FOUNDER PAGE
Thanos Karvelis, LLB, MSc
Founder & Managing Partner
Athenia Legal Consulting, UAE
Thanos Karvelis is an internationally recognised arbitration and construction practitioner with over 25 years of experience advising and representing clients across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Before founding Athenia Legal Consulting, he served as a partner at prestigious law firms, including:
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Charles Russell Speechlys LLP (Dubai) — Head of Construction, Engineering & Projects (2019–2025)
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Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants (Dubai) — Partner (2014–2019)
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KLC Law Firm (Athens) — Partner (2002–2014)
He is known for his ability to combine civil law reasoning with common law advocacy, regularly acting as lead counsel before arbitral tribunals and the DIFC Courts.
WHO WE ARE
Professional Expertise
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International Arbitration
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Construction, Engineering & Energy Projects
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Project Lifecycle Advisory
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Corporate / Commercial Transactions
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Dispute Resolution & Litigation (DIFC Courts)
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Arbitral Award Enforcement
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PPP, Concessions & Mega-Projects
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Complex Cross-Border Matters
He acts in arbitrations under ICC, LCIA, DIAC, ADCCAC, DIFC-LCIA, UNCITRAL, and other rules, and has served as arbitrator in commercial disputes.
WHO WE ARE
Industry Experience
Thanos has advised on and litigated disputes in sectors including:
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Construction & Infrastructure
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Energy & Renewables
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Oil & Gas
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Power Production
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Financial Services
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Hospitality
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Technology & Telecommunications
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Industrial Manufacturing
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Government Projects
His project experience spans residential, commercial, industrial, hospital, hotel, infrastructure, power plants, and large mixed-use developments.
Thought Leadership & Recognition
Thanos is a frequent speaker in international forums and a published author on arbitration and construction law. He has delivered CLPD-accredited training for the Dubai Legal Affairs Department and is:
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Listed as Key Lawyer — Legal 500 EMEA 2024
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Ranked in Construction: Dispute Resolution — Chambers Global 2024
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Registered arbitrator with DIAC
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DIFC Courts Part II (Right of Audience) practitioner
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Chairman of the Hellenic Business Council – Dubai
