by Bill White
Don't be fooled by its busy website and numerous 'offices' around the world. Oikonomakis Law, a firm of Greek lawyers founded by Christos Oikonomakis, is one firm to avoid at all costs.
When seeking legal assistance, one expects a certain level of professionalism, prompt communication, and thorough advice. Unfortunately, our experience with Christos Oikonomakis' law firm has proven to be the antithesis of these expectations. Based on our harrowing encounter, we strongly advise anyone in need of legal services in Greece, or anywhere else, to avoid this firm at all costs.
Unresponsive and Unprofessional
From the outset, our experience was marked by a concerning lack of communication. Emails went unanswered for weeks, and when responses did eventually arrive, they were often vague and unhelpful. This lack of responsiveness not only stalled our progress but also added unnecessary stress to an already challenging situation. In the legal field, where timely communication is crucial, the firm's neglect was both unprofessional and unacceptable.
Overcharging and Incomplete Services
One of the most glaring issues was the firm's tendency to overcharge for services. Despite promising a comprehensive package, we were repeatedly billed for services that were never rendered. The charges were exorbitant, and yet the quality and completeness of the services provided were severely lacking. This deceptive billing practice is a clear indication of a firm more interested in profit than in serving its clients.
Delayed and Inadequate Advice
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of our interaction with Christos Oikonomakis' law firm was the delay in receiving crucial legal advice. We paid for services upfront and waited over a year for work to be completed. Only after this prolonged period did the firm inform us that what we had asked for was not feasible under Greek law. Worse still, they explained that proceeding with our initial request would complicate matters further, inevitably leading to increased fees. This revelation should have been communicated at the very beginning, saving us time, money, and significant frustration.
Unethical Conduct and False Statements
Adding to the litany of issues, the firm exhibited highly unethical conduct by advising us to make a false statement to the Greek Embassy in London. Specifically, we were instructed to claim, under oath, that we were residents of the UK when, in fact, we are British citizens but not UK residents. This shocking suggestion not only demonstrates a blatant disregard for legal and ethical standards but also put us at risk of committing perjury. Such behaviour is inexcusable and further underscores the firm's lack of integrity and professionalism.
A Costly and Unproductive Experience
In summary, our dealings with Christos Oikonomakis' law firm were not only unproductive but also costly. The firm failed to deliver on its promises, overcharged for incomplete services, and provided critical advice only after it was too late. This experience has left us feeling deceived and disillusioned.
When choosing a law firm, it is essential to select one that values its clients, communicates effectively, and operates with integrity. Regrettably, Christos Oikonomakis' law firm does not meet these basic standards. We urge others to learn from our unfortunate experience and seek legal assistance elsewhere.
In the realm of legal services, trust and reliability are paramount. Based on our experience, Christos Oikonomakis' law firm lacks both. Avoid this firm at all costs to save yourself from a similarly regrettable and costly ordeal.
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Bill White is CEO of WireNews, SpudsToGo, Kestrel Assets, Mayside Partners and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue