From 1946 to the present, 80 years of legal expertise in Greece: Discover ZKK & Associates

Founded in 1929 in Athens, the law firm of George Oikonomopoulos laid the foundations for a remarkable legal and family legacy. He was joined after the Second World War by his sister, Irene Economopoulou-Tsimpouki, one of the first women lawyers in Athens.

Irene’s unwavering dedication to legal science and societal progress quickly propelled her to the forefront, making her one of the most respected female lawyers for two decades. Her contributions paved the way for creating ZKK & Associates in 1946, marking a milestone in Greece as the country’s first all-female law firm.

After Irene’s untimely death in the early 1960s, her daughters, Chariklia Tsimpouki-Zannou and Alexandra Tsimpouki-Kalogera, took over the firm’s management and established it as a leading law firm in Athens. Their combined expertise and command of several languages have helped to create a global network of associates and clients.

Over the years, ZKK & Associates, under the leadership of Chariklia Zannou, Alexandra Kalogera and their associate Marilena Drossou, has become renowned for its discretion, adaptability and efficiency.

In 2001, the firm was joined by Elly-Chariklia Kalogera-Giarmenitis, representing the third generation of women lawyers. Drawing on her family’s experience and her legal studies in Greece and abroad, Elly brings new perspectives to ZKK & Associates, ensuring its ability to meet the new expectations of the 21st century.

IRENE ECONOMOPOULOS

Irene Economopoulos was born in Argostoli, Kefalonia, in 1908. She was among the first women to pursue law studies at the University of Athens, graduating with honours in 1929. In 1932, she began her career as a lawyer, which she later resumed after pausing between 1934 and 1946 to raise her two daughters, Alexandra and Chariklia. 

Irene was a lawyer and volunteer nurse in WWII. She worked with N.G.O.s, helped those in need, and was part of a brave resistance group called “Apollon.”

After the war, she continued her involvement in voluntary organisations, holding various positions such as President of the Committee of Working Women, Member of the National Council of Greek Women, President of the Greek Girl Guides Association, and Chairman of the Constitutions Sub-Committee of the World Committee of Girl Guides. Irene was also a member of the Committee of the Secretary of Social Welfare, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, and the Committee for the amendment of the articles of the Greek Civil Code concerning adoption.

Irene was a respected member of the Greek Delegation to the United Nations in 1961 and gave lectures about Greece and women’s status during her tour of the United States. King Paul honoured her as Commander of the Royal Order of “Bien-faisance” for her services to Greek welfare organisations.

IRENE ECONOMOPOULOS

Irene Economopoulos was born in Argostoli, Kefalonia, in 1908. She was among the first women to pursue law studies at the University of Athens, graduating with honours in 1929. In 1932, she began her career as a lawyer, which she later resumed after pausing between 1934 and 1946 to raise her two daughters, Alexandra and Chariklia. 

Irene was a lawyer and volunteer nurse in WWII. She worked with N.G.O.s, helped those in need, and was part of a brave resistance group called “Apollon.”

After the war, she continued her involvement in voluntary organisations, holding various positions such as President of the Committee of Working Women, Member of the National Council of Greek Women, President of the Greek Girl Guides Association, and Chairman of the Constitutions Sub-Committee of the World Committee of Girl Guides. Irene was also a member of the Committee of the Secretary of Social Welfare, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, and the Committee for the amendment of the articles of the Greek Civil Code concerning adoption.

Irene was a respected member of the Greek Delegation to the United Nations in 1961 and gave lectures about Greece and women’s status during her tour of the United States. King Paul honoured her as Commander of the Royal Order of “Bien-faisance” for her services to Greek welfare organisations.

ALEXANDRA N. KALOGERA

Alexandra N. Kalogera graduated from the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian Athens University (University of Athens) in 1964. She also attended Sociology courses at the University of York. From 1965 to 2011, she worked as an active lawyer. In 2011, she successfully handed over her law firm to her daughter, Elly Kalogera Giarmenti. Alexandra is fluent in English and French and has lived in France and England.

Throughout her life, Alexandra has been passionate about volunteering and supporting the common good. As a young woman, she was a member of the Greek Guides Association, where she eventually became Vice President and then President. She also served on the International Guides Association, where she chaired the International Sub-Committee responsible for creating Constitutions. Alexandra is now an honorary member of the International Guides Association.

Alexandra is a strong advocate for democratic values and gender equality. She has lectured at conferences globally and represented Greece at the first U.N. Conference on Women’s Rights. She also served as Vice President of the European Centre of the International Council of Women, supporting gender equality efforts in the European Lobby for Women.

ALEXANDRA N. KALOGERA

Alexandra N. Kalogera graduated from the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian Athens University (University of Athens) in 1964. She also attended Sociology courses at the University of York. From 1965 to 2011, she worked as an active lawyer. In 2011, she successfully handed over her law firm to her daughter, Elly Kalogera Giarmenti. Alexandra is fluent in English and French and has lived in France and England.

Throughout her life, Alexandra has been passionate about volunteering and supporting the common good. As a young woman, she was a member of the Greek Guides Association, where she eventually became Vice President and then President. She also served on the International Guides Association, where she chaired the International Sub-Committee responsible for creating Constitutions. Alexandra is now an honorary member of the International Guides Association.

Alexandra is a strong advocate for democratic values and gender equality. She has lectured at conferences globally and represented Greece at the first U.N. Conference on Women’s Rights. She also served as Vice President of the European Centre of the International Council of Women, supporting gender equality efforts in the European Lobby for Women.

CHARIKLIA A. ZANNOU

Chariklia A. Zannou was born in Athens and graduated from the Law School at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Athens University) in 1962. She practised law from 1962 until 2009, building a solid reputation and working with Greek and foreign clients. 

Zannou was also deeply committed to volunteering, serving on the Board of Directors for the League for Women’s Rights and the League of Greek Women’s Scientists. As a Board Member of the Greek Guides Association, she represented her country at numerous international events.

CHARIKLIA A. ZANNOU

Chariklia A. Zannou was born in Athens and graduated from the Law School at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Athens University) in 1962. She practised law from 1962 until 2009, building a solid reputation and working with Greek and foreign clients. 

Zannou was also deeply committed to volunteering, serving on the Board of Directors for the League for Women’s Rights and the League of Greek Women’s Scientists. As a Board Member of the Greek Guides Association, she represented her country at numerous international events.