This is how I became a member of #avanceteam
As a student, I participated in some of the firm’s first student events in 2013 and 2014, including an LL.M.-themed excursion and a running school where students had the chance to train for Helsinki Midnight Run together with the firm’s representatives. Back then, I was impressed by the firm’s tight-knit team spirit and low hierarchy, with trainees sitting next to senior partners in an open office landscape. I later interviewed with the firm in 2015 and started as a trainee in March 2016. I felt welcome from the beginning and got a progressive start to my career at Avance already as a trainee.
Memorable moments during my career at Avance
It is hard to forget the twists and turns of some major transactions one has worked on. The more significant projects we work on often have a societal impact that makes them even more memorable. Ultimately, seeing our clients’ most important projects come to fruition is always something extra and gives a sense of achievement similar to finishing a marathon.
I enjoy my time at Avance because
I get to work with professionals at the absolute pinnacle of the legal profession—committed individuals who aim for the highest standards and take pride in their craft. I also appreciate the fact that we value diversity of thought and psychological safety at Avance. A senior figure at the firm taught me early on that the firm values the views and opinions of each colleague, regardless of the person’s seniority or formal position. I, too, like to think that it is important to value everyone for who they are and for the unique perspective they bring to the table.
I want to work with corporate transactions at Avance because
I am a curious generalist at heart. No assignment is the same and each project offers an opportunity to learn something new. I also appreciate the oft-cited fact that M&A is a team sport—individual performance will only get you so far and result in mediocracy at best—it is only when we come together and work as a team that we can achieve something extraordinary and exceptional for our clients.
My typical day at work
Most of my time is spent in meetings, negotiations and calls with a lot of drafting and e-mail correspondence in between. I am a people person and very much love the fact that I get to interact with stellar clients and colleagues alike on a daily basis.
Some of my unusual days at work
Participating in a relay marathon! Each year, we have a team participating in Yritysmaratonviesti, a corporate relay marathon raising funds for a good cause. The Avance team has happened to win the event several years in a row—which is by no means a small feat given the large number of excellent teams participating each year.
Tips & tricks: how to succeed as a lawyer at Avance
A can-do attitude and intellectual curiosity will take you far. In addition, being able to take responsibility and ownership is important.
One word to describe Avance would be
Camaraderie.
