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Meet Prokopis Rafail Linardos, Young Leader from Greece

What is your primary area of practice, and what drew you to it?

The fields of law that I am most interested in are M&As, public procurement, PPP projects and project finance. As a young lawyer, I had the opportunity to have an active role in the first PPP project ever implemented in Greece and this helped me obtain an in depth knowledge of PPP schemes. I frequently work in the field of renewable energy (financing, licensing, M&As, etc.) assisting foreign entities wishing to invest in RES projects in Greece, and financing institutions providing funds to RES investors.Taking into account that European Union’s primary target is to increase the production of electricity from RES projects, the investments in RES projects shall continue to grow, thus requiring the provision of specialized legal services.

Tell us about a recent memorable project, matter or case that you’ve worked on. What was fun? What was challenging?

I have been working for the last 4 years and still working on the Alimos Marina privatisation in Greece. Alimos Marina is the biggest marina in Greece located on the coastal front of Attica. The Greek State (acting through Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund) has entered into a concession agreement with a private entity for the operation and maintenance of the Alimos Marina following an international tender procedure. The whole transaction, comprising a two phase tender procedure and the execution of a concession agreement, has been a very challenging experience, due to its complexity and for the additional reason that we had to ensure that the Alimos Marina is delivered to the private entity being fully operational.

Since the pandemic, what is one thing that has improved in your life?

Nothing has improved in my life due to the pandemic. Except the fact that during the pandemic I had the chance to spend more time with my family while working at home and to welcome my first child into this world. This has been the best experience ever.

And now, a wild-card question:  What’s your favorite place to visit and why?

My favorite place to visit (but I have not visited yet) is Nepal. Why? Because I want to discover myself and I believe Nepal is the best place for that. How do I know that it will be my favorite place since I have not been there? I just know!