Languages

Finnish, English

Maria Aholainen

Counsel IP & Technology

Languages

Finnish, English

Maria advises domestic and international clients on data protection, artificial intelligence, and data regulatory matters. She has significant experience in data protection projects, including multijurisdictional GDPR and cybersecurity projects, data transfer projects, and deployment of new technologies. In addition, Maria represents clients in regulatory investigations and data protection disputes in courts. While the assignments are often complex, Maria also supports our clients in solving everyday practical questions.

Maria is recognised as a rising star in the Legal 500 EMEA 2024, TMT and holds an international certification in privacy and data protection (CIPP/E) awarded by IAPP.

Selected References

Hannes Snellman acted as counsel to Patria in relation to its data regulation project. Our team assisted Patria in navigating the EU’s new data regulations, particularly the Data Act and AI Act, to ensure compliance and leverage strategic advantages. The project involved a comprehensive review of Patria’s operations, an analysis of Patria’s alignment with the EU’s data regulations, and the development of a roadmap to ensure compliance. Contacts

Counsel to Sibanye-Stillwater’s European operations with their GDPR implementation project, including drafting and implementing governance framework, privacy policies and processes, global transfers, and GDPR trainings.

Contacts

Parties

Cargotec Corporation and Kalmar Corporation

Transaction

Cargotec’s partial demerger and separation of Kalmar

Deal Value

Approx. EUR 2.0 billion (illustrative carve-out sales)

Role

Counsel to Cargotec Corporation and Kalmar Corporation

Contacts

Rankings

  • Leading Associates, TMT, Legal 500, 2025
  • Rising Star, TMT, Legal 500, 2024
  • Rising Star, “Counsel Maria Aholainen has notable expertise in data protection work.”, TMT, Legal 500 EMEA, 2023

Memberships and Positions of Trust

  • Member of the Finnish Bar Association
  • Member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)
  • Member of the Finnish IT Law Association
  • Certified information Privacy Professional (CIPP/E)

Professional Background

  • Counsel, Hannes Snellman, 2022–
  • Bird & Bird Attorneys Ltd, 2016–2022
  • Ministry of Transport and Communications in Finland, 2015–2016

Education

  • Master of Laws, University of Helsinki, 2015
  • Bachelor of Laws, University of Helsinki, 2014
  • Bachelor of Arts, University of Helsinki, 2013

Publications

  • “Data Act from User’s Perspective”, seminar on Data Act, Edita, 2024
  • “Data Protection Disputes” seminar on Data Protection Risks, Edita, 2024

Speaking Engagements

  • “Data Act and Trade Secrets”, webinar, IPR University Center, 2024