Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
Elena Vasileiou
Internal Financial Controller
Yana Sanzharovska Kouzmidi
Corporate Administrator
Maria Kadi
Corporate Administrator
Georgia Georgiou
Litigation Administrator
Andri Michael
Office Assistant
Pitsa Katchis
Receptionist
Melina Pyrgou is the managing director of Pyrgou Vakis Law Firm and has over 30 years of experience serving internationalclientele. She was partner with Kinanis Pyrgou & Co initially and then in 2007 she joined PricewaterhouseCoopers as Director of Legal Services. In 2008 she established her own practice, Pyrgou Law firm. In 2014 Pyrgou Law Firm was renamed to Pyrgou Vakis Law Firm, after a partnership between Melina Pyrgou, Demetris Vakis (of Christos Vakis & Co a firm that had been established for over 50 years) and Despo Andreou.
She was listed in “Legal 500” EMEA 2021 and 2022 in the areas of Corporate and M&A.
Melina is an active citizen and has over the years served on a number of boards. These include acting as President of EuropeFides, a European association of accounting, audit tax and legal medium sized firms, serving on the boards of the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (November 2016), the Health Insurance organisation, the Cyprus Bar Association, the Legal Council and she was an appointed member of the Disciplinary Committee of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (December 2016). She is one of the founders and directors of the non-profit organisation “Justice for All” providing free legal guidance and court representation to recipients of low income benefit.
‘Melina Pyrgou leads a highly qualified team of lawyers and always explores areas of development.’
Demetris Vakis has been a member of the Cyprus Bar Association since 1989. Later in 2005 until 2009 he became a member of the Board, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission and in 2009 until today he became a member of the Companies Committee of Council of the Cyprus Bar Association. He worked initially from 1988 until July 2014 as a Partner / Director at Christos Vakis & Co LLC providing services in Corporate and business law, arbitration, litigation related to judicial review of administrative actions, provision of advisory services on financial services, liquidations and receiverships and thereafter joined Pyrgou Vakis Law Firm in July 2014 until today as a Director, continuing to provide the aforesaid services.
Demetris earned his apolytirio at the Pancyprian Gymnasium in Cyprus in 1982 and in 1984 until 1988 he studied law and earned a Bachelor Degree in LLB Law at the Queen Mary College at the University of London. Demetris is fluent in Greek and English.
‘Demetris Vakis’ ability to assess situations that might cause future conflicts and provide for such situations is unmatched.’
Despo is a Director at PYRGOU VAKIS LLC, and one of the founding partners of the Firm. She has been a registered Lawyer with the Cyprus Bar Association since 1999. Despo holds a Law degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
As the head of the Litigation Department and Privacy Division, Despo leads a team of lawyers and administrative staff. Her practice focuses on advising clients in Civil and Commercial Litigation, Banking Law, Contract Law, Family Law, Employment Law, Personal Injury Claims, Insurance Law, and Human Rights. She also oversees the Litigation aspect of the Privacy Division.
Despo handles private client work, including drafting wills and administration of estate matters. Her extensive litigation experience spans local companies, individuals, and foreign corporations.
In addition to her legal practice, Despo is involved in Privacy and Data Protection assignments and regularly delivers seminars on Employment Law and GDPR compliance.
Despo has been recognized as a Recommended Lawyer by Legal 500 for several years.
‘Melina Pyrgou, Despo Andreou and Demetris Vakis are knowledgeable, show strong leadership, and are friendly and trustworthy.’
Charalambos is a Director at PYRGOU VAKIS LLC with over 20 years of experience. He founded and managed Prountzos & Prountzos LLC in 2010. From 2019 to 2023, he led the legal services of a Big4 firm for the Central, Eastern Europe, Southeastern Europe, and Central Asia Region, overseeing teams in 32 countries with more than 500 members. In 2025, he joined PYRGOU VAKIS LLC as a Partner and Director.
Charalambos has extensive experience in legal matters concerning regulated markets. He has handled significant cases in competition law, mergers and acquisitions, and personal data protection. His expertise includes legislative and regulatory matters related to energy—both renewables and natural gas. He has consulted on numerous large infrastructure projects and is recognized as a leading figure in renewable energy and waste management initiatives. Additionally, he has successfully managed landmark constitutional, employment, and public procurement cases.
Charalambos is a member of Gray’s Inn and the Cyprus Bar Association. He is a licensed insolvency practitioner and has participated in the Cyprus Bar Association’s Committee for Corporate and Tax Matters. He has also contributed to bilateral business initiatives, such as the Cyprus–Canada Business Association. From 2011 to 2018, he served as a member and Vice Chairman for Administration and Finance on the Governing Committee of the Open University of Cyprus. In 2018, he was elected the first Chairman of the Open University of Cyprus Council, one of the three public universities of the Republic of Cyprus.
He has also served on the Board of CYENS, a Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence. CYENS is a joint venture between the three public universities of the Republic of Cyprus, the Max Planck Institute of Germany, University College London (UCL), and the Municipality of Nicosia.
In June 2024, Charalambos was elected Mayor of Nicosia.
Georgia Papa serves as a Director at Pyrgou Vakis LLC, a distinguished law firm renowned for its expertise in mergers and acquisitions, corporate, and commercial law.
With a wealth of experience in the legal realm, Georgia Papa has consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of the intricacies of corporate and commercial transactions. Her dedication to providing top-tier legal counsel has contributed to the success of numerous clients in navigating the complexities of the business landscape.
Beyond her role as Director, Papa actively participates in events aimed at promoting Cyprus as a business center on the international stage. Her involvement underscores a commitment to fostering global partnerships and showcasing Cyprus as an attractive destination for businesses seeking strategic advantages.
Georgia Papa has an LLB from the University of Leicester, an LLM from King’s College London and is a holder of the Advanced Diploma in International Taxation. She is also a holder of the Cysec Advance certification. Georgia was admitted to the Cyprus Bar in 2011. She is also a member of the Tax Committee of the Cyprus Bar Association and a member of the board of the Cyprus – Turkmenistan Business Association, operating under the auspices of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
‘Georgia is my hero. She communicates fast, consistent and is very considerate.’
Nota Pelekanou was recently appointed as a director of Pyrgou Vakis LLC. She specializes in Litigation and Dispute Resolution, with a particular focus on Banking, Land, and Administrative Law. Additionally, she possesses expertise in the Registration, Recognition, and Enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards.
Her clientele primarily includes banks and debt management companies, where she has succeeded the issuance of numerous judgments and orders to the benefit of her clients. Nota Pelekanou is also sought after for her legal expertise in debt collection procedures, demonstrating her comprehensive understanding of the field.
Being a member of the Committee on International and European Law, as well as the Committee on Civil Procedures Rules and Reform of the Cyprus Bar Association, Nota Pelekanou is actively engaged in the legal community.
Trained by the Cyprus Commissioner on Children’s Rights in the legal representation of children in Court procedures. She is well-versed in the intricacies of this aspect of litigation.
Maria Kyriakou is an expert in real estate legal services, having assisted several clients with projects related to the purchase and sale of residential properties as well as the management of real estate, including preparation of tenancy agreements. Maria also holds extensive experience in the preparation and organisation of immigration applications for company employees and their family members.
Maria’s experience in litigation gives her a broader view of real estate and contract law issues that arise in property cases. She has extensive knowledge in banking cases and related immovable property issues, as well as mortgages and Land Registry procedures. Her 18 years of litigation experience as a paralegal has contributed significantly to her professional handling of her cases.
Eleni A. Prodromou has been a practicing lawyer in Cyprus since 2007 and joined Pyrgou Vakis Law Firm in 2024. She specializes in Litigation and Dispute Resolution, with a particular focus on Employment and Administrative Law. Throughout her career, she has handled and successfully litigated numerous cases, primarily related to employment dismissal, disciplinary procedures, discrimination, wage deductions, maternity issues, and harassment.
In addition to her litigation work, Eleni provides legal counsel to large companies and organizations, advising them on both day-to-day legal matters and more specialized issues. Her expertise is frequently sought for employment law seminars, which she has delivered to various companies and organizations, helping them navigate complex legal frameworks.
Eleni is an active member of several professional associations, including the Pancyprian Bar Association, the Nicosia Bar Association, and the European Employment Lawyers Association. She also serves on the Complaints, Ethics, and Human Resources Committee of the Nicosia Bar Association and holds the position of Vice-President of the Law Modernisation and Study of Bills and Public Law Committee of the Pancyprian Bar Association. Additionally, she is a member of the Cyprus Human Resource Management Association.
Tania is a driven and detail-oriented lawyer with extensive experience in employment, regulatory, and contract law. She specializes in providing strategic legal advice to large companies and organizations, including public corporate bodies, on both routine legal matters and complex, sector-specific challenges.
Her expertise is frequently sought in employment law, where she advises on issues such as dismissals, disciplinary procedures, employees’ statutory rights, and workplace policies. Tania also guides clients through complex regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance and addressing legal challenges effectively. Her work spans multiple sectors, including gambling, energy, research and innovation, and higher education, where she delivers tailored solutions to meet specific industry needs.
Tania holds an LLB from the University of Southampton and an LLM in Human Rights Law from the University of Edinburgh. Admitted to the Cyprus Bar in 2017, she is fluent in Greek and English.
‘Tania Tofaridou brings exceptional clarity and precision to her work. She has an impressive ability to cut through complexity and provide guidance that is strategic and easy to act upon.’
Andria Thrasyvoulou is a highly-skilled legal professional and corporate advisor with expertise in corporate and commercial law.
A Barrister-at-Law of Gray’s Inn, Andria completed the Bar Vocational Course in the UK and holds an LLB (Honours) degree from the University of Bristol. Since she has become a member of the Cyprus Bar Association in 2007, Andria has established herself as a trusted legal expert in corporate advisory and compliance.
Andria is certified in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) by both the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Cyprus Bar Association. As a Certified Fully Trained Mediator accredited by the Cyprus Mediation Association and a member of the Cyprus-Baltic States Business Association, she possesses a strong understanding of both international and local legal frameworks, enabling her to navigate through complex regulatory environments.
Andria specializes in corporate compliance, transactions, and joint ventures, offering legal services to public and private companies. She has experience in global restructurings, cross-border redomiciliations, M&A, and commercial transactions under Cyprus law. Renowned for providing end-to-end management of Cyprus companies, she excels in handling administrative, banking, accounting, and compliance requirements, ensuring seamless operations for her clients.
Whether guiding businesses through corporate reorganizations or ensuring compliance with Cyprus law, Andria delivers solutions that align with each client’s objectives. Her commitment to excellence and client-focused approach make Andria a trusted advisor in the legal field.
‘Working with Andria Thrasyvoulou is a great experience – she is a stand-out for her professionalism and ability to simplify even the most complicated matters.’
Maria graduated from Panteion University of Greece on 2010 with an Academic Degree in Public Administration and then went on to complete her LLB at the University of Nicosia.
She joined Pyrgou Vakis Law Firm in February 2012 as a Corporate Administrator and upon the completion of her law degree and traineeship, she is now a practising Lawyer since 2020.
Maria is a member of the Corporate team of the Firm. Her areas of expertise are Corporate and Commercial matters, Insolvency law, and Compliance and Regulatory issues. In addition to the above, Maria undertakes projects relating with the Firm’s compliance with ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9001:2015 standards.
She is fluent in Greek and English language and maintains DELF A1 degree in French.
Marlen Vakis has been a member of the Cyprus Bar Association since 2022.
She studied at the University of Bristol and then went on to complete her Legal Practice Course, with Master’s in Business, at the University of Law in London. She initially worked in the insolvency sector in London for three years.
Marlen then joined Pyrgou Vakis in 2021 and completed her traineeship to become a licensed lawyer in Cyprus.
Marlen’s areas of practice include corporate and commercial law, insolvency law and intellectual property.
‘Demetris Vakis is a problem solver with great ability to navigate through complicated scenarios, and Marlen Vakis is a prominent young talent who is proving to be an asset to the firm.’
Marina Kinani became a member of the Cyprus Bar Association in June 2025.
She is a member of the Litigation Department, focusing on Employment Law and Family Law. In her current role as a junior lawyer, she assists with the preparation of court documents, filings, and other procedural work before the Cyprus courts.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Reading.
