IOANNIS KONSTANTINIDIS

In commercial law, the challenge is twofold and simultaneously exciting. It requires not only legal precision but also an understanding of the market, the psychology of stakeholders, and the unwritten rules that govern business. My goal is not merely to "solve" a legal issue but to create a safe and sustainable development framework for my client. Law without business logic is crippled; entrepreneurship without legal protection is blind."

Ioannis Konstantinidis, a lawyer based in Thessaloniki, is a modern legal professional who integrates deep theoretical training with practical business experience.

His professional journey began early, already within the European Parliament. His experience there, in an environment of high politics and European institutions, equipped him with valuable knowledge in managing political and intergovernmental relations.

Later, he took on managerial positions in multinational companies in Greece, Cyprus, and the Netherlands. He specialized in strategic development issues, financial planning, and corporate governance. Having now formed a multidimensional professional identity, he founded his own law firm, offering services to companies and individuals.

Ioannis Konstantinidis combines the precision of legal science with the logic of numbers. His origin from a family with a long commercial tradition and entrepreneurial spirit—rooted in Smyrna, the economic capital of Asia Minor—seems to have gifted him with an innate interest in entrepreneurship and international trade. "My family's roots were in commerce, academic education, artistic and musical education, and a belief in initiative and success. This philosophy is what I serve with new tools, modern approaches, and international experience."

In his professional practice, he closely collaborated with the First Vice President of the Thessaloniki Bar Association, Mr. Ioannis Stefanou, delving into labor law, social security, and labor disputes, thus adding a social dimension to his professional work.

The most impressive moment in his career? "In collaboration with Alexandros D. Vartzipoulos, after exhaustive negotiations, we succeeded in having a debt of €1,220,000 erased from a total of €2,200,000 and restructuring the remaining amount with a sustainable repayment plan. It was not just a victory. It was a breath of life for our client and proof that, with planning and persistence, deadlocks can be broken."

An important chapter of his career is his doctoral thesis titled "Legal Challenges in Algorithmic Impact Assessment (AIA)." Through this, he highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and the protection of rights in the age of artificial intelligence. "Technology offers us opportunities but also challenges. Algorithmic injustice is the new field of legal struggle. And we must be ready."

His office is not just a legal organization; it is a center for strategy and solutions. And he himself is a professional who keeps legal thought alive, creative, and substantial.

What is the biggest challenge when combining legal and business advice for your clients? The challenge is double and simultaneously exciting. It requires not only legal precision but also an understanding of the market, the psychology of stakeholders, and the unwritten rules that govern business. My goal is not merely to "solve" a legal issue but to create a safe and sustainable development framework for my client. Law without business logic is crippled; entrepreneurship without legal protection is blind.

How do you build trust with your clients? Trust is not requested, it is built. I always start by listening. Then I speak. And only when I am certain, I propose. At our office, every case is treated with the same attention, whether it’s an individual with a simple agreement or a group with international activities. The client understands when you are genuinely by their side. And then, the relationship becomes timeless.

How do you handle pressure in high-risk cases? Pressure is a given. The question is whether it breaks you or transforms you. Personally, I handle it with preparation, structure, and trust in the team. The most demanding cases are also the most interesting. Every pressure hides an opportunity for excellence, especially when the decision can determine not only a legal outcome but the entire business continuity of an individual or company.

What’s next for you? How do you see the future of legal science? The future of law lies through technology. We cannot talk about justice in the 21st century without knowing the algorithms that now affect decisions—economic, social, and legal. My doctoral thesis focuses precisely on the legal challenges arising from Algorithmic Impact Assessment. I want to actively participate in shaping the framework that will ensure the future of artificial intelligence is human, transparent, and fair.

What inspires you every day in your work? The moment a client says "thank you" sincerely—not because "we won," but because they feel we understood them, protected them, respected them. This trust is invaluable. It is the driving force of every day, every decision, every defense. For me, the most important qualities in a partner are professionalism, integrity, and mutual respect.

What has disappointed you in your professional and personal journey so far? I greatly appreciate collaborators who create an environment of trust and security, as this is the foundation for any successful and productive collaboration. However, reality often confronts us with disappointments when some fail to honor their commitments or break their promises. Continuous giving and dedication may not always find the response you expect, and you may face actions that are not only against your personal interests but also against the interests of the team or even their own.

In such moments, it is essential to have the strength to remove those who do not respect these values or, alternatively, to have the love and patience to guide them to the right path. If you truly believe in collaboration and development, you can empower them, guide them, and together build something beautiful and meaningful. It is this ability to turn difficult situations into opportunities for growth and development that truly makes a difference in a collaboration.

How has your international experience in Brussels, Cyprus, the Netherlands, and Germany affected the way you perceive and apply law in Greece? Exposure to different professional environments, legal systems, and cultures doesn’t just teach you the law—it teaches you the human behind the law. It teaches you to adapt, to see the "big picture," and to propose solutions that are not only legal but also functional, culturally accepted, and socially just.

What distinguishes a good lawyer from a strategic partner? A good lawyer solves problems. A strategic partner anticipates them. They look ahead, plan, analyze risks, and provide solutions before issues become problems. This is the difference between "reacting" and "leading." I will speak again about the most important, quantitatively and qualitatively, partnership I have, with Georgia Voziki. Her most important characteristic is her ability to understand the value of collaboration and mutual respect. In everything she does, she always shows interest in the needs of the other and offers her full support, knowing that the reciprocation of respect and appreciation is mutual and vital for success. It is rare to meet someone with such dedication to the quality of their work while also being so respected and trustworthy on a personal level, and Georgia Voziki is an excellent example of this kind of professionalism.

Law and Artificial Intelligence: How do they "converse" in our time, and what role is the lawyer called to play? This is no longer a future scenario—it is the present reality. Artificial Intelligence has already started making decisions that affect real lives. The responsibility of the lawyer is to stand as a "human guardian" between algorithms and social justice. Algorithmic Impact Assessment, the focus of my doctoral thesis, is not just a tool—it is a mandate.

What led you to leave a stable, successful corporate career and open your own office? To make a difference, you need freedom. And that freedom comes when you create your own vision from scratch. Having been through high-level negotiations, debt settlements, multimillion-dollar contracts, I decided it was time to offer solutions with my own signature—tailored, human, and strategically structured.

What is your philosophy towards failure? Have you experienced legal or professional difficulties that shaped you? Failure is a silent mentor. There is no negotiation that hasn’t "strained" you, no courtroom without pressure. What keeps you going is preparation and authenticity. Every failure, every "no," every obstacle, adds a word to your professional vocabulary: experience. I know exactly what I want, how to claim it, how to win it, and, above all, how to keep it. I am fully conscious, both as a person and a professional, and I take full responsibility for my choices. I am not afraid to express my opinion, and with courage and determination, I fight for what I believe and desire. All of this leads me to be dedicated, dynamic, and ready to face every challenge on the road to my goals. As a very close person once said, "…when Giannis wants something, it will happen."

Source: Polismagazino.gr