On the occasion of completing 75 years of continuous and meaningful presence in the legal world of Cyprus, the law firm Phoebus, Christos Clerides & Associates LLC organized an anniversary event honoring its historic journey.
Held in an atmosphere of honor and emotion, the event brought together distinguished personalities from the political and business sectors of the country, clients and associates of the firm, as well as representatives of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the House of Representatives, and the legal community.
The event was dedicated to the journey, people, and values that have elevated the firm to one of the leading legal institutions in Cyprus. Honorary addresses were given by the firm’s co-founder, Dr. Christos Clerides, the former Attorney General and Supreme Court Judge Mr. Costas Clerides, and Mr. Neophytos Pirilides, a lawyer and collaborator of the firm since the 1980s.
Thanking those who attended, Dr. Christos Clerides referred to the firm’s long history and achievements since its founding, expressing his gratitude to Phoebus Clerides, the founder and inspirational figure for both himself and his children, to whom he is gradually passing the torch: Phoebe, Alexandros, and Constantinos.
In his brief speech, Mr. Costas Clerides emphasized that “those who have followed Mr. Phoebus Clerides are worthy successors,” describing the firm with the triad of diligence, methodicalness, and integrity.
Mr. Neophytos Pirilides also recounted the firm’s historic journey, saying he was honored to have been a companion for most of it.
The law firm Phoebus, Christos Clerides & Associates LLC was founded in 1950 in Nicosia by Phoebus Clerides, one of Cyprus’s first Barristers-at-Law and a prominent figure in the country’s legal and political life. His contributions were instrumental in shaping Cypriot jurisprudence and drafting key legislative bills, serving as a practicing lawyer, Member of Parliament, and Minister of Justice. Among other achievements, he defended Evagoras Pallikarides before the colonial courts. He served as a member of the Supreme Judicial Council and co-founded the Child Protection Association, reflecting his broader social impact.
In 1982, his son Dr. Christos Clerides joined the firm, continuing its legacy. Dr. Clerides played a pivotal role in the constitutional developments of the 1980s, participating in the first constitutional amendment and the abolition of Ecclesiastical Courts in Family Law matters. Internationally, he is known for his active presence before the European Court of Human Rights, where he has successfully handled dozens of cases, contributing to the defense of human rights. A former Member of Parliament and President of the Cyprus Bar Association, he also served on the National Counciland was President of the International Association for the Defense of Human Rights in Cyprus. Academically, he is a professor of law and Associate Dean at a university institution.
Over 100 trainee lawyers have been trained at the firm, significantly contributing to their professional development; many have excelled in the legal field, and some now serve in the judiciary. He has also authored five legal textbooks widely used in academic and professional training.
With over 45 years of courtroom experience, Dr. Clerides has handled thousands of cases, from District Courts to the full bench of the Supreme Court. Notable cases include representing the families of the Helios Airways tragedy, the Mavrogeni case before the Electoral Court, the dismissal process of the Deputy Attorney General, and a series of legislative and institutional references before the Supreme Court. In 2024, the firm also represented the House of Representatives in the issue of the Attorney General’s asset disclosure, former Auditor General Odysseas Michaelidesbefore the Judicial Council, and Andriani Nicolaou in the case concerning her son, Thanasis Nicolaou.
Since 2020, the firm has been led by the third generation. Phoebe Cleridou, as Managing Director, spearheads the firm’s modernization and digitization. Alexandros Clerides is active in criminal and European law, with a strong focus on human rights and legislative drafting. Constantinos Clerides, a Barrister-at-Law with an LL.M. from King’s College London, specializes in complex commercial and corporate disputes, teaches at Frederick University, and trains legal professionals at the European Legal Training Centre.
The year 2025 marked a period of growth, with the promotion of Antonis Georgiou to partner and George Pasias to Senior Associate, further strengthening the firm’s dispute resolution team.
Completing 75 years of operation, the firm continues its mission with consistency, remaining true to the values that established its reputation: integrity, high legal expertise, commitment to the rule of law, and an unwavering pursuit of justice and the protection of human rights. Guided by experience and tradition, and with a focus on the future, the firm continues to serve Justice with the same passion and responsibility that has defined it for three generations.
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