"The past years have given me ample opportunities to challenge myself and to learn something new every day."
During my studies I was eager to try different fields of law, as I was looking for the right fit for my future career. This led me to the first step towards my current role, as I landed a job as a Legal Trainee in Krogerus' Restructuring and Insolvency team in Turku, where I was doing my studies. Fast forward almost two years, which included an exchange semester in Vienna and a traineeship in another firm, I returned to Krogerus as an Associate Trainee in the Competition & Regulatory team, where I was offered a chance to continue my career after graduation.
As a recently promoted Senior Associate, my daily work includes, for example, assisting our clients in antitrust and merger control proceedings before competition authorities and courts as well as advising on competition law compliance, state aid and regulated markets. The past years working as part of our team have given me ample opportunities to challenge myself and to learn something new every day. In my role, I have the chance to work with companies operating in all types of industries, which always keeps things interesting.
Last year I was able to jump into a different role as I started a year-long training on the bench at the District Court of Länsi-Uusimaa. Although the cases I was involved with were very different from those I encounter in my day-to-day work at Krogerus, the training has proved to be a valuable experience also from the perspective of my current role.
As a trainee judge I had to manage and decide hundreds of different cases, which developed my ability to quickly identify the most relevant aspects of each case. The decision-making process also taught me a lot about legal argumentation. As the role included several oral hearings and conducting civil marriage services, I was also able to refine my presentation skills. Working as a trainee judge really offered a different perspective and a glimpse into the thought process of a judge when faced with a complex case, which will surely help me in my current role when we are representing our clients before courts.
What I appreciate the most is Krogerus' culture that embraces people as they are and recognises the value in each person's unique strengths. It may not come as a surprise that my fondest memories over the past four years at Krogerus have one thing in common − people. Whether it be challenging cases solved together, afternoon coffee breaks with colleagues or team-building activities and celebrations, it is a privilege to work with such kind and insightful people.
My advice to anyone in the early stages of their legal career is to foster a curious mind. Be interested, ask questions (even if they feel stupid) and try things you are not sure you know how to do yet. The rest will follow!
