Greek Lawyer: Kosmidis & Partner Law Firm provides information
For competent advice and representation in legal matters, the same applies in Greece as in Germany: turn to a reliable, knowledgeable lawyer. As an experienced law firm, Kosmidis & Partner has been the point of contact for German companies in Greece and private individuals since 1992. We would like to give you initial information here on the topics of Greek lawyer, responsibilities, duties, and costs. For further and more specific information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
When is a Greek lawyer necessary?
Under Article 39 of the Greek Lawyers’ Code, a Greek lawyer is required for any legal advice and representation before the courts. Only in exceptional cases may affected parties appear without a lawyer.
Anyone who needs binding legal information in Greece or is a party to court proceedings must engage a lawyer. This obligation to be represented by counsel does not apply:
- before criminal courts (however, representation before the Areopagus and jury courts does require a Greek lawyer)
- before the district courts (if the amount in dispute does not exceed €5,000)
- in urgent cases to avert damage (filing legal remedies, etc.)
- as well as in preliminary injunction proceedings
Additional areas of responsibility for a lawyer in Greece, depending on specialization, include:
- legal support in tax, customs, and administrative matters
- registration of patents and trademarks
- preparation of legal opinions
- translation and certification of copies of documents
- inheritance law in Greece
Until 2014, there was a mandatory lawyer requirement for acquiring real estate in Greece. This has since been abolished—however, consulting a lawyer is still advisable if you want to buy a house in Greece. A lawyer for international inheritance law from our firm will advise you comprehensively on questions of estate planning in Greece.
What is a Greek lawyer? Admission and jurisdiction as Greek Rechtsanwalt and Dikigoros
A Greek lawyer must use the professional title of his or her country of origin. Our firm employs Greek Rechtsanwälte and Dikigoros.
- Rechtsanwalt: Lawyers who are admitted as Rechtsanwalt in Germany—i.e., admitted under the Federal Lawyers’ Act (BRAO) or under the European Lawyers’ Act (EuRAG)—may use the professional title “Rechtsanwalt.”
- Dikigoros: Dikigoros is the professional title for a lawyer trained and admitted in Greece.
Cross‑border practice is possible after several years of professional activity in the respective country. A Greek lawyer from KPAG Kosmidis & Partner can therefore represent you before courts in both Greece and Germany if required.
- Civil matters: As a rule, a Greek lawyer may only appear before courts within the jurisdiction of his or her local bar association. Only in Athens and Piraeus can the Greek lawyer act independently at both locations; for all other courts, a locally admitted correspondence lawyer must be engaged.
- Criminal matters: In criminal cases, a Greek lawyer may appear before all criminal courts in the country.
Binding duties for Greek lawyers
A Greek lawyer is obliged to:
- exercise the profession conscientiously and carefully
- work, where possible, toward a compromise for all parties
- not accept or represent cases that are manifestly unjust and/or unlawful
In addition, Greek lawyers may not engage in activities that jeopardize their independence. Acting as a broker, managing director or representative of a commercial company or a credit institution is incompatible with the legal profession and therefore prohibited. Permissible is work as in‑house counsel (Syndikus) or as a salaried Greek lawyer with fixed remuneration at a legal entity.
What does a Greek lawyer cost?
The “Fee Regulation for Lawyers” sets minimum fees for Greek lawyers. These must be paid in advance of each proceeding at the cashier’s office of the competent bar association. In view of the principle of the dignity of the profession and Article 281 of the Greek Civil Code (abuse of rights), there are upper limits on lawyers’ fees in Greece.
Beyond that, a Dikigoros or lawyer in Greece may freely agree fees with clients. Success‑based fees linked to the proceeding, the work, or other conditions are permissible. Agreements on assignment or transfer of up to 20% of the realized claim are likewise admissible.
Your Greek lawyer recommends: Clarify the question of costs before granting the mandate and conclude a binding fee agreement with the responsible lawyer in Greece.
Kosmidis & Partner Law Firm: Your reliable Greek lawyer for companies and natural persons
Many years of experience, proven expertise, and reliable handling of mandates for companies and private individuals make Kosmidis & Partner your point of contact for German‑Greek and international legal matters. Investing in Greece becomes more efficient with our know‑how and our understanding of the German mindset—you benefit from our competence in successful cross‑border business.
If you have further questions about our work as Greek lawyers or are interested in our comprehensive end‑to‑end solutions for company‑relevant issues, please contact us—we look forward to your inquiry!
(Status: January 2013. All information is provided subject to change and without guarantee)
FAQ Greek Lawyer – Everything you need to know
Whom can a Greek lawyer represent?
A Greek lawyer is a reliable point of contact for private individuals and companies alike when they need support in legal matters in Greece. For your decision, the specialist’s relevant experience is important. Ideally, a lawyer holds dual admission for Germany and Greece. KPAG Kosmidis & Partner offers support from lawyers who hold dual admissions in DE and GR.
In which situations is a Greek lawyer required?
A Greek lawyer is needed whenever companies or private individuals from another country wish to clarify legal matters in Greece (binding legal information and/or participation in court proceedings). From inheritance to corporate law, our firm assists you in numerous areas. Real estate purchases are particularly straightforward with us: we have extensive experience handling cross‑border legal matters, especially property purchases, we know the legal situation in Greece in detail, and we advise our clients in German.
What areas of law are you specialized in as Greek lawyers?
KPAG Kosmidis & Partner supports you in numerous areas of law. We are, among others, your point of contact for:
- Real estate law
- Inheritance law
- Commercial and corporate law
- Special: Advisory services for German companies in Greece
- Tax law
- Administrative law
- and many other areas of law
We advise private individuals and companies on numerous matters and have a large network of notaries, brokers and other experts with whom we work for you in Greece. Another focus is on litigation and debt collection.
What should I consider when hiring a Greek lawyer?
When engaging a lawyer in Greece, you should look for appropriate qualifications and experience. It is important that the firm can advise you in German and is well versed in both Greek and German law. A lawyer for cross‑border legal matters should have relevant experience. KPAG Kosmidis & Partner excels in both areas. Feel free to view our references and form your own opinion of our performance.
What does a Greek lawyer cost?
Officially established minimum fees apply to Greek lawyers. These are set out in the Fee Regulation for Lawyers. In general, however, fees are freely negotiable. For you as the client, it is important to reach a binding fee agreement in advance that makes all costs transparent. KPAG Kosmidis & Partner will be happy to inform you personally about the costs for a Greek lawyer and advise you in your case.
Do you have questions or would you like to find out more?
KPAG Kosmidis & Partner Law Firm
Byzantiou Str.10 GR – 57004 Thessaloniki – Angelochori
- +30 23920 57167
F. +30 2310 050 050 - info@kpag.com