It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our much loved and esteemed John D. Zepos, on 1st November 2021 at the age of 92.
John D. Zepos was born in Athens, Greece. He graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Athens and continued his studies in the USA where he later received his practical legal training at Kilgore & Kilgore and Debevoise & Plimpton. He was admitted to the Athens Bar Association in 1956 and later to the Supreme Court.
Upon his return from the US he joined his father’s practice which he soon transformed to a law firm that followed international standards. The firm, then operating under the name of “Zepos & Zepos”, became one of the leading Greek law firms that represented many of the largest American, European and Japanese investors that shaped modern Greece’s economy. Under his leadership, Zepos & Zepos adopted an international orientation, to which it adheres until today, and established links with leading law firms in Europe and the US.
For more than fifty years, John stood out among his peers for his sense of justice, independence, and his commitment to fostering innovation in the Greek legal environment. He was an early champion of transparency and business ethics, a mentor to many, and a valued voice of wisdom in moments of crisis. He often entrusted younger lawyers and helped pave the way to many bright legal careers both within and outside the firm. Both professionally and personally, he contributed to the lives of multiple generations of lawyers, and he will be remembered with love and respect. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at what is a difficult time for us all.
We are proud of John’s legacy in Zepos & Yannopoulos and will ensure that we stay true to his values and ideals as we move forward.
John D. Zepos (1929-2021)