Practice Areas: Administrative and Constitutional law: Our legal team has acted as counsel before all levels of court in significant administrative and constitutional law cases. We also advice both private and public sector clients, on the legal and public policy implications of changes in legislation. Commercial Property: We advice on acquisitions and disposals of commercial properties, landlord and tenant matters, lettings, sales, developments and contracts, insolvency work and planning applications. Commercial Litigation: We offer expertise in the resolution of disputes arising in the corporate and commercial sectors including banking transactions, civil fraud, mergers and acquisitions, reorgansation of share capital and professional negligence. Company law: Our legal advocates are able to offer guidance on company directors’ rights, duties and responsibilities, company secretarial matters and shareholder’s rights. Contract Law: Our legal team can assist and offer advice on negotiating and drafting contracts.  We ensure that the contract is tailored to our clients needs and that the suitable clauses are included in the contract in order to protect our client from every unforeseeable event. Criminal Law: We advise and appear in court on behalf of accused persons and deal with a wide variety of offences from minor motoring offences to more serious crimes including murder. Employment Law: Our legal team is able to handle all areas of employment law including discrimination and employee representation. European Union Law: The signing of the Treaty of Rome in 1957 laid the foundations of a united Europe whose purpose is to secure peace, unity, freedom, security and solidarity.  Today, the European Community has developed into a single market, which promotes and ensures the free movement of goods, people, capital and services without any restrictions.    Cyprus has been a member of the Council of Europe since 1961. On the 4 July 1990, Cyprus submitted an application for membership to which the European Council delivered a positive opinion.  Cyprus will officially become a member of the European Union in 2004. Our legal team is able to offer expertise advice on: competition litigation state aid questions EU law in general EU national and competition issues under Article 81 and 82 of the treaty,which set out competition rules   Family Law: We deal with all legal matters relating to marriage, separation, divorce as well as the issues relating to children.  Our expertise also encompasses financial negotiations and inheritance issues. Federalism and Local self-government: mention diploma in fed Human Rights:The European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms was adopted on 4 November 1950 and entered into force on 3 September 1953.  The Convention has now developed into the most strongest and effective human rights treaty that exists.  By becoming a member of the Council of Europe in 1961, Cyprus is obliged to guarantee the basic civil and political rights enshrined in the Convention to both their citizens and all other persons within their jurisdiction.  These basic rights which are enunciated in the Convention as amended by Protocol No.11 include the right to life, the right to liberty and security, the right to respect an individual’s private life and family home as well as the right to a fair trial.  The Convention also prohibits torture and inhumane treatment as well as discrimination and slavery.  Since the Turkish invasion in Cyprus in 1974 and continuing invasion of 37% of its territory, the violation of the human rights of the people of Cyprus by the Republic of Turkey has been well known. The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has confirmed this on several occasions.  We are able to offer expertise advice and proceed with individual applications to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.  Mr.Drakos has been dealing with numerous applications and has appeared before the Court in Strasbourg.   Amongst the many cases which Mr. Drakos has successfully handled was an application on behalf of a Turkish Cypriot against the Cypriot Government who was born and raised in the government-controlled areas and was forced to go and marry his Romanian girlfriend abroad. Another well-known case that Mr.Drakos successfully pursued concerned an application where a Turkish Cypriot was not permitted by the Cypriot government to participate in the general elections.  These landmark cases will make it easier for other applicants who are faced with the same problem and wish to precede their complaint to the European Court of Human Rights.  Mr.Drakos is currently handling cases where the applicants are claiming compensation over the loss of their properties due to the Turkish invasion in 1974. Immigration: Our firm offers legal advice and assistance to help foreigners obtain a work and resident permit, as well as the acquisition of Cypriot Citizenship. Intellectual Property: We offer guidance in trademarks and other related rights. Legal Aid: Mr. Drakos successfully handled two high profile cases, which resulted in the implementation of the Legal Aid Act in 2002.   Non governmental organisations.