Haviaras & Philippou L.L.C.

The firm: Haviaras & Philippou L.L.C. is the fifth oldest lawyer’s limited liability company, regulated by the Cyprus Bar Association, providing services to local and international clientele.

The firm considers the practice of law to be, first and foremost, about clients. It is committed to exceptional client service and its ultimate objective is to achieve the best results for clients.

The firm has carefully selected its personnel and colleagues, ensuring integrity, professionalism and results for its clients.

The firm is recognised for the breadth and depth of its legal knowledge, expertise and experience, and it promises to apply these at all times for the benefit of clients.

The clientele of the firm consists of both local individuals, companies and organisations, as well as international individuals and business establishments of multiple sectors such as, but not limited to, insurance companies, land developing, imports/exports, banking, real estate, medical insurance, financial services, investments, trading, food manufacturing industries, hotels/tourism, construction and shipping companies.

The firm’s team has developed a strong grasp of clients’ business and industry by consistently building strong and trusted relationships with them. It understands clients’ objectives and clients can expect the most from the firm.

Areas of practice
Litigation and commercial dispute resolution: the firm’s litigation team is one of the strongest on the island, capable of dealing with complex disputes and resolving matters that fall in to their hands quickly and efficiently. Among the recent disputes that the team has been handling are disputes between one of the Cyprus banks under resolution and members of its board of directors for more than €6bn, disputes relating to the enforcement of LCIA awards between CIS oligarchs, the value of which was over €150m, disputes emanating in the CIS from the disposal of Cyprus subsidiaries valued at €250m.

Corporate and commercial and banking and finance/insolvency: the corporate and commercial department of the firm advises banks as well as international companies on cross-border transactions, restructuring, and company formation, as well as advising on day-to-day needs of its clients. Recent deals that the firm was involved with include a force sale of a group of companies in the CIS and Cyprus, valued at approximately €300m, as well as advising a CIS bank on defending itself against false claims of more than €70m.

Naturalisation: the firm offers reliable legal advice and provides support on matters relating to naturalisation in Cyprus for foreign investors who are looking to have seamless movement within the European Union. The firm helps them organise their lives from choosing their investment, to finding the proper home and schools to accommodate their families.

Insurance: the firm has extensive knowledge of the insurance industry in Cyprus and the relevant legislation since they have helped by drafting policies and creating landmarks in the insurance contacts. The firm offers legal representation, support and advice to companies, banks and persons on matters of insurance of all types – life, public liability, third party, employers’ liability, medical, marine, aviation insurance, life insurance and so on.

Intellectual property (IP): with IP being a major sector nowadays, the team has gained a sound knowledge of the relevant Cyprus and EU law on intellectual property as well as their tax treatment, provides reliable legal support and advice on matters of IP registration, protection and implementation and helps the client to maintain a good record of the business and rights involved therein.

Oil and gas: the firm reliably offers legal advice in this new-born field of industry in Cyprus, due to its involvement with multinational companies which have been in the energy field for years. The current development of the energy industry in Cyprus gives rise to challenging opportunities such as international tax planning. Companies that the firm advises have been activated in the energy saving sector and exploration.