
View profile
Your Legal Partners
10 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 3

DRYLLERAKIS LAW FIRM
10 practice areas
View full profile
KBVL
4 practice areas
View full profile
Norton Rose Fulbright
9 practice areas
View profile
Papapolitis & Papapolitis
10 practice areas
View full profile

Tier 4

DVLAW
10 practice areas
View full profile
Drakopoulos
10 practice areas
View full profile
Machas & Partners
10 practice areas
View full profile
Michailopoulos & Associates
2 practice areas
View profile
Politis & Partners
10 practice areas
View profile
Tsibanoulis & Partners
9 practice areas
View full profile

Notable

Marinos Petroulias & Partners
4 practice areas
View profile
Vassilogeorgis And Partners
2 practice areas
View profile
Linked Reviews
Financial and corporate

Founded in 1946, Bernitsas Law advises on all areas of business law. It is among the most prestigious firms in the market with over 50 lawyers based in Athens under the management of Panayotis Bernitsas.

Highlights

Bernitsas Law advised the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) in the acquisition of a controlling stake in Terna Energy from GEK Terna and other key shareholders. The firm also advised on the structuring of the acquisition financing from a Greek law perspective, drafting financing documentation, and assisting with conditions precedent to ensure the financing was on a certain funds basis. The deal closed in November 2024. The team also provided legal advice on the transaction structure, transaction documents, energy project agreements, and legal due diligence on domestic assets and projects.

The team added Alexia Kefalogianni, who joined as counsel in September 2024, focusing on banking, finance, and capital markets. Sildia Fotopoulou was promoted to senior associate.

Testimonials

“Professionalism, high level consulting in difficult cases – their work and services on capital markets are at a very high level.” - Banking & Finance

“Excellent team, really knowledgeable, business acumen, business enabler.” - Banking & Finance

“Thorough and detailed process, adequate employment of resources.” - M&A

“We can count on their expertise on every issue that the business facing in the market.”- M&A

“The firm demonstrated exceptional expertise in project financing through bank leasing. Their team was highly knowledgeable, responsive, and proactive in addressing complex legal and regulatory aspects.” - Project Finance

“What truly stood out was their ability to translate legal intricacies into clear, actionable guidance, which helped us move forward with confidence.” - Project Finance

“The collaboration was seamless, deadlines were consistently met, and their strategic input added real value to the project” - Project Finance 

“Their professionalism and deep understanding of the financial sector made them a trusted partner throughout the process.” - Project Finance

Nikos Papachristopoulos is an expert in capital markets, company law, corporate governance and compliance, he is one of the best European Lawyers in capital markets.” - Capital Markets

Nikos Papachristopoulos is a well-educated and hands on lawyer.” - M&A

Athanasia Tsene and her team handle our cases with the utmost professionalism and care. Their proactive approach saves our company time and money.” - Banking & Finance

Athanasia Tsene is a real business enabler.” - Banking & Finance

Athanasia Tsene is extremely knowledgeable, she explains in very simple language all the risks and enables you to take a decision. She is kind, supportive, smart, and a real business partner.” - Banking & Finance

Lambros Belessis has a tight overview of all his cases; he is excellent at his work.” - M&A

Eleni Stazilova has been an outstanding partner throughout our collaboration. She is highly effective, consistently proactive, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the legal and commercial aspects of the project.” - Project Finance

Eleni Stazilova’s communication is always clear and timely, and she brings a collaborative spirit that makes working with her both productive and enjoyable. What truly sets her apart is her ability to anticipate potential issues and offer practical, solution-oriented advice that keeps the process moving smoothly. Her professionalism and dedication have been instrumental in the success of our project.” - Project Finance

Sildia Fotopoulou is extremely professional, and knowledgeable, and always went the extra mile to support us in our cases.” - Banking & Finance

Evi Kitsou is excellent, no need for improvement.” - M&A

 
Key Clients

Helleniq Energy, Hoist Finance AB, Partners Group, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece, Piraeus Bank, Eurobank Holdings, Eurobank, Piraeus Financial Holdings, Citibank, Aktor Group, Masdar, Metlen Energy & Metals, CVC Hellenic Healthcare, BMW Hellas, Maris Polymers, Growthfund, Gastrade, Vinci, Vodafone Hellas, Olympia Odos 

13 results13 results
Deal Highlights
134 results134 results
Deal Name Deal Date Firm Name Jurisdiction Deal Type Lawyer Names Client Names Client Role
Eurobank Ergasias SA - Bond Issue
2021-09-01
Bernitsas
Greece
Bond issue
Eurobank Ergasias SA
Issuer
Piraeus Bank SA - Bond Issue
2021-10-01
Bernitsas
Greece
Bond issue
Piraeus Bank SA
Issuer
Piraeus Bank SA - Bond Issue
2021-11-01
Bernitsas
Greece
Bond issue
Piraeus Bank SA
Issuer
Citigroup; Piraeus Bank - Securitisation
2020-01-08
Bernitsas
Greece
Securitisation
Athanasia Tsene
Citigroup, Piraeus Bank
Underwriter
Thomas Cook Group Tour Operations - Restructuring
2020-10-01
Bernitsas
Greece
Restructuring
Athanasia Tsene
Thomas Cook Group Tour Operations
Liquidator
Intrum - Securitisation
2020-01-03
Bernitsas
Greece
Securitisation
Athanasia Tsene
Intrum
Securities trader
Hellenic Petroleum - Financing
2020-12-31
Bernitsas
Greece
Financing
Athanasia Tsene
Hellenic Petroleum
Investment manager
OTSM Societe Anonyme of Maintenance Compulsory Stocks and Trading of Crude Oil; Hellenic Petroleum - Securitisation
2020-01-12
Bernitsas
Greece
Securitisation
Athanasia Tsene
OTSM Societe Anonyme of Maintenance Compulsory Stocks and Trading of Crude Oil, Hellenic Petroleum
Financial adviser
Apollo Global Management - Securitisation
2021-01-01
Bernitsas
Greece
Securitisation
Athanasia Tsene
Apollo Global Management
Financial adviser
Vodafone - Project finance
2020-09-01
Bernitsas
Greece
Project finance
Yannis Seiradakis
Vodafone
Project developer
First State Investments - Project development
2021-02-25
Bernitsas
Greece
Project development
Yannis Seiradakis, Nikos Papachristopoulos
First State Investments
Sponsor
Intercity Buses Association; Athens Metro - Project development
2021-02-25
Bernitsas
Greece
Project development
Yannis Seiradakis, Dimitris Roussis
Intercity Buses Association, Athens Metro
Sponsor
Gastrade - Project development
2021-02-25
Bernitsas
Greece
Project development
Yannis Seiradakis, Dimitris Roussis
Gastrade
Project developer
Hitachi Zosen Inova - Project development
2021-02-25
Bernitsas
Greece
Project development
Yannis Seiradakis
Hitachi Zosen Inova
Project company
North Star Group - Project development
2020-12-01
Bernitsas
Greece
Project development
Yannis Seiradakis
North Star Group
Project company
Piraeus Bank - Bond issue
2021-10-27
Bernitsas
Greece
Bond issue
Nikos Papachristopoulos
Piraeus Bank
Issuer
Mytilineos Group - Bond issue
2021-04-28
Bernitsas
Greece
Bond issue
Nikos Papachristopoulos
Mytilineos Group
Issuer
Motor Oil Hellas Corinth Refineries SA - Bond issue
2021-07-08
Bernitsas
Greece
Bond issue
Nikos Papachristopoulos
Motor Oil Hellas Corinth Refineries SA
Issuer
Eurobank - Bond issue
2021-04-29
Bernitsas
Greece
Bond issue
Nikos Papachristopoulos
Eurobank
Issuer
Eurobank - Bond issue
2021-09-10
Bernitsas
Greece
Bond issue
Nikos Papachristopoulos
Eurobank
Issuer
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M&A
Partners Nikos Papachristopoulos and Yannis Seiradakis reveal the firm’s approach to deliver on the largest energy transaction on the Athens Stock Exchange to date
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