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Hellenic Lawyers Association Holds 32nd Annual Gala

By NEO Magazine on December 27, 2022

On the evening of November 4th, 2022, the Hellenic Lawyers Association hosted its 32nd Annual Scholarship Dinner Gala in the Grand Ballroom of the historic Pierre Hotel on 5th Avenue in New York City.

HLA President, George N. Zapantis, Honorees: Steve Argeris, Christina Hioureas, Endy Zemenides, Her Excellency Greek Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, and Past President, Michael Tiliakos; PHOTO: HLA

It was the first in-person Gala, following a 2-year pause due to the Covid Pandemic and was the organization’s most successful Gala to date. The evening’s program began with outgoing President, Michael Tiliakos introducing and welcoming the dignitaries, honorees, and guests in attendance. The invocation was made by Chancellor, Rev. Archimandrite Nektarios Papazafiropoulos and proclamations were presented by NYS Senator Andrew Gounardes. George N. Zapantis, was inducted as President, with the oath administered by The Honorable Madeline Singas, Associate Judge of the NYS Court of Appeals. Judge Singas also inducted the HLA’s new Officers and Board of Directors.

HLA Officers and Board (partial) after being Sworn-In by the Honorable Madeline Singas, Associate Judge of the NYS Court of Appeals; PHOTO: HLA

The Hellenic Lawyers Association honored three of their members for their contributions and achievements to the Profession and to Hellenism. The evening’s Honoree was Endy Zemenides, who was introduced by Her Excellency, Alexandra Papadopoulou, Ambassador of Greece to the United States. Endy serves as Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC). The HLA recognized Christina Hioureas, as Attorney of the Year. Ms. Hioureas is a Partner in International Litigation & Arbitration at Foley Hoag LLP and is Chair of the firm’s United Nations Practice Group. The HLA’s Professional Achievement Award was conferred to attorney, Steve Argeris. Mr. Argeris is an attorney at Hogan Lovells, LLP where he practices in the area of Sports law, having worked on the highest-priced deals in the history of the NFL and other franchises.

Scholarship Recipients and Scholarship Sponsors; PHOTO: HLA

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the law student scholarships presented by First Vice President, John Zervopoulos, and Secretary, Christina Gotsis to ten (10) deserving law students from eight (8) law schools. the recipients were: Isabel Alexiades, Columbia Law School, Maria Budis, St. John’s University School of Law, Nicolette Gasparis, Hofstra University, Konstantina Katsimeni, Columbia Law School, Fotini Mamos, St. John’s University School of Law, Alexis Piperis, New York Law School, Konstantine Tettonis, New York Law School, John Tsimis, Fordham University School of Law, Ioannis Vandris, Georgetown University Law Center, Spiridoula Zolotas, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University.

HLA President, George N. Zapantis being Sworn-In by the Honorable Madeline Singas; PHOTO: HLA

President George N. Zapantis stated: “It is an immense honor to have been inducted as President of the Hellenic Lawyers Association. Our members are successful and impactful. They serve in our Judiciary, are elected to public office, work in large multinational law firms, non-profit organizations, and small law practices. The organization not only serves the needs of its members and law students, but also the Hellenic community and community at large.” Mr. Zapantis, who is an NYC based attorney, is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, is a Director at the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce (HACC), and a New Leader of The Hellenic Initiative (THI).