In an interview with Maria Christofides, Managing Partner of M. Christofides & Co LLC, we discuss competitive advantages, the potential of artificial intelligence, and the nuances of building relationships with clients.

What are the fields of your activities that are important for you at this moment?

As a law firm, we have been established for over 50 years, founded by my late father, Manolis Christofides. We cover a wide range of legal areas, Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Civil law, Employment Law, Energy Law, Immigration Law, Real Estate and Property Law, Wills and Succession Law.

My specific areas of law focus on Wills and Succession Law, Real Estate and Property Law. In these areas, I have developed deep expertise, particularly in handling complex estate matters that often involve intricate legal challenges. At our law firm we are bolstering our real estate practices to assist both local and international clients in property transactions, land development and regulatory compliance.

We provide legal services including the Resealing of Probate procedure (Application to seal a grant of Probate or Letters of Administration). This procedure is of great importance for Cypriots who have assets both in the UK and Cyprus, allowing estates to be managed smoothly across borders without unnecessary legal complications

Could you give more details on the Resealing of Probate?

The Resealing of Probate is a legal process that applies to individuals who have assets in more than one jurisdiction, such as Cypriots who reside abroad, particularly in the UK, but also own property or other assets in Cyprus. When someone passes away, and their will has already been granted probate (i.e., legally recognized and executed) in one country, the resealing process allows that grant of probate to be recognized in another jurisdiction without the need to start the probate process from scratch.

In the context of Cyprus, if a person passes away with a will that has already been probated in the UK, their heirs can apply to have that probate resealed in Cyprus. This process is crucial because it allows the heirs to manage and inherit assets in Cyprus without undergoing a second, separate probate process. It simplifies the legal procedure, saving time and reducing costs.

This process is particularly beneficial for families with cross-border ties, such as immigrants or expatriates, as it allows them to manage estates more smoothly and avoid potential delays or legal hurdles. Given the complexities involved in navigating both the UK and Cypriot legal systems, having a law firm with specialized expertise in this area is crucial to ensure the process is handled efficiently and correctly.

Do you feel that having a competitive advantage in specific areas of law is important?

Absolutely, having a competitive advantage in specific areas of law is of great importance.

In a competitive market, having a clear focus and depth of expertise in specific fields it distinguishes us and enables us to maintain a strong position.

In more general fields, like Company or Administrative law, competition is intense, with many lawyers competing for the same clients. However, specializing in niche areas—such as Wills and Succession Law, and the Resealing of Probate—allows us to differentiate ourselves and stand out in a less crowded market.

These specialized areas require deep expertise and a comprehensive understanding of both local and international legal frameworks, especially when dealing with cross-border issues, such as clients who have assets in multiple countries.

By focusing on these niche areas, we can provide tailored, high-quality services that address the unique needs of our clients. This specialization not only helps us build a strong reputation but also fosters trust and long-term relationships with our clients, who often return to us for assistance in other areas of law.

Moreover, specialization enables us to stay ahead of changes in the legal landscape, adapt more quickly, and offer innovative solutions.

How do you see your office adapting to the rise of AI and tools like ChatGPT, which can draft contracts?

We see AI and tools like ChatGPT as valuable additions to our practice, particularly for handling routine and repetitive tasks and as an opportunity for us to innovate, improve our processes, and offer more value to our clients.

However, we believe that the core of legal practice—understanding the human context, offering strategic advice, and advocating for clients—will always require a human touch. AI cannot replace the nuanced understanding, personal touch, and critical thinking required in more complex legal matters. For example, in cases involving intricate real estate transactions or cross-border legal issues, AI tools may not fully capture the unique needs and specificities of each client’s situation. Recently, I handled a property transaction with highly specific requirements from both parties. No AI tool could have comprehensively navigated the bespoke nature of the agreement or the subtle legal conditions necessary to satisfy both parties.

Therefore, while we are open to incorporating AI to enhance our services, we recognize that it cannot replace the human element essential to law practice—where understanding a client’s personal and financial circumstances is critical. We plan to leverage AI for tasks where it adds value, but always in conjunction with the skills and insights of our experienced legal team.

What is your personal story? Why did you decide to become a lawyer?

I come from a strong legal and political background, and it was almost inevitable that I would study law. My late father, Manolis Christofides, founded M. CHRISTOFIDES & CO LLC with a deep commitment to justice, integrity, and public service, and I have always wanted to continue his legacy. From an early age, I was driven by a desire to ensure that justice was present in everything happening around me, and I am grateful to be able to pursue this passion through my profession.

With over two decades of legal experience in both Cyprus and the UK, I have developed a diverse and effective practice that allows me to serve clients across a wide range of legal areas, including Corporate Law, Employment Law, Energy Law, Immigration Law, Real Estate, and Wills and Succession Law.

Since June 2016, I have been the Managing Partner at M. Christofides & Co LLC, where I have led the firm with a focus on excellence, integrity, and client-centered service. My previous roles at prominent law firms in Cyprus and London have given me a global perspective that I bring to my local practice.

Beyond my legal career, I am deeply committed to public service and community engagement. I currently serve as the President of the Nicosia District of GODISY (Women’s Organization of the Democratic Rally Party) and am a member of the Anti-Corruption Committee of the Cyprus Bar Association, where I work to uphold the highest standards of legal ethics and transparency. My leadership extends to the international arena as well, where I represent Cyprus as the Country Chair for the G100 wing of Political Leadership under WICCI (Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry).

My previous roles as Chairwoman of the Management Committee of CyBC’s Workers' Provident Fund and as a Member of the Board of Directors at CyBC, as well as my involvement in educational leadership as President of the Parents Association at Acropolis Primary School, reflect my ongoing commitment to fostering positive change in my community.

These experiences have shaped my holistic approach to law, where I combine a deep understanding of legal principles with a recognition of their broader societal impacts. Whether managing complex corporate transactions or sensitive family matters, I am committed to providing tailored, strategic legal solutions that protect my clients' interests and help them achieve their goals.

With new challenges in law, how do you feel the legal profession is changing in Cyprus?

The legal profession in Cyprus is evolving due to several key challenges and trends:

1. Digital Transformation: Increased adoption of technology and LegalTech tools is improving efficiency but requires new skills.
2. Regulatory Changes: Frequent updates to EU regulations, like GDPR and AML, demand continuous adaptation and compliance.
3. Specialization: Growing demand for lawyers with expertise in emerging fields such as fintech, renewable energy, and blockchain.
4. Globalization: More cross-border legal work necessitates understanding international standards and collaborating with foreign firms.
5. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): A shift towards mediation and arbitration to provide faster, cost-effective justice.
6. Changing Client Expectations: Clients seek more transparency, value, and cost-efficiency, prompting changes in service delivery.
7. Remote Work: The pandemic has accelerated remote work, requiring robust cybersecurity measures.

Overall, the profession is becoming more specialized, tech-driven, and client-focused. The legal landscape is changing, and while these challenges exist, they also present opportunities for legal firms like ours to innovate and find new ways to serve our clients better.

How do you describe yourself to a new client, what do you tell about your concept of work at the first meeting?

When meeting new clients, I focus on letting my actions and results speak for themselves rather than projecting a specific image. I aim to build long-term relationships by providing clear, practical legal solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. My approach is rooted in trust, transparency, and proactive communication, ensuring clients feel supported and informed at every step.

I highlight our firm's strong network and partnerships, especially in the UK and Greece and our growing focus on serving the expat community in Cyprus. Our team’s expertise, in various areas of law, allows us to expedite processes efficiently and deliver exceptional service.

At M. CHRISTOFIDES & CO LLC, we uphold our founder’s values by offering strategic, reliable, and results-driven legal solutions and we are dedicated to delivering exceptional legal services that address the complex needs of our clients while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.

We build relationships by ensuring that clients are satisfied with the outcome and our services.

Maria Christofides is the Managing Partner at M. Christofides & Co LLC, with over 20 years of legal experience in Cyprus and the UK. She specialises in Corporate Law, Employment Law, Energy Law, Immigration Law, and Wills & Succession. A graduate of Sheffield University (LLB) and Leicester University (LLM), Maria is also actively involved in public service, serving as President of the Nicosia District of GODISY and a member of the Anti-Corruption Committee of the Cyprus Bar Association. Prior her role as the Managing Partner at M. Christofides & Co LLC, she worked at prominent law firms in Cyprus and London. This experience helped her to bring a global perspective to the local practice and market.