Protopapas History

Xenophon Protopapas was born in Cyprus in 1947. He was the eldest of four siblings with a much larger extended family. He left Cyprus and came to England on 5 October 1961 when he was around 15 years old, heading for London, seeking better opportunities for himself and his family.

Xenophon worked various jobs to provide for his family. This included: being a Barrow Boy; working in factories; working in restaurants; importing and selling goods from Cyprus; and later, running the family’s furniture business, Eurostyle Furniture in London, which is where he began to find firm footing in London.

Before entering the legal profession, Xenophon studied Business Studies and spent a number of years in commerce where he gained a wealth of experience and knowledge of business in action.

Whilst working, Xenophon achieved a BA degree in law through self-study and by attending evening classes. He was trained by his friend and solicitor, Michael Votsis and qualified as a solicitor in 1982. Together they established the firm of Votsis & Protopapas.

Zoe was born in Cyprus and was the daughter of the Divisional Police Commander for the Famagusta area in Cyprus.

Zoë came to England to study. She completed her law degree in 1980 and was admitted to the English Bar in 1981. Following this, she undertook a prestigious pupillage in Lincoln’s Inn, specialising in real estate and commercial law.

Zoe then relocated to Cyprus, where she was admitted to the Cyprus Bar and worked as a principal in general practice in Cyprus.

Returning to England, Zoë qualified as solicitor in 1988, focusing her practice on Real Estate.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to legal excellence and a dedication to serving clients in various jurisdictions with proficiency and professionalism.

Zoe has been involved in the purchase, sale and legal asset management of some of London’s most significant and at times iconic Real Estate.

Protopapas Solicitors is founded by the late Xenophon Protopapas & Zoe Protopapas in Fitzroy Square, W1.

Protopapas’ first reported case – HILTON INTERNATIONAL HOTELS (UK) LTD V PROTOPAPA – [1990] 1 WLUK 449 / [1990] I.R.L.R 316

Protopapas grows & moves into larger premises in Tottenham Court Road in which we are still housed today.

The firm’s reputation and client base grows steadily, developing its specialism in Real Estate and Dispute Resolution, acting for clients in various high value, complex transactions and contentious matters.

Protopapas acts on the purchase of Maple House, W1, for £43,915,000, being the first major multi let property and largest transaction undertaken by the firm since establishing in 1990.

Protopapas acts on the purchase of the Century Portfolio, Oxford Street for £112,100,000, being the first transaction undertaken by the firm breaching the £100 million mark.

Protopapas joins LawNet, one of the largest alliances of law firms in the UK, delivering powerful benefits for growth and success.

Protopapas Solicitors becomes Protopapas LLP, with a view to future growth.

Protopapas Undertakes its largest Real Estate purchase (to date) at £277.5 million.

Death of Senior Partner, Xenophon Protopapas. Zoe Protopapas appointed Senior Partner & Chrysanthos Protopapas Managing Partner.

The firm continues to grow with an excellent team, and nurturing culture – building relationships and providing high quality service to its clients.