About Us
Story of
Chrysses Demetriades
Our law firm was founded in 1948 by Chrysses Demetriades, whose energy, knowledge and integrity quickly established him as a well-respected advocate. He played a pivotal role in creating the Cyprus Shipping Register in 1963 and advised the first offshore companies, contributing to Limassol’s rise as a global business center.
The firm grew through key partnerships and mergers, such as with M.M. Houry & Co. in 1978 and P.L. Cacoyannis & Co. in 2003, enhancing its expertise in litigation and business law. Today, the firm continues to honour its founder’s legacy, providing top-tier legal services across all practice areas with a commitment to excellence and ethics.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy centers on combining experience with innovation to deliver tailored and effective solutions.
Our Principles
Serving businesses and individuals for over 75 years with the same professionalism, ethics and integrity.
Key to Success
Our success is built on the collective knowledge and experience of our lawyers and support staff.
Why Choose Us
Widely acknowledged and consistently ranked as one of the leading law firms in Cyprus by independent legal directories, such as the Legal 500 and Chambers, Chrysses Demetriades & Co. LLC provides a comprehensive range of legal services to local and international clients. Our lawyers’ expertise covers the needs of all clients, from private individuals to multinational corporations.
With a legacy of more than 75 years, we have long-established relationships with our clients, including many of the world’s leading financial institutions, professional advisers and regulatory bodies. Our success is founded on the ability to provide practical, creative and cost-effective advice, combined with an uncompromising commitment to our clients for optimum solutions. It is also founded on a strong dedication to our staff and the communities in which we practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cyprus considered an international business hub?
Cyprus is a popular Financial Services, Shipping, and IT business jurisdiction. A member of the EU and the Eurozone, with a strategic location, it offers a high quality of life in a safe environment, excellent professional services, low corporate tax and incentives for start-ups. It is one of the largest shipping centres and has also evolved as a new business hub for tech companies.
How can Chrysses Demetriades & Co LLC assist in operating our business?
We can assist with all key components of business operation, from incorporating a company or other legal entity to assisting with compliance matters, dealing with local or cross-border mergers and acquisitions, advising on tax, competition, employment and intellectual property issues, assisting with property acquisitions, resolving disputes and dealing with winding up and dissolution proceedings.
What areas of law does Chrysses Demetriades & Co LLC specialise in?
Our Firm specialises in various legal areas, including Litigation and ADR, Shipping, Banking, Finance, Energy, Corporate, Competition, Employment, Family, Real Estate, Inheritance and Insurance law. Our teams of advocates and consultants are well-equipped to handle complex legal matters and disputes, providing expert advice and representation tailored to each case’s unique needs.
How long has Chrysses Demetriades & Co LLC been in operation?
Established in 1948, Chrysses Demetriades & Co LLC has been serving physical persons and legal entities for almost eight decades. Our long-standing history is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our ability to adapt to the evolving legal landscape.
How can I schedule a consultation with one of your lawyers?
You can contact us via email at info@demetriades.com, phone at +357 25800000 or the contact form on our website. Once we receive your inquiry, our staff will promptly respond to arrange a convenient time for your consultation, ensuring that you receive timely and focused legal assistance from an expert on the issue raised.
Our Timeline
Chrysses Demetriades is called to the Bar in England. He returns to Cyprus and establishes his own legal practice which later became the foundation of the firm’s future success.
He was later joined by John Agapiou (1958) and Efti Psillaki (1967), two of the most prominent lawyers in the fields of litigation and shipping, respectively.
His firm evolved into a legal partnership called Chrysses Demetriades & Co. which rose to international recognition.
Chrysses Demetriades envisions Cyprus becoming an international business and maritime centre post-British colonial era, and following the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960.
In 1963, as a member of Cyprus’ House of Representatives, he plays a key role in establishing the Cyprus Shipping Register.
Chrysses Demetriades contributes to the rise of Cyprus, and Limassol in particular, as a significant centre for shipping and ship management operations.
The Cyprus flag ranks as the third largest worldwide and the firm is recognised as the leading law firm in the shipping and ship management sectors.
Chrysses Demetriades & Co merges with M.M. Houry & Co, one of the oldest and most successful practices in the island with a legal presence since 1919. At that time, it was the largest merger in Cyprus in the legal profession.
Stuart McBride, Christos Mavrellis also join Chrysses Demetriades. Chrysses Demetriades becomes one of the first Cypriots to lecture at international shipping and tax planning conferences, contributing to the growth of Cyprus’ fame as an international business hub.
At the same time, Chrysses Demetriades takes the initiative to establish in Cyprus a low-tax regime so as to attract international businesses to Cyprus, an initiative which the government embraced and promoted. These were the foundations that established Cyprus as a leading international shipping and commercial centre.
Chrysses Demetriades & Co. merges with another prestigious Cypriot law firm, P.L. Cacoyannis & Co.
The latter had been established in 1924 by the late Sir Panayotis Cacoyannis, who was knighted by King Edward VIII, and was succeeded by his son George Cacoyannis, a renowned criminal lawyer, international arbitrator and author of leading textbooks.
The merger expands the litigation team and reinforces it as the largest and most dynamic in Cyprus serving all types of litigation.
Chrysses Demetriades & Co. LLC moves to its new 6000sqm head-office in Limassol and houses all its departments in one modern office building.
Situated next to the Old Library and near the historical centre of Limassol, the firm’s new offices become an immediate landmark and attract attention due to its unique modern design.
Its auditorium is synonymous to a local conference centre and hosts many events such as arbitrations, seminars, corporate events and conferences.
Our firm celebrates 75-years in existence. Its ranking as a top-tier law firm in various legal directories, such as Legal 500 and Chambers, continues.
Having fulfilled its founder’s vision of a strong legacy, Chrysses Demetriades & Co LLC continues its growth and expands its practice areas with emphasis on new and emerging industries such as FinTech and Energy.