Arsinoi Lainioti

Interview conducted by Elizabeth Wahlert - Athanssiadis/ Freelance writer and editor

Arsinoi D. Lainioti - Juris Doctorate

Arsinoi D. Lainioti has practiced law in the Athens metropolitan area and in Europe for almost twenty years. For twelve of those years she specialized in Intellectual Property and Contract law. Currently, she also practices in the areas of Inheritance, Family , Immigration and Real Estate law. Her clients reside not only in Greece, but also in North America, Brazil and throughout Europe.

On a personal level, Arsinoi’s Greek husband, whom she has known for almost thirty years, is a civil engineer and was born, raised and educated in Greece. She attests that she had a propensity for law and legal studies as she is a third generation attorney in respect to her mother. Arsinoi is a proud mother and greatly admires her two amazing daughters, Myrto and AnaMaria. Her oldest daughter, Myrto, is currently in her second year of studies at the Athens Law School. 

Professional challenges
When Arsinoi moved to Greece in 1992 she intended to take the Bar Examinations in Athens and then move to Brussels to work for the European Union. At this time she was unaware of the obligation to take six semesters of classes at the University of Athens Law School before she could sit for the Bar Exam. After completing the courses and sitting for and passing the Bar Exam she had a family and determined to make Athens her home. Thus, although her professional career in law was her initial reason to come to Athens, it was both her career and family that provided the impetus to remain and make Athens her home.

Had Arsinoi remained in the United States, she realizes that she would never have had the opportunity to practice before International Tribunals such as the European Court of Human Rights, the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market and the European Patent Office. 

Inspiration
People who overcome what some would consider insurmountable obstacles and defeating adversity to achieve their goals inspire Arsinoi Lainioti. In particular, she is inspired when one’s goals can be achieved in a collaborative fashion. She makes a conscientious effort to surround herself with likeminded and optimistic people who are also creative thinkers.Two years ago, Arsinoi’s decision to accept an invitation to join the Toastmasters of Greece was an invaluable and inspiration gift. As a result, she has acquired speaking and leadership skills as well as presentation and organizational skills. 

Words of advice 

• Live by a professional motto or mantra. Arsinoi’s motto is: Wisdom, Integrity and Service Wisdom gleaned from my clients and people I meet in the process of solving challenging legal issues. Integrity in facing challenges and practicing my profession in an ethical and honest fashion. Service to the community 
• Assimilate the importance of the "3 R’s" in every aspect of your life. Respect for yourself, your profession, and your work, Respect for others, Responsibility for your actions and words 
• Perfect time management and organizational skills and techniques that meet your needs both professionally and personally. Arsinoi incorporates tips from the GDT System and the Pomodoro System in her planning. 
• Take at least twenty to thirty minutes a day for quality time for yourself and no one else. 
• Enjoy living in Greece and the natural beauty of the surroundings. Many clients who are foreign women choose to remain in Greece even after a divorce from a Greek spouse. 
• Change is a reality and flexibility is an essential character trait for professional women, but do not lose sight of your short term and long term goals in the process! Believe in your dreams. 
• Take time to do creative thinking and brainstorming. You may want to combine this with a brisk walk, swimming, or even on a treadmill or exercise bicycle. 
• Never assume the worst, always assume the best. 
• Enjoy life and find time to have fun, laugh, and be happy. Don’t worry! Be happy! 

For members of Athens WING, Arsinoi Lanioti has offered an initial consultation on a legal matter free of charge.