News & Views

Get to Know Us | Tuuli Pikkarainen, Senior Associate, Real Assets, Helsinki

25 April 2022

When did you start working at Hannes Snellman, and what is your professional and educational background?

I joined Hannes Snellman as an associate trainee in January 2015. After graduating from the University of Helsinki in October 2015, I started as a lawyer, and currently I work as a senior associate in our Real Assets Team.

What is included in a “normal” working day of a senior associate?

During the past years, I have especially focused on real estate transactions and development projects, but I have also been involved in private M&A transactions. Furthermore, I have also gained experience in the fields of dispute resolution and claims management.

My working days vary a lot depending on the stage and type of assignment I am working on. For example, my tasks include drafting contracts and other legal documentation, general project management, participating in negotiations and telephone conferences, and supporting other team members in their work when needed. 

What skills are required of a good lawyer?

I think that the skills required of a good lawyer — regardless of the specific area of expertise — include very good oral and written presentation and argumentation skills. Furthermore, a good lawyer should quickly understand what is essential in each assignment and what the important issues from the perspective of the client’s business are. In addition, diligence and great interpersonal skills and language skills (especially English) are definitely worth mentioning.

What do you like most about your job?

I find my job challenging and rewarding, as it is possible to develop my skills and understanding and learn something new every day. Furthermore, it is great to get to meet new people and work closely with our clients and my own team members.

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my free time, I spend time with my friends and family and, for example, like to try different restaurants. During my holidays, I love travelling. My favourite travel destinations so far include Hong Kong, South Africa, Southern France, London, and New York, but I have also learned to enjoy spending time at my family’s summer cottage and outdoor activities here in Finland (like quite many of us during the COVID pandemic).

One theme that currently stands out in working life discussions is purpose. To conclude this interview, what are the things that keep you going and motivated in work — what is your purpose?

Being part of a great work community and getting to work with nice people and challenge myself in varied assignments.

 

FAVOURITE | Way of Commuting: Public transport; Book: Impossible to name one, sorry!; Lunch: Sushi and goat cheese salad; Podcast: Quite many Finnish podcasts where the podcast hosts do not take themselves too seriously, such as Tuplakääk, Hei Baby, and Mimmit sijoittaa; Work Equipment: Computer (with at least two large screens); Afternoon Routine: Some healthy snack; Mobile Application: Calendar; Relaxation Method: A walk by the sea + music or podcast; Work Outfit: Dress; Power Song: Let It Go from “Frozen” :) ; Website: Helsingin Sanomat online newspaper; Social Media Channel: Instagram (I very rarely post anything myself, though, but I like to follow my friends and other interesting users); Drink: Lately San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa; Weekday: Friday; Leisure Activity: Sauna, nice restaurants, and online shopping

 

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