“There is nothing better than sitting at the closing table after a transaction and hearing about my client's goals for their lives moving forward, and how they plan to make a home their own,” says Niko Maniakouras of Niko Law LLC. 

Niko Law LLC specializes in real estate law, trusts and wills, and property tax appeals—the latter being something every member of his firm can handle in Cook and Will Counties. Niko was drawn to real estate law, specifically, because it gives him the opportunity to connect with people while still contributing his legal expertise.

“The real estate process allows me to connect with my clients on a personal level while performing legal work that helps them achieve homeownership,” he says. “Ultimately, I want to help people achieve one of the happiest moments of their lives.”

Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, Niko is a first-generation American from a family of Greek immigrants. A graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago and the then John Marshall Law School, he is the first lawyer in his family. With his multicultural background and diverse perspective, Niko is able to bring an empathetic approach to every transaction that his clients appreciate.

“I focus on fostering a personal relationship with my clients,” says Niko. “For example, I personally appear at purchase real estate closings with the client. I also avoid teleconferencing or closings over Zoom.”

This is a personal touch that some other firms began to abandon during the COVID pandemic, representing clients digitally and virtually instead, and many never reinstated their former in-person procedures. This personal touch is a seemingly simple thing, but Niko sees it as essential to offering the best service possible.

“I think the biggest change we have seen in the post-COVID era is that a lot of professionals are no longer attending closings or being personally available,” notes Niko. “I think many aspects of a transaction become a lot more difficult when the personal relationships that are fostered by being in-person have been removed.”

Aside from emphasizing the availability of his staff, Niko also works to keep himself open for communication as much as he can. In fact, he approaches each partnership as if he were the one buying or selling. This mindset keeps him grounded and focused on what’s really important.

“I do not want to hide behind my staff or have people feel like they are bothering me when they call my office to discuss their transaction,” says Niko. “I assure my brokers that I am in direct contact with their clients. I have a full staff, but I believe trust is earned by speaking directly to my clients. I want my clients to know that I care about them and am accessible when they need me.”

 

While Niko leans on his experience and expertise in his interactions with clients, he also tries to bring peace of mind where he can. Bringing levity to an otherwise stressful situation is his go-to for lifting the mood.

“Buying and selling a house, or establishing a will or trust, is a major milestone in many people's lives,” Niko says. “There is nothing better than getting to the closing, or the final stage of the will or trust process, and being able to make some jokes, get through the documents, and learn more about your clients when the stress has been removed.”

“I enjoy being able to guide my clients through a process and show them how to navigate it without making mistakes,” he adds.

Niko is looking forward to achieving a life milestone of his own soon. He and his wife are expecting their first child at the end of August. They’ve been busy preparing their home with many DIY projects, something they both really enjoy doing. Niko’s growing family and active life give him all the reasons he needs to expand his business and help his clients enjoy their own homes. 

“I'm motivated by remembering that I am affecting people's lives,” he says. “Even when you do not feel like it, you have a duty to make certain you protect your clients at all costs.”

“Success is the ability to feel fulfilled in your everyday life, and do what you enjoy professionally and still be able to enjoy your free time with your family,” Niko says.