Sorainen is ‘one of the biggest players in the Estonian legal market with a dedicated employment team‘ and fields a large team of labour law experts. One such lawyer is practice head Pirkko-Liis Harkmaa, who is described by one client as ‘a very seasoned and competent employment law specialist’. Harkmaa leads the team alongside Karin Madisson, a go-to practitioner for contentious employment matters. Kadri Härginen is also an expert when it comes to employment disputes, and is highlighted for having ‘expert knowledge in the field’.
Employment in Estonia
Sorainen
Practice head(s):
Pirkko-Liis Harkmaa; Karin Madisson
Other key lawyers:
Kadri Härginen
Testimonials
‘Professional team. Works quickly and efficiently.’
‘Sorainen are one of the biggest players in the Estonian legal market who have a dedicated employment team.’
‘Pirkko-Liis Harkmaa stands out as a very seasoned and competent employment law specialist.’
‘Very practical advice combined with excellent legal knowledge. The team always is willing to go for the extra mile. They want to understand the core needs of the client and will give their legal advice accordingly. They listen to the client!’
‘The team goes the extra mile as they do not only limit themselves with the circumstances that are a given, but also look behind the corners and evaluate the situation considering also that what might arise during the dispute ensuring that the client’s interests are always protected and nothing would come as a surprise. The defence strategy is comprehensive as a rule.’
‘Kadri Härginen has expert knowledge in the field and has represented my company in cases where there was also media attention involved. She was very insightful, instantly saw all the weaknesses and as the cases developed, her analyses and advice proved to be exactly accurate. She is very trustworthy.’
‘Pirkko-Liis Harkmaa is a very practical minded and solution oriented.’
Key clients
CARIAD Estonia
Wise
Veriff
Bolt
Montonio
Pipedrive
Toyota Baltic
TSG Solutions
Verge Motorcycles
BaltCap
Acton Partners
Invalda INVL
Work highlights
- Advised a sales management software development company on a dispute with a former employee concerning the termination of employment due to a breach of the employment contract by the employee.
- Advised BaltCap on all employment matters, including the new service agreement templates with management, related to acquiring a 70% share in Hansab Group.
- Advised Verge Motorcycles on reviewing its share options programme for employees and external third-party consultants.
Cobalt
Cobalt‘s team stands out for its experience in providing advice on a range of issues such as HR matters, litigation and regulation to both Estonian and global companies. Clients appreciate that the ‘solutions are always followed by cited legislation‘. Karina Paatsi, who often works on cross-border matters, is noted for her ‘calm and solution-oriented approach‘. A key contact at the senior associate level is Heili Haabu, who assists clients in a range of corporate-related employment matters.
Practice head(s):
Karina Paatsi
Other key lawyers:
Heili Haabu
Testimonials
‘Speed of interaction is exceptional, and the quality of the feedback is always extremely thorough with the opportunity to talk through case management to explore the best solutions. Solutions are always followed by cited legislation.’
‘Karina Paatsi has been integral to our business and her speed of response has been exceptional along with her thoroughness in taking the time to understand our case management through to providing highly effective solutions. Karina Paatsi has consistently provided us with high quality feedback, always supporting us with local legislation for wider business context and understanding.’
‘Based on my experience, I always receive a response to my request via email quickly. This is a big plus for me as a client as I want to be sure that my requests are being handled as quickly as possible. It is also very much appreciated that they offer different communication channels to get in touch with them, I can always reach out and ask for clarity if I need it at any time.’
Key clients
AbbVie
Wienerberger
HUGO BOSS
Sandoz
Olympus
KONE
Electrolux
Goodyear Dunlop
Saint-Gobain
Booking.com
AkzoNobel
Work highlights
- Representing an employee whose employment contract was terminated based on an allegedly received written complaint of sexual harassment.
- Representing Bombay Studios in a dispute with former employees concerning collusion and winning fraudulently large amounts of money, causing significant material damage to the client.
- Representing AS TREV-2 Grupp in a dispute with a former employee regarding the unlawful use of trade secrets.
Ellex
Ellex is well versed in employment matters with cross-border elements. The diverse range of industries in which the group works includes energy, construction and telecoms. Martin Käerdi, who is adept in the full array of employment transactions and civil law matters, leads the team. On the associate side, senior associate Hanna Pahk is a key name to note and is a specialist in employment law, often appearing in court for appeals.
Practice head(s):
Martin Käerdi
Other key lawyers:
Arne Ots; Hanna Pahk
Key clients
Eesti Energia AS
Nordecon AS
Hennes & Mauritz AB
Skeleton Technologies
Proekspert
Checkout
Saint Gobain
Orkla ASA
DS Smith
Pfizer
Eversheds Sutherland Ots & Co
The team at Eversheds Sutherland Ots & Co, which has over two decades of experience in labour and employment, is overseen by Tambet Toomela, an experienced practitioner who ‘deals with even the most complicated problems’. Erika Tuvike is well versed in employment law, and often appears in high-level employment disputes in Estonian Labour Dispute Committee matters. Clients instructing the group range from start-ups to international blue-chip companies as the group leverages the firm’s global network of offices.
Practice head(s):
Tambet Toomela
Other key lawyers:
Erika Tuvike
Testimonials
‘This team is one of the best legal teams that our company has worked with and we work with several law firms. They are super responsive, knowledgeable and pragmatic.’
‘Our contact is Tambet Toomela and so far, we only have good feedback. Good to work with and deals with even the most complicated problems.’
‘Tambet Toomela is brilliant. He is very responsive, efficient and commercial. He finds creative solutions to complex issues. We love working with him.’
‘The company always helps provide the right people for the job. I also never felt like services were pushed on me. The company is also very understanding when it comes to personal circumstances and situations and aims to help first.’
Key clients
Checkout Technology LTD Eesti Branch
Oracle East Central Europe Limited Estonian Branch
AS Balsnack International Holding
Shepherd OÜ
Verston OÜ
Puidukoda OÜ
Tark Catering OÜ
Bon Bon Lingerie OÜ
Work highlights
- Advised Verston on the labour dispute committee where a former employee of the client who was represented by a trade union contested the termination of his employment contract.
- Advised former employees of Estonian Health Board on matters related to employment agreements which were terminated by the Board.
- Successfully advised a private individual on their employment contract being terminated by the employer when the client was on leave for a heart attack.
TGS Baltic
TGS Baltic‘s employment group demonstrates ‘professionalism and good teamwork‘ while dealing with a range of contentious and non-contentious labour law issues. Anu Kirss jointly leads the group alongside Triin Kaurov, who is praised for her ‘remarkable experience, and very rational and well-considered solutions‘, and new arrival Indrek Ergma, who joined the firm in early 2024 following its merger with PwC Legal. Restructuring is a standout area for the group, and personnel restructuring a key area of work for Kirss.
Testimonials
‘TGS Baltic lawyers are highly experienced professionals. The team is remarkable. They always think along our business and take care of our real needs. They are always focused on logical solutions. TGS Baltic also focuses a lot on ESG issues, and for our business it has crucial importance.’
‘Their service levels and responsiveness are accurate and quick.’
‘Triin Kaurov has remarkable experience in a wide range of practice areas. She is a very experienced, solution-oriented, and trustworthy partner. We appreciate her professionality. She solves all our matters so pragmatically and simply and at the same time so thoughtfully. It is remarkable. We also appreciate her because of her responsiveness, and she always finds time for us.’
‘The TGS Baltic employment team has always had a high level of knowledge and experience and they have offered practical solutions to our questions. They are quick and smart and real professionals, and they are responsive. We can trust TGS Baltic. They pay a lot of attention to ESG and sustainability issues, which are very important to us.’
‘The team demonstrates professionalism and good teamwork.’
‘Triin Kaurov has remarkable experience, and she always has very rational and well-considered solutions. She can see the big picture and thus mitigate potential risks that we would never ever consider. Also, we appreciate her commitment.’
‘Siret Saks has remarkable experience in immigration issues and also in remote work questions. She is so quick, highly committed and solution determined.’
‘Indrek Ergma knows our business and the challenges we have. He is business minded and proactive. We feel that he is not only our lawyer, but also he is like a trusted partner for us. He always gives realistic deadlines to his work. We really value business minded partners and Indrek has that characteristic.’
Key clients
Mars Eesti
KM Element
Peaceful Tech
Unilever Eesti
ACC Distribution
Merck Sharp & Dohme
Nõo Lihatööstus
Riigi Kaitseinvesteeringute Keskus (Estonian Centre for Defence Investments)
Raintree Systems
Operail
Inchcape
Autohalle
Apranga
AS Eesti Loots
SmartCap
Fujitsu Estonia Philip Morris International
Siteminder
General Electric
Testlio
Ionisos Baltics
GI Group
GuardTime
NabuMinds
Breakwater Technologies
Hekotek
Rich Creative Solutions
EU-Lisa
Tank
Italian Embassy in Estonia
Work highlights
- Advised Mars on the reorganisation of its field personnel in the Baltic countries.
- Represented the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments in a dispute that is a landmark for secondment-based employment relationships.
- Represented Paxful (Peaceful Tech) in a dispute against a former employee and his company for breach of non-compete and non-solicitation clauses.
WALLESS
WALLESS, whose international expertise is valued by clients, advises both public and private clients, ranging from the Government of the Republic of Estonia to clients in the pharmaceutical and IT industries. Practice head Toomas Taube is a highly regarded practitioner. On the contentious side, the group has a history of appearing in pre-court proceedings at the Labour Dispute Commission. Liis Venelaine has a strong track record working on the immigration elements of employment law matters.
Practice head(s):
Toomas Taube
Other key lawyers:
Liis Venelaine
Testimonials
‘Fast responses and goes into detail on matters.’
‘Toomas Taube is professional, fast, and friendly.’
‘They act fast and are open for discussion.’
‘We appreciate how fast and effectively they work.’
‘I really value international knowledge. We are an international company, we operate in three markets, and the team can provide advice specific to each market.’
‘I would like to single out Toomas Taube, who has advised our company in very complex situations. I like the personality and proactivity of Toomas. In case of certain labour law changes he has proactively informed and offered his help.’
Key clients
Kunda Nordic Tsement (part of Heidelberg Materials Group)
LMT, Latvian Mobile Telephone (LMT Retail and Logistics SIA Estonian Branch)
Intertrust Group
Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd.
Fort Aero AS
Éolane Group
Monese Group
Government of the Republic of Estonia
Primend OÜ
Estonian Centre for Architecture
Work highlights
- Advised Kunda Nordic Tsement on issues related to employment law, employment and executive contracts, and health and safety.
- Represented Primend in a dispute with a former employee regarding breach of confidentiality.
- Advising Magnetic MRO in employment-related matters.
LEADELL Pilv
LEADELL Pilv‘s labour law team is particularly strong when it comes to employment litigation and appears in a range of courts, including labour tribunals and county courts. Practice head Marko Pilv has a notable record acting in complex disputes. Pirkka-Marja Poldvere is also an experienced litigator active in employment law disputes.
Practice head(s):
Marko Pilv
Other key lawyers:
Pirkka-Marja Põldvere
Key clients
Eippa WS Operations OÜ
Hitachi Energy Estonia AS
Linford Transport OÜ
Ragnar Põldma
Work highlights
- Acting for Hitachi Energy Estonia in drafting different employment-related contracts and corporate documents.
- Advising Linford Transport in two disputes with former employees with regards to allegedly caused damages.
- Advising Eippa WS Operations on day-to-day employment law questions.
NJORD Law Firm
The NJORD Law Firm group acts for clients operating across a range of sectors, including IT, transport and logistics. Katrin Sarap leads the team and stands out for her employment litigation expertise. Triinu Hiob is another standout team member and is particularly strong in arbitration, both in Estonia and internationally.
Practice head(s):
Katrin Sarap
Other key lawyers:
Triinu Hiob
Testimonials
‘Triinu Hiob has been our employment law lawyer for many years already and for a good reason. She is easily reachable and approachable. She is an expert in the field and can solve a case quickly verbally on the phone. She follows up with a written explanation, confirmation, or necessary contract amendments from her side.’
‘Triinu Hiob knows our business and our contracts and advises on revision. In a dispute, she doesn’t just rely on our policies and our case description but links it to the relevant law. She researches previous disputes in disputes and outcomes and also does research on a dispute committee to see their general standings on topics and be more prepared for any questions and counter arguments. Our company has trust in her always delivering with quality.’
Key clients
Plus500EE AS and Plus500 Ltd
Harju Elekter AS
VALDEK AS
AQ Lasertool OÜ
Inchcape Motors Estonia OÜ
Viking Line Eesti OÜ
Coolbet (VG Estonia OÜ)
Estonian Business School
GoWorkaBit Estonia OÜ
Work highlights
- Advised Inchcape Motors Estonia on a labour dispute where the client had terminated the employment contract due to loss of trust and breach of the contract.
- Advised Plus500 on obtaining a market maker investment firm license from the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority.
- Advised Viking Line Eesti on various questions related to termination of employment contracts as well as hiring minors.