February 2010

Mediation in Civil and Commercial Disputes Conference, Thessaloniki 25-26 February 2010

Associate Victoria-Zoi Papagiannis represented our firm at the Mediation in civil and commercial disputes conference, organised by JAMS International ADR Center and co-hosted by the Bar Association of Thessaloniki. More than 150 lawyers from various European law firms attended the conference, which focused on the implementation of EC Directive 2008/52/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 21 May 2008, concerning certain aspects of civil and commercial mediation.

The conference’s agenda included a live mediation theatre on specific commercial dispute case-studies, various teaching modules on the role of lawyers in mediation – and as mediators- and round table discussions on the benefits/advantages, and the limitations of mediation as an Alternative Dispute Resolution process.

January 2010

2010 Lex Mundi Antitrust, Competition and Trade Practice Group European Regional Meeting

Partner of our firm, Anna Rossides, represented Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co LLC at the meeting, which took place in Geneva, between 28-29 January, 2010. Around 25 lawyers from European Lex Mundi firms, but also from the U.S. and Japan, participated in the meeting, which included sessions on the EU vs. US approach to restrictions of competition, the parallel distribution of medicines in the EU, and the procedures in connection with dawn raids by jurisdiction.

January 2010 

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co to operate as Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co. LLC.
With effect from 1 January 2010, Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co operates as a lawyers' limited liability company under the name “Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co. LLC”.

The LLC has been set up and will operate in accordance with recent domestic legislation, but this change has no other relevance vis-a-vis our clients, to whom we shall continue rendering the highest quality services in the usual manner. The interests of our clients remain the focal point for the firm’s partners, associates and staff, and we reiterate our commitment to this effect.

December 2009

Senior Partners Dr. Kypros Chrysostomides and Chryso Pitsilli-Dekatris listed in “Best Lawyers” Cyprus.
“Best Lawyers” Cyprus lists firm’s partners, Dr. Kypros Chrysostomides and Chryso Pitsilli-Dekatris, as leaders in the areas of corporate and tax law, and corporate law, respectively. As a result, Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co is ranked as the leading firm in Cyprus for corporate law, and as one of the leading firms in Nicosia for tax law.

“Best Lawyers” acts as a reference for lawyers and clients seeking legal counsel in unfamiliar jurisdictions or unfamiliar practice areas. The lists of outstanding attorneys included in “Best Lawyers”, are compiled by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys, in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers.

November 2009

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co ranked as one of Cyprus’ Leading Tax Law Firms and Senior Partner, Dr. Kypros Chrysostomides listed as one of the top 250 individual tax advisers in the world
Our firm has been listed among Cyprus’ leading tax law firms in the 2010 edition of Tax Directors Handbook, “the essential guide to the world’s premier tax law firms”. The Handbook analyses the tax capabilities of law firms in 46 jurisdictions and ranks these firms according to client feedback.

The same publication has recognised our firm’s Senior Partner, Dr. Kypros Chrysostomides, as one of the top 250 leading global tax lawyers and 1 of only 3 tax lawyers listed for Cyprus. 

November 2009

Mandana Moayeri joins Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co.
Mandana Moayeri joined the firm this month, as a Legal Assistant. She is a UK law graduate and her role in the IP Department consists of undertaking legal research, conducting trade mark searches, reviewing patent documentation, preparing legal evidence for IP cases whether before the Registrar or the Courts, and performing other similar tasks.
Mandana also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Middle Eastern History from the University of London, and is fluent in English and Spanish. 

September 2009

Senior partners of our firm attend the 2009 Lex Mundi Annual and Europe/Middle East/Africa Regional Conference, and the 2009 International Bar Association Conference

Dr. Kypros Chrysostomides, Eleni Chrysostomides and Chryso Dekatris were in Madrid between 1-7 October, to attend the 2009 Lex Mundi Annual and Europe/Middle East/Africa Regional Conference (1-3 October) and the 2009 International Bar Association (IBA) Conference (4-9 October).

Around 250 representatives from Lex Mundi member firms, in addition to individuals from the Client Advisory Council, sponsors and invited speakers, participated in the Lex Mundi conference. Our firm’s senior partners attended Practice Group meetings (Antitrust, Competition and Trade, Corporate Organisation and Securities, Litigation, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, Cross-Border Transactions and Managing Partners), and sessions, including those focusing on the Lex Mundi Client Advisory Council Program, Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation and Project Management.

The IBA conference, which followed on from the Lex Mundi meeting, began with an impressive opening ceremony, and  included numerous showcase sessions, meetings and workshops, as well as networking opportunities, such as the World Services Group luncheon, which our senior partners attended.

June 2009

The 2009 Lex Mundi International Tax Practice Group Europe/ Middle East/ Africa Regional Meeting

Senior Associate of our firm, George Ioannou, represented Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co at the meeting, which took place in Amsterdam, between 21-22 June, 2009. Lawyers from 19 Lex Mundi member firms within the region participated in the meeting, which addressed issues including current tax structures, migration of companies (techniques and tax) and preservation of tax losses.

June 2009

Senior Associate, Pavlos Symeonides, attends the Meeting of General Assembly of TELFA (Trans European Law Firms Alliance)

Senior Associate of our firm, Pavlos Symeonides, attended the meeting of the General Assembly of TELFA, which took place in Budapest between 12 and 13 June 2009, and was hosted by the Hungarian TELFA member firm Bihary Balassa & Partners. Lawyers from around 20 TELFA member firms, as well as guests from other European law firms, USLAW, the ALN (African Legal Network) and Mexico attended presentations by keynote speakers and participants, and discussed several matters of common interest, including strengthening future cooperation of member firms within TELFA.

May 2009

Senior Associate, George Ioannou, attends the 2nd Annual World Services Group (WSG) Tax Conference

Senior Associate of our firm, George Ioannou, attended the second annual WSG Tax Conference, which took place in Madrid, between 27-29 May 2009, and was hosted by Spanish firm Garrigues. Lawyers from 17 European jurisdictions attended presentations made by keynote speakers and participants, commented on current developments in the areas of corporate tax and exchanged thoughts on the following areas:

(a)       Real estate investment restructurings;
(b)       Migration of companies;
(c)        Management of financial position of multinational groups; and
(d)       Management compensation

May 2009

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co attend the 2009 International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting

Partner of our firm, Alexandros Georgiades, attended INTA's 131st Annual Meeting, which took place in Seattle. Mr. Georgiades participated in a number of outside counsel meetings, organised by client brand owners, during which specific matters were presented relating to the issues of protection and enforcement of IP rights and constructive discussions took place. 

He also represented our firm in meetings organised by Lex Mundi and World Services Group (WSG), which were held within the framework of the INTA Annual Meeting.

May 2009

Double Tax Treaty between Cyprus and the Russian Federation

On 16 April 2009, representatives from the Governments of the Republic of Cyprus and the Russian Federation signed a Protocol to the 1998 tax treaty between the two countries. The Protocol is expected to be ratified by both countries in 2009, and in this case it shall become effective as from 1 January, 2010. The Protocol is viewed as very beneficial to international business, and will continue to foster and encourage economic relations between Cyprus and Russia.

The major amendments brought about are as follows:

Removal of Cyprus from the blacklist
Russia has agreed to remove Cyprus from its blacklist, which means that dividends received by Russian companies from Cypriot subsidiaries can qualify for the Russian dividend participation exemption.

Dividends, interest and royalties
There are no changes to the nil rates of withholding tax on interest and royalties. In respect of dividends, the withholding tax rates of 5% or 10% remain unchanged; the only change to the conditions for eligibility for the 5% rate is that the minimum USD100,000 investment in the capital of the company in which shares are held, is now changed to EUR100,000.

Capital gains
The article on taxation of capital gains is amended to include the provision that gains, deriving from the alienation of shares of those companies deriving more than 50% of their value from immovable property located in Russia, can be taxed in Russia accordingly.
This provision shall not take immediate effect as from the actual application date, but in the calendar year following a four year period from the enforcement date of the Protocol (i.e., from 1 January, 2014, if the Protocol becomes effective as from 1 January, 2010).This provision is not applicable to gains from the alienation of shares undertaken due to a corporate reorganisation or where shares have been listed on a recognised stock exchange.

May 2009

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co announce three new partners
Georgia Georgiou, Alexandros Georgiades and Anna Rossides are the firm’s newly appointed partners.

Georgia Georgiou, who joined the firm 8 years ago, has extensive experience in all areas of Civil and Criminal Litigation and procedure. She specialises in Family Law, including divorce proceedings, matrimonial and child custody disputes, adoption and child abduction. Other areas of expertise are Torts and Personal Injuries, Contracts and Criminal Law.

Alexandros Georgiades has been with the firm since 1996 and specialises in all areas of Intellectual Property and Commercial Law. He is particularly experienced in trademark and patent prosecution and litigation, as well as anti-counterfeiting work. He also has extensive experience in drafting of Distribution, Franchise and Licensing agreements in his areas of expertise. Alexandros Georgiades has been recommended by The Legal 500 (Europe, Middle East & Africa) in the area of Intellectual Property and he regularly participates in international IP-related conferences and meetings, such as INTA and FICPI.

Anna Rossides has been a member of the firm’s Corporate and Commercial Law department for the past 7 years, and has considerable experience in the areas of Corporate and Competition Law. She advises on corporate structures, shareholders agreements and multi-jurisdictional financing transactions and has been involved with the introduction of a number of Cyprus companies to the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange and other foreign Markets. Her Competition Law work has been comprised both of advising clients on the provisions of the relevant Laws, and representing clients before the Cyprus Competition Commission. She has participated in a number of international meetings and seminars on the subject, and has been included among world’s leading lawyers in The International Who’s Who of Competition Lawyers & Economists.

May 2009

Lex Mundi Cross-Border Transactions (CBT) European Regional Meeting

Partner of our firm Anna Rossides attended the CBT European Regional Meeting in Rome, on 7 and 8 May, 2009, which was hosted by Italian Lex Mundi member, Chiomenti Studio Legale.

The meeting was essentially a continuation of the first two 2008 CBT European Regional Meetings, that were held in London and Vienna, respectively. The participants were given the opportunity to further discuss topics, which would enhance the cooperation amongst the Lex Mundi firms, in offering a seamless service to clients. Their conclusions were presented at the close of the meeting.

April 2009

Natasa Adamide joins Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co.

A new member joined the firm’s Corporate & Commercial Department this month. Natasa Adamide undertook her training for the Cyprus Bar at the office of the Attorney General, having focused particularly on the areas of Civil, Criminal, Competition and Administrative Law. Prior to that, Ms Adamide obtained her first degree in law from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and went on to complete her Masters Diploma in Commercial Law (LL.M.) at the University of Sheffield.

During her studies, Ms Adamide undertook an internship with Amnesty International (Thessaloniki Department).

April 2009

Senior Associate Elena Ioannides attends the 2009 WSG European Regional Meeting

Elena Ioannides represented Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co at this year’s World Services Group (WSG) European Regional Meeting, held in Madrid, between 2-4 April and hosted by Spanish WSG firm Garrigues. The entire meeting was focused on “Restructuring during Recession” and WSG representatives from all over Europe had the opportunity to attend sessions and panel discussions on topics such as the Evolution of the Financial Crisis in 2009, Insolvencies within Europe, Downsizing Production Facilities in Europe, Cross-Border Restructuring and Means of Corporate Recovery.
Member-to-member sessions also took place as part of the conference offering delegates the opportunity to discuss on-going business and potential new cases on a one-to-one level.

March 2009

Lex Mundi Asia/Pacific Regional Conference 2009 

The 2009 Lex Mundi Asia/Pacific Regional Conference took place in Sydney, between 26-28 March, and was hosted by Australian Lex Mundi member Clayton Utz. Senior Partners Kypros and Eleni Chrysostomides, who attended the conference on behalf of our firm, were among more than 100 Lex Mundi delegates from the Asia/Pacific region, Europe and the U.S.   

The conference agenda was focused mainly on the impact of the current economic crisis on law firms in the region, in addition to identifying business development opportunities in specific areas, such as Australia and India. The conference also included numerous Practice Group meetings, such as International Tax, Labour & Employment, Bank Finance & Regulation, Real Estate, Insolvency Bankruptcy & Restructuring, Cross-Border Transactions in addition to sessions with themes targeting marketing-related matters, client feedback, increasing inter-firm referrals, improving negotiation skills, and the development and training of new talent. 

Representatives from Martindale-Hubbell were also at the conference, Lex Mundi having recently joined their Connected Alliance Partner Program. Director of International Operations, Derek Benton, explained to Lex Mundi members the benefits of the program and how to utilise the various networking opportunities offered by it.

January 2009

Victoria-Zoi Papagiannis joins Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co.

Associate Victoria-Zoi Papagiannis joins the Litigation department of Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co., having completed her legal training for the Cyprus Bar at the firm. Ms Papagiannis obtained her BSc degree (Government) at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and went on to complete her Graduate Diploma in Law (College of Law, London) and LL.M. (University College London). She is a member of the Bar of England & Wales (Lincoln’s Inn) and the Cyprus Bar. Ms Papagiannis undertook internships at the Greek Ministry of Labour and the UNESCO Headquarters, both of which she completed during the period of her studies.

Her chosen fields of practice include Commercial, Corporate and Banking Litigation, Public, Constitutional and Administrative Law, Family Law, Torts, and General Practice.

October & November 2008

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co. attend key 2008 Lex Mundi Practice Group Meetings

Intellectual Property Practice Group Global Meeting
Junior Partner, Alexandros Georgiades, represented our firm’s IP department at the global meeting, held in London between 23-24 October and hosted by the Scottish Lex Mundi member, Maclay Murray & Spens LLP.

Lawyers of Lex Mundi firms from around the globe had the opportunity to meet and discuss issues relating to IP Due Diligence, the Impact of Insolvency on International IP Transactions (presented by two panels from N. America and Europe) and International Tax Considerations, including how to maximise tax relief on cross-border IP transfers and IP planning, as part of international business restructuring. Case studies on Structuring International IP Transactions were also discussed at the meeting, while the final session focused on Experiences in International Licensing.

Labour & Employment Practice Group European Meeting
Senior Associate, George Mountis, attended the Practice Group’s European meeting in Vienna (24-25 October) on behalf of our firm. The meeting was hosted by Austrian Lex Mundi member Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati.

The meeting focused on a number of topics related to the Practice Group’s areas of practice, including rules for employee representation and information/consultation for European companies and improving people skills and developing management and leadership training models (based on examples from firms with many years experience in these fields). Also included on the meeting’s agenda were a session on the Practice Group’s recent marketing initiatives and projects and an extensive workshop entitled “Pan-European Employment Contract”.

Cross-Border Transactions (CBT) European Regional Meeting
Austrian Lex Mundi member, Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati, also hosted the CBT European Regional Meeting in Vienna on 24 November, which was attended by Senior Partner, Chryso Dekatris, and Junior Partner, Anna Rossides.

The meeting was essentially a continuation of the first 2008 CBT European Regional Meeting, held in London in March 2008 and participants were given the opportunity of further analysing and expanding on the subjects included in the previous meeting’s agenda. Their conclusions were presented at the close of the meeting. European M&A activity in light of the current market environment was also an important topic of discussion at the meeting, given the trends emerging in the European economic environment.

October 2008

Senior partner, Chryso Dekatris, attends the 2008 Lex Mundi Annual and Latin America/Caribbean Regional Conference, and the 2008 International Bar Association Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co. was represented at the 2008 IBA Conference (12-17 October) and the 2008 Lex Mundi Annual and Latin America/Caribbean Regional Conference (16-19 October) by Senior Partner Chryso Dekatris.

The IBA conference featured numerous showcase sessions, meetings and workshops, covering a wide array of subjects in all fields of legal practice. Business opportunities in the legal market, the growing crisis in capital markets, management and recruitment issues related to law firms were also on the conference’s extensive agenda. Ample networking opportunities were offered to the attendees, such as the World Services Group luncheon and the United States Law Firm Group reception.

The Lex Mundi Annual and Latin America plenary sessions included a briefing on the global financial crisis and government intervention, as well as an update on the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation and sessions on Knowledge Management and the provision of a Seamless Service across all Lex Mundi member firms. Chryso Dekatris also attended various Practice Group meetings, during which more practice-related issues were discussed.

September 2008

Lex Mundi Europe/Middle East/Africa Regional Conference 2008

Managing Partner Eleni Chrysostomides and Junior Partner Alexandros Georgiades represented our firm at the 2008 Lex Mundi Europe/Middle East/Africa Regional Conference, which took place in Constantinople, Turkey (4-6 September).

Around 150 representatives from Lex Mundi member firms attended the conference, in addition to individuals from the Client Advisory Council, various distinguished speakers and sponsors. The conference agenda included numerous Practice Group meetings, such as Intellectual Property, Labour & Employment, Bank Finance & Regulation, Real Estate, Insolvency Bankruptcy & Restructuring, in addition to sessions with themes targeting Lex Mundi marketing issues and co-branding, increasing inter-firm referrals, improving negotiation skills, and the prevention of fraud and corruption in global business. 

Also on the conference agenda, was a presentation on the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation which provided attendees with an update on the foundation’s work.

September 2008

George Ioannou joins Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co.

Senior Associate, George Ioannou, joined the Corporate & Commercial team of lawyers at Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co last month. Mr Ioannou was previously Assistant Manager of the Advisory and Tax department of PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he also qualified as a Chartered Accountant. He comes to the firm with significant experience in transactions support, tax planning & structuring, and regulatory compliance. He is also specialised in the provision of internal audit services, feasibility studies and due diligence assignments in a number of areas, including retail, manufacturing, trading and service industries.

George Ioannou studied Law at University College London and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and the Cyprus Bar Association.

June 2008

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co attend the 2008 Lex Mundi Managing Partners Conference

Managing Partner, Eleni Chrysostomides and Director of Personnel and Administration, Evelina Georgiades, were in New York recently for the 2008 Lex Mundi Managing Partners Conference (June 26-28), accompanied by Senior Associates George Mountis and Georgia Chrysostomides.

The conference brought together more than 130 Managing Partners and senior executives from Lex Mundi firms worldwide, providing them with an array of opportunities for interaction and exchange of views and experiences on issues related to law firm management. Keynote speakers addressed subjects such as “Competitive Trends and Challenges in the Market for Legal Services” and “Establishing an Effective Risk Management Structure” and Lex Mundi President, Carl Anduri, provided an in-depth overview on how Lex Mundi can assist its member firms strengthen their competitive position and how the organisation’s strategic plan may realise this potential.

The close of the conference saw London being chosen as the host city for the 2009 Lex Mundi Managing Partners Conference.

May 2008

Elena Ioannides and Stavros Christou join Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co.

May 2008 sees the addition of two new members to the team of lawyers at Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co - Senior Associate, Elena Ioannides and Associate, Stavros Christou.

Ms Ioannides joins our firm as a Senior Associate, having previously worked as a Solicitor in London at Schillings and Finers Stephens Innocent LLP. She has extensive experience on a number of high profile media cases and also undertook a secondment to Tiger Aspect Productions in London. She is co-author of “Format Rights and UK Law – the Emperor’s New Clothes”, published in the International Bar Association Media Law Newsletter (Sept. 2007). Ms Ioannides is a member of the Cyprus Bar Association and the Law Society of England & Wales.

Mr Christou joins our firm’s Corporate and Commercial Department. He studied Law at the University of Bristol, where he completed both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies. He is a member of the Cyprus Bar Association and Middle Temple London. In addition to Corporate and Commercial Law, Mr Christou also practices Tax Law.

April 2008

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co. attend the 2008 WSG European Regional Meeting

Associate Charalambos Stefanou represented our firm at the recent annual WSG European Regional Meeting, which was held in Paris, 11-12 April 2008.

The main focus of the meeting was on Mergers & Acquisitions, through a number of presentations – including a case study and several panels consisting of WSG members with expertise in the specific area.

Sessions were also included, which focused on WSG strategic development and planning, future WSG expansion and updates on WSG programs and projects, in addition to opportunities of optimising WSG membership. Member-to-member sessions provided participants with the opportunity of one-on-one meetings with WSG members from other jurisdictions and discussions on possible business opportunities and collaborations.

March 2008

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co attend the 2008 Lex Mundi Cross-Border Transactions European Regional Meeting

Our firm was represented at the 2008 Lex Mundi Cross-Border Transactions European Regional Meeting by Senior Associates, Georgia Chrysostomides and George Ioannou. The meeting took place in London on 5 March 2008, and was hosted by the Scottish Lex Mundi firm, Maclay Murray & Spens. Lawyers from 22 Lex Mundi firms from various European jurisdictions had the opportunity to meet, and discuss ways of sharing knowledge and promoting cooperation, in an attempt to address clients’ needs in the best possible way.

In this respect, the participants exchanged ideas and formulated an action plan for establishing strategies in the areas of project management, work processes and marketing of the Lex Mundi brand.

March 2008

Dr. Kypros Chrysostomides appointed Minister of Justice & Public Order of the Cyprus Government

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co announce the appointment of founding partner, Dr. Kypros Chrysostomides, as Cyprus’ new Minister of Justice & Public Order, following the recent Presidential elections and the ensuing changeover in the composition of the country’s government.

It is not the first time Dr. Chrysostomides is serving from a public post; in 2003 he was appointed Government Spokesman and served a term of 3 years. In May 2006 he was elected a Member of the Cyprus House of Representatives. He stepped down from this post  in February 2008 after being appointed Minister of Justice & Public Order.

Eleni Chrysostomides and Chryso Dekatris have since taken over the role of Managing Partners at Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co.

February 2008

Partners of Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co are named in this year’s PLC Which Lawyer? Yearbook

Dr. Kypros Chrysostomides, Eleni Chrysostomides and Chryso Pitsilli-Dekatris are listed among the most prominent names in today’s legal world in the 2008 edition of the PLC Which Lawyer? Yearbook. Our firm’s partners appear among Cyprus’ leaders in the legal profession in the areas of Coprorate/M&A, Intellectual Property and Trusts, Offshore & HNWIs, respectively.

PLC Which lawyer? has been reporting on the most important developments and trends in the legal business for more than a decade, by providing independently researched information on leading lawyers from more than 100 countries, who are active in the core commercial practice areas.

February 2008
Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co – one of the three firms featured in Lex Mundi’s “Best Practices in Referral Tracking”

Our firm is proud to have been one of the three member firms featured in the recently-published “Best Practices in Referral Tracking” by Lex Mundi. The publication is the result of internal surveys and interviews conducted among lawyers, IT and marketing professionals of member firms; Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co and the other 2 firms mentioned in the publication, emerged as having devised and implemented the best procedures for referral tracking. These will be shared among all Lex Mundi members through the publication, with the aim of implementation of similar practices or improvement upon already-existing referral tracking systems.

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co’s tracking system uses the Companies/Contacts module of the management programme (LOMAS - Law Office Management and Administration System), developed by a local consulting and software company. The web-based system filters related key words, and pre-determined data concerning each case (incoming/outgoing referral, free advice, pro-bono services) are entered into the system. Internal access is carefully controlled, and reports are produced on a regular basis to ensure continuity.

January 2008
Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co launch their new logo

2008 sees the launch of a new logo from Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co, as part of the ongoing expansion of the firm’s marketing programme and the development of its branding strategy.

The new, contemporary colour logo, which has replaced the older black and white version, encompasses design elements reflecting the firm’s international orientation, making reference also to its origins and its establishment as one of the leading firms within the Cyprus legal market. At the same time, the new logo embodies the solid professional values and ethical principles which Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co. adhere to and practise, and is consistent with the firm’s tradition and culture.

The new logo is already in use on all of the firm’s internal and external communications, with further implementation of the new brand planned for the firm’s website, which shall be re-designed in line with the updated branding images.

January 2008
Senior Associate, Anna Rossides, included among world’s leading lawyers in The International Who’s Who of Competition Lawyers & Economists 2008

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co are delighted to announce the nomination of senior associate Anna Rossides by her peers, as one of the world’s pre-eminent Competition lawyers. Ms Rossides’ name shall appear alongside other leading Competition lawyers in the forthcoming edition of The International Who’s Who of Competition Lawyers & Economists 2008, due to be published in March and launched at the ABA 56th Antitrust Law Spring Meeting (Washington DC, 26 March 2008).

The publication will also form the Competition chapter in the 2008 Global Competition Review compendium volume of Who’s Who Legal – The International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers.

January 2008
Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co. contribute to the 2008 PLC/Lex Mundi Doing Business in…….Handbook

Our firm will appear in the forthcoming 2008 edition of the Practical Law Company (PLC)/Lex Mundi Doing Business in …… Handbook, as the exclusive contributor for the Cyprus chapter. The chapter will include, inter alia, up to date information on the legal system, foreign investment, business vehicles, foreign employees, tax, intellectual property and marketing agreements.

The Handbook will be published shortly and distributed with the Which Lawyer Yearbook at key events organised by the IBA and ACC throughout the year, as well as Lex Mundi events.

December 2007
Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co are represented at the 2007 European Regional Meeting of the Lex Mundi Antitrust Competition and Trade Practice Group

Two of our senior associates, George Mountis and Anna Rossides, attended the Lex Mundi Antitrust Competition and Trade Practice Group European Regional meeting, which was held in Paris on 5 December, 2007.

The first session of the meeting focused on the issue of legal privilege and competition law enforcement procedure, following the outcome of a landmark case. At the second session of the meeting, emphasis was placed on the issue of customers’ claims in connection with a breach of a competition law regulation, covering both possible remedies and actions. During both sessions, each participant gave a short presentation on the relevant issue in their jurisdiction. Discussions among all participants followed.

November 2007
Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co. proudly announce the appointment of partner, Chryso Dekatris, as Chair of the Lex Mundi Trusts and Estates Practice Group

Chryso Dekatris has been a member of the Lex Mundi Trusts and Estates Practice Group for the past 4 years, and has already served as Regional Vice-Chair for the Europe/Middle East/Africa region.

The Trusts and Estates Practice Group, one of a total of 31 Lex Mundi practice groups, aims to identify ways for member firms to work together to serve clients while enhancing their trusts, probate and estates practices. Regular meetings and conference calls are scheduled throughout the year, offering experts from each of the Lex Mundi member firms networking opportunities, and the chance to discuss and exchange information on business development practices. Member firms are able to improve their respective Trust and Estate law practice by exchanging information on managing the practice and delivering services in specific substantive areas, in addition to discussing new services that could be offered to clients.

October 2007
Senior partners of our firm attend the 2007 Lex Mundi Annual and Asia Pacific Regional Conference, and the 2007 International Bar Association Conference, in Singapore

Dr. Kypros Chrysostomides, Eleni Chrysostomides and Chryso Dekatris were in Singapore between 11-17 October, to attend the 2007 Lex Mundi Annual and Asia Pacific Regional Conference (11-14 October) and the 2007 International Bar Association (IBA) Conference (14-19 October).

Over 160 representatives from Lex Mundi member firms, in addition to individuals from the Client Advisory Council, sponsors and speakers, participated in the Lex Mundi conference. Our firm’s senior partners attended Practice Group meetings (Intellectual Property, Insolvency Bankruptcy & Restructuring, Labor & Employment, Bank Finance & Regulation), and sessions, such as those targeted at improving and revising Client Service Standards, Attracting Motivating and Retaining Young Lawyers, and evaluating the 2007 Lex Mundi Strategic Initiatives.  

The opening of the IBA conference, which followed on from the Lex Mundi closing sessions, signalled the beginning of numerous showcase sessions, meetings and workshops, as well as networking opportunities, such as the World Services Group luncheon and the United States Law Firm Group reception, which our senior partners attended.

September 2007
Memorandum for the conversion of Cyprus Companies’ share capital, from Cyprus Pounds to Euro

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co. wish to remind all their clients that Cyprus will join the Euro Zone on 1st January 2008 and will adopt Euro as its official currency, thus replacing the Cyprus Pounds.

The rules for the adoption of the Euro are governed by Law which provides, inter alia, that the share capital of Companies currently expressed in Cyprus Pounds will be converted to Euro as from the date of the adoption of Euro, using the irrevocable fixed conversion rate of  €1 = C£ 0.585274 and rounded up to two decimal places.

The conversion and rounding up of the nominal value of shares will be done in accordance with the prescribed rules and, as a result, the Company’s share capital may be increased or decreased accordingly. The increase or decrease of the capital must be approved by a resolution of the Company in general meeting, and then filed with the Registrar of Companies. Certain provisions of the Companies Law, concerning the increase or decrease of share capital are being suspended for a year (i.e., 2008) following the adoption of the Euro, so as to facilitate the necessary changes in the share capital.

Any resultant increase of the share capital can be achieved through the capitalization of reserves or the payment of cash. Any decrease in the share capital can be recorded in a special reserve to be used for any future capital increase or be distributed by way of dividend without any tax repercussions.

From the date of the adoption of the Euro, the Registrar of Companies will not approve any changes to the Memorandum and /or Articles of Association or accept notification for any change of the data in the Company’s Register if the resolution for the conversion of the Company’s Share Capital has not already been filed.

It should be noted that the aforementioned provisions only apply to the conversion of a Company’s share capital from Cyprus Pounds to Euro.  If a Company’s share capital are to be changed from Cyprus Pounds into a currency other than Euro, then appropriate similar steps must be taken.

Dr. K. Chrysostomides & Co. are at your disposal for the provision of any additional information you may require on the matter, and to handle, on your behalf, the necessary administrative issues concerning the conversion of the Company’s share capital from Cyprus Pounds to Euro during the year 2008.