Posted on: 8 January 2025
International law firm Stephenson Harwood today announces a bold new plan for its practice in Greece. Encompassing three core elements, the developments mark a step-change in the firm’s operations in the country.
Nigel Bowen-Morris has led Stephenson Harwood’s practice in Greece since it was launched nearly thirty years ago. He stepped down as the office managing partner on 31 December 2024. Dora Mace-Kokota, head of the firm’s international maritime, trade and offshore practice, has taken on the leadership of the firm’s presence in Greece, with a mandate to expand the office’s work in maritime, litigation and certain areas of Greek law. Nigel will continue to be a partner at the firm. Dora, who is Greek-born, will continue to split her time between London and Greece.
Vanessa Tzoannos has joined Stephenson Harwood as a partner in its maritime, trade and offshore finance practice, adding substantial depth to the firm’s Greek offering.
Vanessa’s clients include shipowners and financial institutions, whom she advises in relation to financing arrangements and the drafting and negotiating of loan facilities and securities documentation. She also advises on ship sale and purchase, and newbuilding contracts and commercial arrangements – including charterparty, agency, shareholder and joint venture agreements. Qualified in England & Wales, Greece and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, she also advises on disputes and transactional matters relating to Liberian law.
A core tenant of the firm’s strategy is to accelerate the expansion of its international offices, growing existing teams quickly to match the ambitions of its clients. Moving the Greek practice from Piraeus, a key shipping hub, to Athens, a wider commercial capital, signals an intention to invest in, and expand, its offering.
Eifion Morris, chief executive officer, Stephenson Harwood: “Accelerating the growth of our international offices is a key focus for the firm, and our ambition is to expand our Greek office, and to build on our top-tier maritime practice. Core to this ambition is to add dispute resolution and relevant Greek law expertise and ultimately create a full-service offering to clients in the region.
“This is an exciting time for our Greek practice, and I’m really looking forward to the next chapter. Dora brings enthusiasm and energy to take our practice to the next step, working alongside established and new partners as we look to realise our strategic objectives. She does this from a solid foundation, for which we owe Nigel our sincere thanks.”
Dora Mace-Kokota, international head of maritime, trade and offshore, Stephenson Harwood: “Stephenson Harwood has a unique market position, combining both a premier maritime and trade finance and a premier maritime and offshore practice in one firm.”
“Vanessa brings the ideal skillset to help take our practice to the next level. Her notable experience advising in relation to Marshall Islands law and Liberian law adds another dimension to our international maritime practice, and we know will be of real value to clients.
“Relocating to Athens is the natural next step for us, providing a physical presence in Greece’s capital and being a bold flag in the ground of our intention to develop a wider commercial practice in the region.”
