Greetings from Alumni: Tiina Rico, Mandatum — Meet the Paralegal

In this Greetings from Alumni interview, we catch up with Tiina Rico, Senior Paralegal at Mandatum, who used to work as an assistant in Hannes Snellman’s M&A Team.

Hi Tiina, how are you? How has autumn 2025 been for you?

I am doing very well, thank you! Autumn has flown by — I feel like summer was just here, and now the holiday season is just around the corner! Work has been full of interesting projects, and I have kept busy with my own and kids’ hobbies outside of work, too.

You currently work as a paralegal at Mandatum. How does your current work differ from your work as a legal assistant at Hannes Snellman?

The biggest difference is the level of independence I have now compared to my previous role as a legal assistant. As a senior paralegal, I manage my own areas of responsibility and expertise quite autonomously. I still work closely with and support a team of great lawyers and other professionals, much like I did at Hannes, but the in-house environment is quite different from a law firm setting. Here, my focus is more on business support and compliance, compared to serving multiple external clients like it was in a law firm.

What skills or experiences from your time at Hannes Snellman have proven most valuable in your current role?

The mindset of consistently delivering high-quality work and staying dedicated has been invaluable. Working in a fast-paced environment taught me flexibility, while attention to detail and responsiveness remain key strengths in my current role. I also gained a solid foundation of subject knowledge at Hannes Snellman, and the Hannes Academy was an excellent learning platform.

What is your favourite memory from your time at Hannes Snellman?

There are so many great memories! While the work was serious, we definitely had fun, too. It might sound like a cliché, but the best part was the amazing colleagues I had the privilege to work with. My last afterwork on the rooftop terrace is definitely something to remember!

Hannes Snellman is cooperating with Päätös, a podcast focused on decision-making. Inspired by the podcast, we would like to conclude this interview by asking you about decision-making — what would you say is the most significant decision you have made when it comes to your professional life?

I have often gone with the flow when it comes to my career, but one significant decision was pursuing a master’s degree after a decade of working in a law firm. It was an excellent choice that broadened my perspective, gave new ideas, and ultimately opened doors to new career opportunities—bringing me to a role I really enjoy today!