Elena Damianou

Elena Damianou is a highly experienced advocate with a diverse practice spanning banking and finance, corporate and commercial law, employment law, public procurement and regulatory matters. She obtained an LLB (Hons) from the University of Bristol in 2001 and was called to the Bar of England and Wales as a Barrister-at-Law in 2002. She subsequently earned an LLM in European Law from King’s College London in 2004 and was admitted to the Cyprus Bar in the same year.

A key aspect of Elena’s practice is her experience in conducting legal due diligence exercises and advising on complex corporate acquisitions and business transactions. She has undertaken comprehensive due diligence reviews and risk assessments in connection with the acquisition of a petroleum company, the acquisition of a banking institution by another banking institution, the acquisition of insurance companies by a leading banking group, the acquisition of wind parks by a leading energy company, and the sale of non-performing loan portfolios by a prominent banking institution.

In these transactions, she has reviewed and analysed corporate governance structures, regulatory and licensing requirements, commercial agreements, financing arrangements, employment matters, litigation exposure, compliance issues and other material legal risks. Her due diligence work has supported the successful completion of acquisitions, disposals and corporate reorganisations.

Elena has extensive experience in banking and finance transactions and regulatory matters. She advises financial institutions and corporate clients on a broad range of lending, security, loan servicing and restructuring matters, including financing documentation, security packages, debt restructurings and the acquisition and servicing of non-performing loan portfolios. She also advises regulated entities on licensing, regulatory approvals, governance, prudential requirements and ongoing compliance obligations.

Elena is particularly recognised for her extensive expertise in public procurement law. She advises public authorities, municipalities, medical centres and leading economic operators throughout all stages of public procurement procedures, from the preparation of tender documentation and participation in tender processes to the resolution of procurement disputes. She has represented clients before the Tender Review Authority, the Disqualification Committee and the Administrative Court, advising on complex issues relating to procurement legislation, tender procedures, transparency requirements and regulatory compliance.

Elena serves as legal adviser to Cyprus’s first collective recycling system, providing comprehensive legal support in relation to its day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives. She advises on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, public procurement procedures and commercial and operational agreements. She also participates in negotiations with public authorities, economic operators, contractors and other stakeholders, supporting the organisation’s operations and compliance with the evolving legal and regulatory framework governing waste management and recycling in Cyprus.

In the field of employment law, Elena has extensive experience advising employers on all aspects of the employment relationship, including employee terminations, redundancies, collective redundancies, disciplinary matters, mutual termination arrangements and employee release documentation. She also advises on employment issues arising in mergers, acquisitions and business transfers, including employee transfer obligations, and on compliance with employment legislation. Her experience includes advising a foreign embassy established in Cyprus on a broad range of employment matters.

Known for her practical approach, sound judgement and ability to navigate complex legal and commercial issues, Elena is committed to developing long-term client relationships and delivering pragmatic, solution-oriented advice.