News & Views

Get to Know Us | Outi Talola, Translation Service Manager, Helsinki

26 July 2022

When did you start working at Hannes Snellman?

I started working at Hannes Snellman in 2007. Before that, I had earned a bachelor’s degree in laws from the University of Westminster, London, and master’s degrees in both laws and arts from the University of Helsinki, and I had also worked at another major law firm in Finland. During my time at Hannes Snellman, I have added to my education by also completing a degree in authorised translation (from Finnish into English).

What is included in a “normal” working day?

A typical working day of a lawyer-linguist includes translating, proofreading, answering to different kinds of enquiries usually relating to the English language, acting as a “walking-talking dictionary”, solving terminological problems of different kinds, keeping contact with translation agencies, supervising team members, working in co-operation with our CR and HR departments and other personnel, and taking care of various administrative tasks, i.e. making sure that things run smoothly and that everybody is happy.

Can you describe your working group?

Our translation team has three full-time employees, one lawyer-linguist (me) and two legal translators (Irene Hytönen and Lotta Tuure). Our main working languages are Finnish and English: I am an authorised translator from Finnish into English, while Irene and Lotta are authorised translators from English into Finnish.

What do you like about your job and what do you wish could be improved?

I like the versatility of our duties. We serve all our business area groups, wherefore we get to do various different kinds of translations. We basically translate anything from informal e-mails to court judgments. I am happy that I am able to make use of both my areas of expertise: linguistics and laws. I also enjoy the hectic nature of the work and the fact that you never have a dull moment. There is nothing better than the buzz of having many projects going on at the same time and still managing to get them all done on time.

Can you describe the Hannes Snellman culture?

I would describe the Hannes Snellman culture as being based on the following values: professionalism, excellence, individuality, collegiality, and taking pride in your work.

One theme popping up in working life discussions is the purpose at work. To conclude this interview, we would like to ask you what are the things that keep you going and motivated in your work — what is the purpose of your work?

As a linguist, I consider the good quality of written communication crucial to the reputation of any company. In view of that, I guess the purpose of my work is to try to ensure that Hannes looks as reputable as possible in the public eye and that our clients receive top-notch service, not only substance-wise but also language-wise.

FAVOURITE | Way of commuting: Vespa; Book: “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi; Lunch: Kippo’s Chili the Kid sandwich; Podcast: POKS; Work equipment: Laptop; Afternoon routine: Walking by the seafront; Mobile application: Spotify; Relaxation method: Practising tennis serve; Work outfit: Jeans and a baggy hoodie; Power song: “Perjantai” by Jambo; Social media channel: Instagram; Drink: A can of Coke; Weekday: Friday; Leisure activity: Tennis

 

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