Roschier’s dispute resolution practice is noted for its international arbitration and commercial litigation focus. The team is sought after by a diverse roster of premier clients, including blue-chip companies, investor consortiums, and nuclear companies. The team, which is led by Aapo Saarikivi, has particular aptitude in disputes in the projects, energy, and telecoms sectors across the Nordic jurisdictions. Laila Sivonen focuses on disputes for energy and IT businesses, with additional experience assisting with corporate compliance and investigations. Paula Airas was promoted to partner in June 2025 and is an expert in contentious corporate mandates, including white collar crime.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The team is reliable, pragmatic, and very client-oriented. You can always trust that they deliver high-quality advice quickly and efficiently. Their approach is straightforward and focused on finding practical solutions that always serve the client's best interest. The practice and firm in general stand out for their modern mindset and investment in their people and professionalism through continuous training, internal seminars, and the use of AI tools that support their lawyers in staying sharp and up to date. From a client's perspective, collaboration across practice areas is also smooth. Compared with other firms, this team combines strong technical skills with commercial understanding. They are easy to work with and always look for ways to make things better for us as the client.
- The individuals I work with combine strong expertise with genuine empathy. There is a real sense of care in how they approach both the client and the matter — they listen, understand the context, and make you feel fully supported throughout the process. Laila Sivonen stands out not only for the qualities mentioned above but also for her quick, sharp, and clear strategic thinking and an ability to always "stay one step ahead". Paula Airas stands out for her ability to explain complex issues in a simple and structured way, making even the more legally advanced topics easy to grasp and act upon. In summary, what sets them apart is the combination of skill, humanity, and precision. They deliver excellent work efficiently, but always with empathy and genuine attention to the client’s needs.
- ‘Roschier's dispute resolution practice has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to combine speed with quality in managing complex litigation. The team stands out for its high capacity and excellent legal acumen. Potential clients will value their pragmatic, solution-oriented approach.’
- ‘We would like to mention Paula Airas specifically; she combines strong legal insight with a collaborative and open style that makes her a genuine pleasure to work with. Compared to competitors, her ability to communicate clearly, anticipate our needs, and remain fully engaged throughout each matter is distinctive.’
- ‘The Roschier team was my best experience with a law firm that takes the time to truly understand the unique aspects of a case. Extremely detail-oriented. In fact, their notes were probably better than mine! Top-notch company!’
- ‘Aapo Saarikivi and his team were very personable and professional. They were 100% focused on resolving my case. From an international customer point of view, they were better equipped to help me than attorneys who work in my country and my native language.’
- ‘It is always a pleasure to work with Laila Sivonen. She is very available for ad-hoc needs, knowledgeable in her profession, and I truly appreciate her business-oriented and "to-the-point" approach. She is able to simplify the next steps in complex matters.’
- ‘Laila Sivonen stands out for her incomparable intellect, strategic insights, determination to always find a way out of a difficult legal situation, and grit.’
- ‘Aapo Saarikivi is "one to watch" and is fast becoming a notable name in the Helsinki market. He is versatile, light-footed and attentive.’
- ‘Laila Sivonen is a standout advisor—sharp, calm, and highly reliable. She brings clarity to complex matters and always delivers practical, well-reasoned advice. Her responsiveness and steady presence make her a trusted partner, especially in high-stakes situations.’
Key clients
- Microsoft
- Nokia
- Stora Enso
- Fortum
- Fennovoima
- Teollisuuden Voima
- Bain Capital-led investor consortium Ahlstrom Holding 3
- R-Investicija
- Promeco S.p.A.
- Mobidiag Oy
- Yukos Capital
Work highlights
Representing Fennovoima in multiple high-value ICC arbitrations seated in Switzerland and Sweden against Rosatom entities arising from the terminated EPC contract for the Hanhikivi-1 nuclear power plant.
Advised the consortium behind the public tender offer and squeeze-out of Ahlstrom-Munksjö, including precedent-setting valuation disputes now before the Finnish Supreme Court.
Represented Fortum in ICC arbitration against Vestas over wind turbine deliveries to Russia, arising from disrupted cooperation following the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Aapo Saarikivi
Other key lawyers
Laila Sivonen; Paula Airas