John Agapitos
Managing Partner
john.agapitos@agapitosgeorgiou.com
+30 210 362 0424
CONTACT US
John Agapitos is a dual-qualified lawyer in England & Wales and Greece, with extensive experience across both contentious and transactional matters. Having worked for several years in leading international law firms in London and Athens, John offers clients strategic, results-driven legal advice across a wide range of sectors and jurisdictions.
Biography
John advises businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and private clients across a broad range of industries, including international trade, financial services, technology, real estate and infrastructure. His work involves structuring and negotiating commercial arrangements, advising on corporate and regulatory issues, managing legal and commercial risks, and representing clients in complex litigation and negotiations. He combines technical legal expertise with commercial insight, providing advice that is both strategically informed and grounded in the practical realities of his clients’ businesses.
John also has extensive experience in commercial, contract and maritime law, advising shipowners, operators and other industry participants on shipping transactions, charterparties, commercial arrangements and maritime disputes. His experience extends to international trade and the contractual and operational challenges arising from cross-border shipping activities, where he provides commercially focused advice in often demanding and time-sensitive circumstances.
In the technology sector, John advises businesses on commercial contracts, intellectual property, data protection and regulatory matters, helping them navigate the legal challenges associated with innovation and digital transformation. Separately, his real estate practice encompasses property acquisitions and disposals, development projects, property-related transactions and disputes concerning ownership, title and property rights, acting for investors, developers, businesses and private individuals.
John is also a qualified mediator in Greece and internationally, with experience both in conducting mediations and representing clients throughout the mediation process. His approach combines a strong understanding of legal and commercial complexities with an appreciation of the interests and dynamics that shape disputes. Drawing on his experience in litigation, negotiation and mediation, he adopts a pragmatic and strategic approach to dispute resolution, seeking effective and lasting solutions that protect his clients’ interests.
Alongside his corporate and commercial practice, John represents private individuals in civil litigation, family law, property disputes and other sensitive legal affairs. He approaches these cases with discretion, empathy and sound judgment, recognising the personal and financial significance they often carry and the importance of providing clear, practical guidance during challenging circumstances.
As Managing Partner, John maintains a hands-on role in the firm’s most complex and significant matters, overseeing legal strategy and working closely with clients from beginning to end. His practice is defined by intellectual rigour, commercial awareness and a pragmatic approach to solving complex legal problems.
Admissions
- Greece (Piraeus Bar)
- England & Wales
Education
- LLB in Law at Queen Mary, University of London
- LLM in Maritime Law at City University of London
- MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance at Bayes Business School (formerly Cass Business School)
Languages
Greek, English, French, Italian
Recent Matters
- Represented shipowners in an LMAA arbitration over charterers’ implied duty to nominate competent stevedores under a voyage charterparty.
- Advised on an international oil sale and purchase and the cross-border dispute arising from its breakdown.
- Advised on establishing a development bank in Angola, including its corporate structure, constitutional documents and governance.
- Advised on a successful tender to redevelop a landmark heritage building in central Athens for retail, hospitality and cultural use.
- Advised an investor on acquiring a stake in an AI software company, including investment structuring and intellectual property.
- Advised on the establishment of a Caribbean shipowning company, including its corporate structure and the negotiation of charterparty arrangements.
- Advised charterers on contractual remedies and losses following shipowners’ refusal to load cargo.
- Advised on structuring a multi-vessel acquisition financed through prepaid charter hire, including security and charter-performance protections.
- Advised a trading company on protecting proprietary algorithmic trading software, development agreements and corporate structuring.
- Advised an international logistics business on GDPR, information security, ISO requirements and commercial contracts.
- Represented an individual in defamation and personality rights claims against digital publishers, seeking compensation for alleged reputational harm.
- Advised on an advisory agreement for international investment in Tanzanian ports, terminals and related infrastructure.
- Advised an AI startup on commercialising a SaaS product, including copyright, trademarks, contracts and technology valuation.
- Acting for an owner in a proposed €6 million commercial property sale to a multinational retail group, including negotiations and risk allocation.
- Represented buyers in a commercial vessel acquisition, advising on the memorandum of agreement and transaction terms.
- Advised a shipowner on recognising and enforcing Greek court judgments abroad.
- Advised on a commercial lease within a major Athens regeneration project, including turnover-linked rent, intellectual property and risk allocation.
- Represented an employee in litigation over unfair dismissal, unpaid overtime, night-work premiums, benefits and statutory severance.