"One of the most rewarding things has been witnessing the professional development of both myself and our team"

Senior Associate Mia Rindell from our Restructuring and Insolvency practice reflects on her career journey, from starting as an Office Support Trainee during university to rejoining the team after studying abroad. She highlights the team's collaborative culture, the growth opportunities she's experienced, and the fulfillment she finds in both practicing insolvency law and mentoring younger colleagues.

What has your career been like so far and how did you end up at Krogerus?

I started my career at Krogerus as an Office Support Trainee in the beginning of my second year of law studies. I really liked the vibe and the people at Krogerus so when there was an opening for the position of Legal Trainee in the Restructuring & Insolvency team in the middle of my third year of studies, I immediately decided to apply. Luckily, I got the job and spent the next two years learning mostly about bankruptcies, restructurings, corporate law and dispute resolution among other things.

During those two years working with insolvency matters really grew on me, and it started to feel like that was what I wanted to do when I graduated. The projects were versatile and always had a practical element to them. However, I really wanted to live abroad and see what kind of adventures the world had to offer, which is why after three and a half years at Krogerus, I moved to Glasgow to study abroad for five months. After that, I worked at a debt collection agency for a bit while I wrote my master's thesis. When I graduated, I knew I wanted to work as an insolvency lawyer and in my mind the best place to be an insolvency lawyer was at Krogerus. Fortunately, they welcomed me back with open arms and I started as an Associate in the Restructuring & Insolvency team in November of 2020. Now, a little over four years later, I work as Senior Associate in the same team.

How have you been supported with career and professional development at Krogerus?

One of the most rewarding and best things about being a part of the Restructuring & Insolvency team at Krogerus has been witnessing the professional development of both myself and our team. A big factor in this has been the culture and atmosphere in our team: everyone is always willing to exchange ideas with an open mind and share their expertise and experiences, and on the other hand everyone is also keen to ask for advice and opinions from others.

I have also been given the opportunity to expand my role and expertise at my own pace and according to my own preferences. For example, I have always enjoyed coaching others and have a knack for it, so after a few years of working as an Associate, I became our team's trainee coach and a tutor for younger lawyers.

How important do you consider networking as a lawyer?

I have always been a social person, so for me one of the best parts about this job has been getting to know colleagues from both Krogerus and other law firms, as well as clients and other stakeholders. Especially insolvency law related events have always been extremely enjoyable, and I feel like people who work with insolvency matters tend to be very like-minded and easy going. I have yet to meet an insolvency lawyer who has not been a pleasure to collaborate with.

Piece of advice you would give an aspiring lawyer

In my experience:

• There is no one way to be a good lawyer. You will most likely succeed when you embrace your innate character traits and try to use them to your advantage, instead of trying to fit in some sort of mould.
• Always be curious about everything and why things work the way they do.
• There will always be more important things in life than work, so do not make work your priority in life.

Mia's career in numbers

• 7,5 years at Krogerus
• 4 years of working as a lawyer
• 2 years working as trainee coach and tutor for younger lawyers
• 4 months as an attorney-at-law