Finland > Dispute resolution > Law firm and leading lawyer rankings

Castrén & Snellman's practice defended forestry company Stora Enso against damages claims relating to cartel activities, acted for Asfaltmix in a large follow-on damages case, and represented Google in matters pertaining to data protection and privacy law. Marko Hentunen and Anders Forss jointly head the practice, which 'brings to bear significant experience'. 'Heavy hitter' Tuomas Lehtinen is recommended for his experience in arbitration work, while senior associate Jerker Pitkänen has 'an uncanny ability to identify and analyse the facts'.

Antti Järvinen heads the 'very practical' team at Hannes Snellman, which recently represented the Polish government in proceedings relating to an investment treaty arbitration award; the 'extremely competent and thorough' Anders Bygglin also defended Paf in an investigation into alleged money laundering. Kimmo Heikkinen and newly promoted partner Anna-Maria Tamminen are also recommended and specialise in construction-related disputes and international arbitrations respectively. Wärtsilä and UPM-Kymmene are also clients.

Lindfors & Co Attorneys at Law's practice is led by Patrik Lindfors and is recognised for its 'very hands-on and competent approach'. Petra Kiurunen is also recommended; she recently defended a former company board member in criminal and civil cases regarding the company's bankruptcy. Teemu Taxell departed to Merilampi Attorneys Ltd in 2018.

Roschier's practice is jointly led by Petri Taivalkoski and the 'highly experienced' Gisela Knuts, while 'reachable' senior associate Mari Vanhanen is another key name to note. The 'outstanding' department receives praise for its 'pragmatic approach' and clients 'would not go anywhere else in Finland' for legal advice; it recently acted for the owner of a power plant in an ICC arbitration pertaining to construction issues, and represented a claimant in a large follow-on damages case arising from cartel activity.

Borenius defended three executives of Talvivaara Mining in criminal proceedings relating to environmental damage issues including sulphate emissions, represented Kuopion Biotehdas in a dispute regarding the allegedly unjustified termination of a subcontracting agreement, and acted for several shipowners in a challenge to the Finnish government's fairway dues legislation. The practice is headed by Markus Kokko.

At Dittmar & Indrenius, the practice is 'especially strong in international cases' and represented several insurers and shipowners as claimants against Wärtsilä Finland in a cross-border dispute regarding the supply of allegedly unfit propulsion systems. Practice head Jussi Lehtinen has 'great courtroom skills', while senior associates Tom Ehrström and Heidi Yildiz are 'up-and-coming talents'.

HPP Attorneys successfully represented a German generic developer in a major dispute, which was referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), relating to the authorisation of one of the client's products; and acted for Merropoint in a damages claim against the Finnish government alleging negligence in a previous tax dispute. Marko Wainio and Mikko Leppä (who is noted for his 'extremely good' court performance) jointly head the practice.

Mikko Elonheimo heads the practice at Krogerus, which acts for a client roster including Danske Bank, DNA and Eniro; it also represented VRJ Etelä-Suomi in a dispute with the City of Vantaa regarding an infrastructure construction agreement, and acted for Apassionata World in a contractual dispute with Live Nation. The practice is highlighted for its 'level of legal knowledge and professionalism' and senior associate Thomas Kolster is noted for his 'reliable and well-thought-through legal advice'.

Bird & Bird's team is active across the full spectrum of dispute resolution work; practice head Tom Vapaavuori focuses on trade secret matters, while Mikko Rajala and Risto Sipilä are key names to note for construction disputes.

Niina Mickelsson heads the practice at Eversheds Asianajotoimisto Oy / Eversheds Attorneys Ltd (a member of Eversheds Sutherland), which recently defended the bankruptcy estate of Talvivaara Sotkamo in a criminal matter regarding environmental damage issues. Janne Rainvuori joined Sivenius, Suvanto & Co Oy in 2018.

Boutique firm Kotiranta & Co Attorney at Law Ltd specialises in white-collar crime litigation, particularly in cases relating to securities crimes. Founding partner Kai Kotiranta 'takes care of everything' for clients, and acts for several listed companies and high-net-worth private individuals.

Annika Kiviharju and Marja Norrena jointly head the practice at Mäkitalo Rantanen & Co Ltd, which represented 655 private forest owners in a follow-on damages claim arising from a wood purchasing cartel, and acted for Cembrit in several construction-related matters.

Merilampi Attorneys Ltd is defending Fujitsu Finland in a contractual dispute with the City of Espoo. Jussi Ikonen heads the practice, which recently gained Teemu Taxell from Lindfors & Co Attorneys at Law. Emma Niemistö is recommended for construction-related disputes.

Avance Attorneys Ltd's department is co-led by Ulla Vuokila and Salla Suominen and handles the full spectrum of contentious issues with particular specialisms in director liability issues and arbitration work.

DLA Piper's 'hands-on' team defended the former director of Nokian Tyres in a trade secrets case. The practice, which has 'a good mix of fresh and senior competences', is headed by Jussi Savonen, who is particularly experienced in insolvency litigation.

KPMG Finland's 'reliable' practice recently represented Insinööritoimisto AX-LVI in a dispute relating to the redemption of shares. Veli Suortamo leads the practice and is recognised for his 'business-minded and open approach'.

Recent highlights for the practice at Lexia Attorneys Ltd include defending film production company Sputnik in a copyright dispute brought by a member of the production crew of The Other Side Of Hope, and acting for several clients in claims relating to maintenance charges. Kenneth Svartström heads the practice.

Jukka Blomberg leads the group at Magnusson, which recently defended a former director of Rets Timber’s Latvian branch in a large-scale fraud matter. Senior associate Rauli Viipola is also a key name to note and Arto Hyvönen moved to a senior counsel role.

Procopé & Hornborg's practice acts in arbitration and litigation mandates with notable expertise in procurement and construction-related disputes. The practice is jointly led by Asta Siponen and Jusse Rissanen.

The 'always practical and diligent' team at Attorneys at law Ratiolex Ltd. represented Lataamo Group in arbitration proceedings arising from a share purchase dispute. Practice head Timo Ylikantola is 'extremely sharp and a quick-witted pleader', and associate Tiina Ruohonen is noted as a 'rising star'.

The team at Waselius & Wist is jointly led by Jan Waselius, who is noted for his work as an arbitrator; and Bernt Juthström. The department recently represented a Finnish gaming company in an IP-related dispute. Tanja Jussila moved to an in-house position in 2017.