Rankings

Avance has once again been broadly recognized by IFLR1000, a guide to the world’s leading financial and corporate law firms and lawyers. In the 34th edition (2024/2025), the firm achieved Tier 1 rankings for both M&A and Banking and finance in Finland, while also securing high rankings in the areas of Capital markets and Project development. Furthermore, 14 partners of the firm are recognised in their respective fields of expertise. In addition, Sari Wallgren is once again selected as Women Leader.

IFLR1000 2024/2025

Avance has achieved Tier 2 rankings in both the Tax controversy and Transactional tax categories, reflecting our team’s dedication to providing top-tier tax advisory services. Additionally, Avance received Tier 3 rankings in General corporate tax and Indirect tax, with the latter marking our debut in this category. Partner Sebastian Kellas continues to earn recognition as ‘Highly Regarded’ in the Real estate and Transactional tax. Antti Leppänen, is again named ‘Highly Regarded’ in Tax controversy, while Senior Associate Janina Järvi is celebrated as a ‘Rising Star’ in Transactional tax.

ITR World Tax 2025

Avance makes its debut in the 2024 edition of IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals, and is ranked in the bronze category for Transactions.

IAM Patent 1000 2024

One out of three law firms in Finland to receive the Client Satisfaction accolade, awarded to law firms who achieve exceptionally high scores for client service and client experience.

The Legal 500 2024, Client Satisfaction accolade

Avance is Tier 1 ranked in Banking and finance.
“The essential strengths of the team are its flexibility, efficiency and dedication. As a client, we appreciate the stability of the relationship and the long-term relationship built with the team. Due to this advantage, their lawyers understand the client’s financial structure and history very well and it makes the collaboration very easy.”
“They seek a close relationship with the client in order to understand the needs better. Always very approachable and available.”
“The team is well versed and has all the required skillsets to process even complex multi-territory banking matters as lead counsel.”

The Legal 500 2024, Banking and finance

Avance is Tier 1 ranked  in Commercial, corporate and M&A.
“Excellent market knowledge. Partners are very easy to reach and discuss issues with. What they are typically better at vs competitors is being very commercial and being able to support beyond legal discussions and trying to find solutions.”
“The team is efficient, well organised and respectful of deadlines. The team stands out especially with its outstanding co-ordination on transactional matters. As a client, we appreciate the stability of the relationship built with the team. A long-term client relationship has been an advantage to us.”
“Professionalism, easy to work with and flexible.”
“Integrity and easy to work with.”

The Legal 500 2024, Commercial, corporate and M&A

Avance is Tier 1 ranked in EU and competition.

The Legal 500 2024, EU and competition

Avance is Tier 1 ranked in Real estate and construction.
“Deal making capabilities, comprehensive knowledge and experience.”
“The strongest Real Estate practice in terms of senior capacity. Partner level assignment handling secures consistent high quality. Pleasant to work with.”
“The RE practice consist of highly talented and smart lawyers, who are also fun to work with.”

The Legal 500 2024, Real estate and construction

“The essential strengths of the team are its flexibility, efficiency and dedication. We have been very pleased with their services. As a client, we appreciate the stability of the relationship built with the team. A long-term client relationship has been an advantage to us.”
“They are very good with the Finnish market regulation and work a lot with M&A, IPOs and P2P transactions. Deep knowledge of bonds, listed and private. Available, hardworking and fast in delivering hefty documentation turns. Approachable and very nice to work with.”

The Legal 500 2024, Capital markets

“Knowledgeable and professional.”
“Avance has established a highly dedicated team. In the court preparations and proceedings, they have full overview of all details in a complicated fact-heavy matter.”
“We have been represented by a highly skilled and motivated team of all female lawyers. We appreciate their pro-activeness and ability to see and understand details.”
“The team is very active taking the role in case(s). They bring value by showing different angles to case(s) as well as their experience on similar cases.”
“Active in communication and taking the lead when necessary, building up the case, knowledgeable, experienced, idea-rich individuals.”

The Legal 500 2024, Dispute resolution

“The Avance team has exemplary performance and competence for equity rounds and especially for start-up and growth companies. They do not only provide legal services, but are able to consult and advice on business perspectives as well.”
“Commitment, professionalism, flexibility in availability, level of service out pars all other service providers. Fun people to work with!”
“Pragmatic approach to client work. What we’ve liked about working with Avance is not only their professionalism around legal advice, but also their ability to apply legal advice in a business context.”

The Legal 500 2024, TMT

“The advice and support that Avance provides on IP matters is phenomenal – you feel that you are in good hands.”

The Legal 500 2024, Intellectual Property

“The team has a very high level of expertise. The lawyers demonstrate short response times and a proactive approach.”
“The law firm has experienced and reliable professionals with a good commercial instinct.”

Chambers Europe & Global 2024, Banking & Finance

“Our work was not an off-the-shelf thing where you can just look at other work you may have carried out, because there weren’t any other examples of this, so they had to be quite inventive. They did that very well, I must say. I was happy with their work.”

Chambers Europe 2024, Capital Markets

“Avance’s ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is strong. They grasped a somewhat complex matter really quickly, and they were able to provide very clear advice.”
“Avance Attorneys serve us in all the aspects that we need. They are very client-oriented. They’re super flexible. They’re solution-oriented; they want to find the best solution for us.”
“Avance gives us concise advice at quick pace.”

Chambers Europe 2024, Competition/European Law

“Avance Attorneys is able to take a very commercial approach on key matters. Its lawyers look for solutions rather than just pointing out challenges.”
“The team is so self-directing. It’s the best in this area in the whole of Helsinki. The practice is independent so we don’t need to meet and advise the lawyers all the time.”
“Avance Attorneys is involved in some very high-level transactions. It has really good lawyers there.”
“Avance stands out from the rest of the market.”

Chambers Europe & Global 2024, Corporate/M&A