News & Views

Get to Know Us | Elli-Noora Karttunen, Legal Assistant, Tax, Helsinki

15 September 2022

Elli-Noora works as a legal assistant in our Tax Team. She assists lawyers in matter-related work and different client-related processes and helps other legal assistants with administrative tasks, such as invoicing. Elli-Noora joined Hannes Snellman in November 2021, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a particular focus on law from Karelia University of Applied Sciences. As Elli-Noora has now worked with us for some time, we wanted to ask her a few questions.

You have been working at Hannes Snellman since November 2021. How has it been so far?

I have loved being here, and the experience has been educational. I started working at Hannes Snellman when the remote work recommendation was in force, which naturally brought its own challenges. I must admit that, at first, I was kind of nervous with all the new things, but the concern was definitely unnecessary. At Hannes Snellman, we have a great atmosphere where everyone is willing to help and support each other.

I must say that I have also loved our numerous events and get-togethers!

What is the best part of your job at Hannes Snellman?

Colleagues and versatile tasks. A special mention goes to our amazing Tax Team — it’s always a pleasure to come to the office! Our team’s weekly highlight is “verokahvit”, a coffee break during which we catch up and share all the new (or not so new) jokes. I dare say that our most discussed topic has been skiing, ha ha!

What is the most important thing you have learned while working in a law firm?

The most important thing I have learned is to perceive the big picture, but at the same time you must be able to pay attention to the smallest details. Never underrate the importance of attentiveness.

What kind of skills are important for a legal assistant?

Attentiveness, good organisational skills, and an ability to cope with a fast-paced working environment.

Establishing priorities is necessary to complete everything that needs to be done. Prioritisation is important because it allows you to focus your attention on tasks that are important and urgent, so that you can later handle lower priority tasks. In addition, the ability to communicate effectively with others is a core skill.

What would you say to business students considering a law firm as their future employer?

Working in a law firm allows for continual professional development and gives you a broad range of skills for working life. I think that it can also be an eye-opening experience because you are able to see life from a different point of view when working in the world of law.

If you like work that requires precision and you work well in a somewhat hectic environment, then a law firm is definitely worth a try.

One theme popping up in working life discussions is purpose at work. To conclude this interview, we would like to ask you what the things are that keep you going and motivated in your work — what is the purpose of your work?

Versatile tasks and challenges brought by the work motivate me. After nine months, I still learn something new every day, which motivates me the most.

 

FAVOURITE | Way of Commuting: Tram. Book: Where the Crawdads Sing. Lunch: Fresh salad or poke bowl. Podcast: I’m not a big fan of podcasts. Work Equipment: Extra monitor. Afternoon Routine: Gym. Mobile Application: Calendar or the weather app. Relaxation method: Sports. Work Outfit: Trousers and a blouse/blazer. Power Song: Imagine Dragons — Believer. Social Media Channel: Instagram. Drink: Water and Pepsi Max. Weekday: Saturday. Leisure Activity: Travelling.

Want to know more about working at Hannes Snellman? Please pay a visit to our Careers section.

 

 

 

 

More News