An in-depth look at John Kyriakides of Kyriakides Georgopoulos covering his career path, education, and top projects as a lawyer as well as a few insights about him as a manager at work and as a person outside the office.
Career:
- Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm; Managing Partner; 2019-present
- Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm; Partner; 2005-2019
- Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm; Senior Associate; 2004-2005
- Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm; Associate; 2001-2004
- Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm; Trainee; 1999-2001
Education:
- University College London; LL.M.; 1999
- University of Westminster; LL.B.; 1998
Favorites:
- Out-of-office activity: I am a sports enthusiast – I love playing tennis and practicing competitive water skiing (slalom).
- Quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
- Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Movie: The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Top 5 Projects:
- Acting for Bombardier Inc. in a cross-border civil and criminal litigation linked to an off-sets agreement emanating from the sale of firefighting airplanes to the Hellenic Republic
- Acting for Vodafone Plc. in one of the largest claims ever filed in Greece for damages (in excess of EUR 1.2 billion) for alleged wrongful termination of an exclusive agency agreement
- Acting for various legal entities of the Siemens Group of companies in relation to claims emanating from the sale of rolling stock (trains) to the Hellenic Republic
- Advising UBS AG in relation to a cross-border dispute involving securities held by the Swiss Bank who acted as a custodian of “Folli Follie SA” and the Swiss company “Dufry AG”
- Acting for a Greek prominent high net worth individual, Maris Embiricos in relation to a civil (and corporate) dispute with respect to the ownership of shares in the entity that owns and controls the famous Petalioi islands
CEELM: What would you say was the most challenging project you ever worked on and why?
Kyriakides: One of the most challenging and rewarding projects was representing Bombardier Inc. in the above-mentioned dispute. This was a high-stakes litigation case involving complex legal, technical, and financial issues. The expectations of the client were high and the handling of the issues at stake required long hours of research, coordinated teamwork, working with experts, and strategic thinking to navigate unexpected obstacles. The challenge was not just the technical aspects but also managing my client’s expectations while maintaining composure under stress. Ultimately, the success reinforced the importance of resilience, trust in yourself, and diligent preparation.
CEELM: What was your main takeaway from it?
Kyriakides: My main takeaway was the importance of adaptability and thorough preparation. No matter how well you plan, challenges will arise, and being flexible in your approach is key to overcoming them. It reinforced the value of clear communication with clients, managing expectations, and staying calm under pressure. The experience taught me that resilience and continuous learning are essential for navigating complex situations and that success often comes from the ability to pivot when needed without compromising on quality or integrity.
CEELM: What is one thing clients likely don’t know about you?
Kyriakides: One thing clients likely don’t know about me is the unwavering commitment I have to ethics and integrity. I believe in doing what’s right, even when it’s not the easiest path. My goal is to always act in the best interest of my clients, with transparency and honesty. I strive to create long-lasting, trust-based relationships, knowing that ethical practices are the foundation for achieving sustainable success and maintaining mutual respect.
CEELM: Name one mentor who played a big role in your career and how they impacted you.
Kyriakides: Without hesitation, that is my late father, Constantine Kyriakides, to whom I owe a lot. Growing up, he taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, fairness, humility, and integrity. He was a man of wisdom and action, always leading by example. His guidance shaped my character in both personal and professional challenges.
He emphasized the value of listening and learning from others, while also standing firm in my beliefs. Whether it was his meticulous approach to problem-dealing or his dedication to his family, my father instilled in me the confidence to pursue my goals with passion.
Though he is no longer with me, our discussions and his guidance continue to guide me every day, reminding me to remain humble, set goals, and make an impact. His personality will always remain profound in me.
CEELM: What is the one piece of advice you’d give yourself fresh out of law school?
Kyriakides: I would tell myself to prioritize time with my family, especially my daughters. Early in my career, I was very focused on professional success, but I now realize the importance of being present in their lives. Work will always be there, but those precious moments with family are irreplaceable.
This article was originally published in Issue 12.2 of the CEE Legal Matters Magazine. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the magazine, you can subscribe here.
