Menelaos Kyprianou, CEO of Michael Kyprianou Law Firm talks to Forbes.
What are the key challenges you face in maintaining the firm’s growth and reputation as one of Cyprus’ leading law firms, particularly with its expanding international presence across multiple countries?
I believe that a fundamental requirement is to be very careful in the recruitment process. So we try to recruit people who not only have a good educational background but also who we understand are ambitious and want to excel at what they do.
It is then necessary to provide them with ongoing support and a clear roadmap as to what they can become within the firm. We pride ourselves for having a transparent meritocratic system where a lawyer after completing certain years at the firm can apply for a partnership position and even to acquire equity in the firm. To the extent possible the criteria for partnership are specific and measurable.
With a competent and motivated work force you are in a strong position to be able to provide high quality services and to maintain that quality. But you have to remain diligent and the process is ongoing. Therefore we are strict in the reporting requirements we ask our staff to adhere to. And we take comments we receive from clients very seriously indeed.
Michael Kyprianou Law Firm is known for exceeding client expectations. How does your firm continuously adapt to changing client needs and the dynamic legal environment, especially as you expand into new international markets like Germany, the UAE, and the UK?
Thank you for your kind words. Indeed, trying to exceed our clients’ expectations is I believe embedded in our culture and way of thinking.
Our lawyers try to see a case or project from every angle and to deliver a service that will add measurable value to the client. In the long run this will reap rewards even if in a particular case the hours and energy expended may even have exceeded the value of the fees received. We know that there is no more effective advertisement than clients saying positive things about our work.
Regarding our international expansion the key again is the human factor. We try to collaborate with competent lawyers abroad who have integrity and who share our vision as to the benefits of being part of an international network.
GOOD RECORD OF ORGANISING SEMINARS
With expertise spanning various sectors such as Banking, Finance, Data Protection, and Anti-Money Laundering, how does the firm ensure that its lawyers are equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge and resources to handle the increasingly complex legal challenges faced by clients in these areas?
It is a prerequisite in our firm that the lawyers regularly attend seminars and, even better, to deliver presentations in them. Also, they are asked to publish articles regularly. I believe that we also have a good record of organizing seminars ourselves, both in Cyprus and abroad.
Further to the above, it is up to each individual lawyer to ensure that he follows all the developments in his field. We believe that our lawyers respect themselves and know that the level of work they produce reflects primarily on their own self.
Given the firm’s extensive experience in sectors like Shipping, Energy, and Transport, what are the emerging trends or challenges in these industries that Michael Kyprianou Law Firm is preparing for, and how do you foresee the firm evolving in response to these changes?
Indeed the fields of Shipping, Energy and Transport are very important for our firm and we closely monitor and adapt to the latest developments and challenges shaping them.
In shipping, digitalisation is a key trend. The Shipping Deputy Ministry is now nearing the launch of its fully digitalised system which will streamline procedures and improve efficiency. This development will also enhance our ability to provide faster and more effective legal services. Another significant development is the Shipping Limited Liability Company Law which was passed in 2022. Even though it has yet to be implemented, its entry into force is expected to provide greater legal clarity.
In the energy sector, grid saturation from increased solar installations presents legal and regulatory challenges. As Cyprus works to modernise its infrastructure our firm supports clients with licensing, compliance, energy agreements and structuring private investment in renewable projects.
In transport and logistics, ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt supply chains. We assist clients through contractual risk management, renegotiation of terms and legal support for diversified sourcing and logistics planning.
