History

Hannes Snellman has a rich history spanning over a century and linking to the history and economic milestones of Finland.

The firm was founded by Hannes Snellman in Helsinki in 1909. After the Second World War, the firm began to grow significantly under the leadership of Hans G. Snellman, Hannes Snellman’s son. The firm built international relations and attracted many family-owned and international, especially Nordic, companies as its clients, many of which have since then maintained relationships with the firm through generations. From the 1960s, the firm’s development continued under Hannes Snellman’s grandson Johan and his fellow partners.

Hannes Snellman expanded, evolved, and became a prominent law firm with a strong presence in the Nordic region and a broad international network of leading local and global firms. Over the years, the firm has had a number of offices abroad, while its base has always stayed in Helsinki, Finland.

Throughout the decades, Hannes Snellman has been a trusted advisor and strategic partner to its clients. The firm has played an instrumental role in structuring and carrying out cross-border and domestic landmark transactions in all industries, shaping and developing the Finnish legal and business landscape.

The firm is involved in various pro bono initiatives promoting corporate citizenship and sustainability, leveraging its expertise and resources to benefit the community. The longest of the current initiatives date back to the early decades of the firm. For example, for close to 80 years, the firm has supported the Mannerheim Foundation, which manages the estate of the Marshal of Finland, C.G.E. Mannerheim — to whom already Hannes Snellman was a trusted advisor.

Today, Hannes Snellman continues to offer a world-class client experience and careers for some 300 lawyers and other professionals. The firm remains committed to driving innovation, fostering its culture, and maintaining a strong focus on corporate citizenship.