Alumni profile - Nick Giannakakos
(Law LLB, Graduate Class 2015)
The programme’s high recognition by top employers gave me credibility and access to exceptional career opportunities.
Introduction
I am originally from Athens, Greece, and I graduated from Queen Mary University of London, with a degree in Law, LLB (Hons), in 2015. After spending nearly 15 years in London, I now hold dual citizenship, Greek and British, through naturalisation.
Why did you choose to study at Queen Mary?
I chose to study at Queen Mary because of its strong reputation for academic excellence and research, as well as its vibrant and diverse student community. The opportunity to study at an internationally recognized institution, combined with its London campus, made it the ideal choice.
After completing my first degree in Physical Education and Sport Science from the University of Athens and a Master’s in Sport Management in London, Queen Mary’s Law programme offered the perfect pathway to broaden my expertise. As part of the University of London, the admissions team acknowledged my achievements as an elite athlete, recognizing the discipline, resilience, and leadership skills I had developed through sport, which strengthened my decision to pursue law at Queen Mary.
What were the highlights of studying your programme?
Some of the highlights of my time at Queen Mary included my involvement with the Legal Advice Centre (LAC), particularly the Law for the Arts Programme.
A key achievement was winning the Reed Smith Competition “Law Firm of the Future” as part of the Queen Mary Law School team. This victory led to a work placement in Reed Smith’s London office in the shipping department and a trip to their New York office, providing invaluable real-world experience and practical insights into legal practice both in London and the USA.
Another significant milestone was completing my dissertation on children’s rights under the supervision of the world-renowned Professor Geraldine Van Bueren KC. Additionally, I gained a deep understanding of Greek philosophy and its application to ethics, law, and democracy through the exceptional teachings of Professor Eric Heinze.
What has your career looked like since graduating?
Since graduating, I have built a diverse and international career in law, politics and sport. I have worked with the American law firm Hausfeld, Media Arts Lab (the creative agency solely working for Apple Inc.), and the Infected Blood Inquiry, initiated by the British government.
Currently, I serve as legal advisor to the Alternate Minister of Sport of the Hellenic Republic. Simultaneously, I have served as CEO of Tour of Hellas, the largest international cycling event in Greece, and am now the CEO of Diving Greece, the governmental sports organization responsible for hosting world championships in freediving and establishing Greece as a leading global tourism destination.
In 2025, I have been selected to represent Greece in the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a prestigious professional exchange program for emerging leaders worldwide. I will participate in the program’s focus area on “Mega Sporting Events and Economic Prosperity,” gaining insights into international best practices, building a global network of policymakers and industry leaders, and contributing Greece’s perspective on leveraging major sporting events for economic and social impact, while showcasing American exceptionalism in innovation, economic impact, and global leadership.
How had the time at Queen Mary supported you in your career?
My time at Queen Mary helped me develop a deep understanding and appreciation of the law and the rule of law, along with technical and transferable skills such as legal thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
The university’s career services, exceptional alumni association, strong friendships, internship opportunities, and law fairs provided a solid foundation for entering the professional world. The programme’s high recognition by top employers also gave me credibility and access to exceptional career opportunities.
What advice would you offer for future students?
My advice to future students is to take full advantage of everything Queen Mary has to offer — from academic support and career services to clubs, societies, and networking events. Attend all lectures and seminars, complete your readings, make full use of the library and other facilities, and don’t miss out on QMotion for fitness and well-being.
Get involved in mooting and the Law Society, create opportunities for yourself, seize them, and maintain an open mind. Be proactive, curious, and embrace every experience — the skills, connections, and mindset you develop at Queen Mary will have a lasting impact on your career.