Greetings from Alumni | Lotta Hemmi

In the third part of this autumn’s Greetings from Alumni series, we interviewed our alumna Lotta Hemmi, who works as a senior legal counsel at Neste. During her time at Hannes between the years 2013 and 2022, Lotta worked in the positions of a trainee, associate, and senior associate.

Hi Lotta, how has your autumn started?

Thank you for asking! After a busy autumn, I am excited about the first snow and looking forward to some winter sports and activities. 

You work as a senior legal counsel at Neste. Can you tell us a little bit about your work and daily tasks?

I joined Neste, the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel, and renewable feedstock solutions for various polymers and chemicals industry uses, in September 2022. I provide global legal support and insight for the industrial investment projects and the refineries. I mostly draft and negotiate procurement contracts in close collaboration with project management and the indirect procurement of technical materials and services. I enter the picture before the execution phase and continue thereafter also by managing possible disputes. I have been lucky to get to work for Neste’s ambition to make the Porvoo refinery in Finland the most sustainable refinery in Europe by 2030 and to reach carbon-neutral production by 2035.

What would you say are the biggest differences between working as an in-house lawyer and working as a lawyer in a law firm?

Nowadays I carry a bigger responsibility over the legal approach of a case. In comparison to my background as a dispute resolution attorney, I now get to contribute at an earlier stage of a project with the aim to agree on the best possible contract terms and to avoid any conflicts or disputes. As an in-house counsel, I also get to work in closer collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, while at the same time my current work is more independent than the work of an attorney in a big law firm. 

Has the law firm background helped you in your current job?

Working at Hannes raised me into a legal professional with high quality standards and attention to detail. The exposure to a multitude of disputes and understanding the anatomy of typical disputes have been really useful. 

What is your favourite memory from your time at Hannes?

All the best memories come down to the people at Hannes. I am extremely happy to have found so many friends at Hannes. 

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

I find it motivating and meaningful that my work truly aims to create a better future in the long run. Currently, I feel I can contribute to creating a healthier planet for our children.