"I would like our firm’s legacy to be measured not only by the quality of our work or the recognition we receive, but by the trust we earn and the environment we create for people to grow and thrive. The firm was founded on integrity, intellectual rigour and a genuine sense of responsibility towards clients, colleagues and society. If each generation continues to build on these foundations, preserving the values and culture that have shaped the firm over the past decades while embracing the opportunities and challenges of a changing world, that will be the most meaningful continuation of our founders’ vision," say the Co-Managing Partners at Chrysostomides Advocates, Chryso Pitsilli-Dekatris and George Mountis say on the sidelines of the legal firm's 45th anniversary.
In a joint interview with CBN, the two Co-Managing Partners at Chrysostomides Advocates discuss the firm's evolution and future aims.
Chrysostomides Advocates and Legal Consultants is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. How will the firm mark this milestone occasion?
George Mountis: Reaching this milestone gives us a rare opportunity to pause our busy schedules and appreciate just how far we have come. It is a moment of great pride, joy and gratitude which we would like to share.
We will mark the occasion with an evening gathering to celebrate our past and embrace our future, bringing together our people, clients, associates and friends.
What began with the vision of two young lawyers, Kypros and Eleni Chrysostomides, has been sustained over the years by the dedication of many people. This anniversary is therefore an opportunity to honour our legacy, thank everyone who has contributed to the firm’s journey and celebrate those who continue to give that vision meaning today.
How would you describe the firm’s evolution until now?
Chryso Pitsilli-Dekatris: The early years of our office were defined by determination and resilience. Established just a few years after 1974, we began our journey in a country that was rebuilding, redefining itself and looking towards the future. As Cyprus developed, so did the legal and commercial environment in which we operated.
One of the most transformative milestones was Cyprus' accession to the European Union, which ushered in a new era of opportunity, regulation and international engagement. As businesses and institutions adapted to this evolving landscape, we expanded our capabilities, deepened our expertise and broadened our services to meet increasingly sophisticated client needs.
Throughout the years, our international outlook has remained a defining strength of our firm. Through close collaboration with leading professionals and organisations across jurisdictions, we have been able to support clients whose business extends across borders while applying international perspectives to Cyprus.
Today, we are a considerably different firm from the one that opened its doors in 1981. Yet the principles that have guided our development remain unchanged: a commitment to excellence, lasting relationships and an understanding that meaningful progress begins with listening to people and understanding what matters most to them.
What lies ahead for Chrysostomides Advocates and Legal Consultants?
George Mountis: Clients increasingly need more than narrow legal answers. They seek business acumen in their lawyers, they require practical support across legal, regulatory, commercial and operational matters, particularly as the challenges they face become more complex.
Through the establishment of C Business Advisors, we can combine legal expertise with specialised business advisory services and provide clients with a more integrated service.
We are also continuing to build capacity in emerging and increasingly specialised sectors, including video games, regtech, fintech and digital assets where clients often require support across legal, regulatory and commercial matters. Our growing focus on these sectors enables us to combine multidisciplinary legal expertise with an informed understanding of the industries and the commercial environments in which businesses operate.
At the same time, we are adapting to the standards of a changing profession. This includes understanding and responsibly adopting new technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Our strategic collaboration with Legora, an artificial intelligence platform designed specifically for lawyers and legal teams, reflects our commitment to using technology to enhance the way we work and serve our clients.
Our direction is clear: to provide clients with integrated, practical support that addresses both their legal and broader business needs, while continuously improving how we deliver it.
What would you ultimately like the firm’s legacy to be?
Chryso Pitsilli-Dekatris: I would like our firm’s legacy to be measured not only by the quality of our work or the recognition we receive, but by the trust we earn and the environment we create for people to grow and thrive.
The firm was founded on integrity, intellectual rigour and a genuine sense of responsibility towards clients, colleagues and society. If each generation continues to build on these foundations, preserving the values and culture that have shaped the firm over the past decades while embracing the opportunities and challenges of a changing world, that will be the most meaningful continuation of our founders’ vision.
Ultimately, we want to continue building a firm that combines professional excellence with humanity and humility: one where people remain at the heart of everything we do, where individuals are given the opportunity to grow, clients feel genuinely supported, and success is built and shared collectively.
