Career Stories | Annika Sillanpää, Associate, Employment

Annika Sillanpää works as an associate lawyer in our Employment Team. Annika advises domestic and international clients on all aspects of employment law. She joined Hannes Snellman as a trainee in 2022 and was appointed as an associate upon her graduation in 2023.

Could you tell us about your journey at Hannes?

My journey at Hannes began in 2022 as an associate trainee in the employment team. After completing my traineeship and finishing my thesis, I was fortunate to start as an associate in the same team at the beginning of 2023.

How would you describe your normal workday? What kind of matters have you been handling?

My workdays differ quite a lot, which is why I really enjoy working as an employment lawyer. My days can be filled with the so-called ''core employment lawyer duties'' relating to employment due diligence, advising on individual terminations of employment, change negotiations, redundancies, and reorganisations as well as drafting director, employment, or retention agreements. In addition, my workdays can include matters relating to occupational health and safety, collective bargaining agreements, and transnational employee representation matters, such as European Work Councils. My workdays always include a coffee break with my colleagues and sometimes, when the weather allows, an ice cream at our amazing terrace.

What are you mostly looking forward to in your career as a lawyer?

I am looking forward to continuous learning opportunities and working with the best professionals in the field of employment law.

How would you describe the Hannes culture?

When describing the Hannes culture, I would say it is hardworking, collaborative, and energetic. The culture places a strong emphasis on personal and professional growth, enabling all employees to develop and advance in their careers. Additionally, the youthful atmosphere at Hannes is reflected in the variety of sporting events and wellness activities organiszed for employees.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love sports, and I am proud to be part of the Finnish national padel team. Thus, much of my spare time is dedicated to practicing and playing in tournaments. When I am not on the padel court, you can find me watching series — my favourite at the moment being Yellowstone — or walking in the nature listening to French criminal podcasts.

Based on your own experience, what are your top three tips for a newly graduated lawyer?

1. If you haven’t found your favourite field of law yet, be curious towards all fields. Boldly try different teams and through that, discover your strengths and interests.
2. Don’t underestimate the power of having a broad network. Start building your professional network early in your career, as it may open up many opportunities for career advancement and collaboration in the future.
3. Continuously seek feedback and be open to learning. Constructive criticism can help you grow and improve your skills, making you a more effective and competent lawyer.

Hannes Snellman is cooperating with Päätös, a podcast focused on decision-making., for its fifth season this spring. Inspired by the podcast, we would like to conclude this interview by asking you about decision-making — what would you say is the most significant decision you have made when it comes to your professional life?

The most significant decision I made was to move to the United States after high school to play tennis for a division 1 university. During four years, I balanced playing university tennis with earning my bachelor's degree in business with a focus on operations management and human resource management. During my studies, an employment law course ignited my interest in law, leading me to pursue law school upon my return to Finland.