MEET ASSOCIATE MARIALENA REIZAKI

Marialena Reizaki is an Associate at SKANDAMIS AVOCATS, working from the firm’s Athens office while contributing to a broad range of cross-border civil and commercial matters, regulatory and administrative issues, and private client advisory work, in collaboration with the firm’s Geneva office. She brings an internationally minded approach to her practice, combining careful legal analysis with a clear understanding of context and strategy.

Before joining SKANDAMIS AVOCATS, Marialena gained experience within  the Legal Counsel’s Office of the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Greece, where she developed a solid grounding in administrative and regulatory law. Fluent in Greek, French and English, she works comfortably across jurisdictions and legal systems, supporting clients whose matters extend beyond a single country or legal framework.

Below, Marialena talks about how she got into law, how she brings together international and local perspectives in her work, and what she enjoys most - inside and outside of the office.

Q&A WITH MARIALENA

WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO THE LAW, AND HOW DID THAT EVOLVE INTO WORKING WITH AN INTERNATIONAL SWISS FIRM FROM ATHENS?

I’ve always been drawn to the practical side of the law - how it can be used to solve real problems and create workable solutions. Rather than focusing on theory, I’m interested in how legal thinking helps people and businesses move forward in concrete situations. As my studies and experience developed, I became increasingly aware that many of these issues don’t stop at borders. Working with SKANDAMIS AVOCATS allows me to approach matters with that broader perspective in mind, contributing to cases that involve Swiss law or other foreign laws, while staying focused on finding  effective solutions.

YOUR BACKGROUND INCLUDES EXPERIENCE IN PUBLIC AUTHORITIES. HOW DOES THAT INFLUENCE YOUR WORK TODAY?

My work for the Legal Counsel’s Office of the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Greece provided me with practical insight into the framework of civil and administrative litigation.  At the same time, my experience within the Greek National Telecommunications and Post Commission gave me a valuable understanding of how administrative and regulatory decisions are actually made, and how institutions operate in practice. That perspective is very useful when advising on disputes, compliance or regulatory matters,  and considering how the rules work in practice and how they are likely to be applied.

WHAT AREAS OF YOUR PRACTICE DO YOU FIND MOST ENGAGING AT SKANDAMIS AVOCATS?

I particularly enjoy matters that involve complex factual and legal background, such as multi-jurisdictional litigation and arbitration cases. Winning cases for clients is always very satisfying.

YOU’VE WRITTEN RECENTLY ON INHERITANCE LAW REFORMS AND TRUSTS. HOW DO YOU APPROACH WRITING ON TOPICS ROOTED IN DOMESTIC LAW WHILE WORKING FOR A SWISS FIRM?

Even when a topic is grounded in a specific legal system, the underlying issues are often international in nature, especially for clients with assets, family ties or business interests in multiple countries. My aim when writing is to explain domestic legal changes in a clear and accessible way, while also showing how they fit into the wider cross-border picture and why that broader context matters.

AS SOMEONE BASED IN THE ATHENS BUT WORKING FOR A SWISS LAW FIRM IN GENEVA, WHAT DO YOU FIND THE KEY DIFFERENCES ARE BETWEEN THE TWO CITIES?

Geneva is very international, multicultural and well-known for its efficiency.  Athens is very vibrant and lively – especially late at night!

OUTSIDE OF THE LAW, WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING?

I really enjoy acrobatics and gymnastics. Working out on a regular basis is crucial for my physical and mental health. It helps keep everything in balance. I also enjoy reading and travelling.

WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST SATISFYING ABOUT YOUR ROLE - WHAT MAKES IT REWARDING?

Every new case is a challenge that demands not only a deep understanding of the law, but an awareness of the practical and bilateral aspects involved. I find it exciting contributing to cross-border matters, and I enjoy working in a multilingual environment.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE BUILDING AN INTERNATIONALLY-FOCUSED LEGAL CAREER?

Developing language skills is very valuable.  My post-graduate studies in French and English have been a great asset for my work. It’s also important to gain experience in a variety of practice areas at the start of your career, particularly within a reputable law firm.   

QUICK-FIRE WITH MARIALENA

HOW DO YOU USUALLY SPEND A FREE WEEKEND?

Catching up with friends and short getaways.

ARE YOU MORE OF A HOLIDAY PLANNER OR A SPONTANEOUS EXPLORER?

A planner.

WHAT KIND OF BOOKS DO YOU ENJOY OUTSIDE OF WORK?

My favourite genre is historical novels, especially by Greek authors.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FILM?

I really enjoy watching murder mysteries. If I had to pick just one, it would be Shutter Island.

FAVOURITE CUISINE?

My mum’s Greek cooking.

FAVOURITE MUSIC TO WORK OUT / RUN TO?

Loud music!

WHAT HELPS YOU SWITCH OFF AFTER A LONG DAY?

A good run.

MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?

Night owl. I’m at my most productive and alert later in the day.

IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY LEARN A NEW SKILL, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

A new language.  I speak Greek, French and English, and I’m currently learning Italian.

A MUST-DO EXPERIENCE IN ATHENS FOR VISITORS?

A walk by the sea.