Chris Georgiou Solicitor Advocate was born in Hammersmith, West London, to Greek Cypriot parents. His parents worked in a dry cleaner in Portobello, while living in council accommodation in North West London. Chris worked part time at the dry cleaners. He went onto read Business and Economics at The University of Surrey, before converting his Batchelor of Science degree into a law degree at the College of Law, London.
His legal career began immediately from leaving law school, at the age of 23, and has worked continuously in law since that time, and is now 20 years qualified as a solicitor. In 2004 he became a Duty Solicitor, allowing him to represent any client, at any police station , nationwide, and in 2006, he became a Higher Court Advocate, allowing him to represent clients at any level in the criminal field. He specialises in both Criminal and Family Law. He is bilingual, English/Greek, and a father of teenage twins.
1. Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
London is my home, and where I have lived for 45 years, however, I am equally happy in Nicosia, Cyprus, where I have spent many of my childhood summers.
2. What are your proudest achievements?
Succeeding in a very difficult and competitive field, having worked up from humble beginnings. I remember starting primary school with a Greek accent, and English as my second language.
3. What inspires you?
I would have to say my parents. Their work ethic is relentless, and they still operate a local shop, well beyond retirement age.
4. What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Working with ever increasing Legal Aid cuts. The last decade has been very harsh in respect of cuts to funding, making it ever harder for people to access lawyers and achieve justice.
5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My grandparents who left Cyprus in the 1950s, and paved the way for the younger generation to succeed in a foreign country.
6. What is the best aspect about your current role?
No two days are ever the same in law. Each day has its own challenges, and working with a great team to overcome those challenges for our clients is particularly rewarding.
7. And the worst?
It is virtually impossible to completely switch off and stop working. I find myself replying to work emails on a 7-day basis, often late at night.
8. What are your long-term goals?
To build CG Law into top tier firm, and to then apply to sit as a Judge.
9. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would increase the Legal Aid Budget, so as to ensure that those who need representation and advice, are able to have access to quality firms.
10. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
A difficult question, there are so many! Probably Albert Einstein, as there is so much to ask, and doubt there will ever be a quiet moment!