From generalist to energy and infrastructure specialist at Roschier
A strong drive for continuous growth, a passion for collaboration, and a commitment to purpose can shape a meaningful legal career – especially in fast-moving sectors like energy and infrastructure.
Currently a Senior Associate at Roschier in Stockholm, Emelie Zellmer assists clients in navigating complex M&A transactions within these dynamic industries. “I gain energy from meeting new people and constantly challenging myself to grow,” she says.
These traits are reflected throughout her professional journey, especially in her specialization within the energy and infrastructure sector.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit
Emelie joined Roschier and the M&A team in 2012, right after law school, beginning a successful 12-year (and counting) career at the firm. “When I started at Roschier, we were around 60 lawyers in the Stockholm office. Since then, we have grown in number and market share. The entrepreneurial spirit has always been present, encouraging each of us to contribute to the journey.” The firm’s dynamic atmosphere, coupled with her passion for development and employee involvement, has kept Emelie engaged and committed to the firm for over a decade.
“Being able to combine my interest in the energy market with the intersection of law and politics, whilst contributing to a better future, makes me want to go to work every morning and do my best for our clients.”
Throughout her career at Roschier, Emelie has been involved in several high-stakes transactions, including PayPal’s acquisition of iZettle. “We were engaged by PayPal just a few weeks before iZettle’s planned IPO. With a very tight timeline to negotiate and complete the deal, our team got together with PayPal’s team at Roschier’s office in Stockholm. We worked day and night for nearly two weeks, collaborating to get to the finish line. It was an intense but rewarding experience. Signing the transaction after weeks of non-stop work was a huge achievement for the entire team, the firm and the client.”
The people and culture of Roschier
While Emelie thrives on the fast-paced nature of her work, she acknowledges that her role comes with its share of challenges. Delivering top-tier service under tight deadlines can be demanding, but she sees this as an essential part of the job. “Of course, there are tough projects to crack and demanding timelines to meet. But that’s part of being a consultant. What helps is the very supportive culture at Roschier, where we work together as a team and there is always a helping hand.”
“We collaborate across offices and expertise to provide the best solutions for our clients. There’s a real sense of camaraderie here,” she says, appreciating the firm’s openness to new ideas and innovation. This environment allows her to contribute meaningfully while being a vital component of the firm’s growth.
“Do what you find interesting and never forget to have fun. If you find purpose in what you do, you will excel at your job, no matter what it is.”
In addition to her work at Roschier, Emelie had the opportunity to gain in-house experience through a secondment with a client. “It was a great experience that, early on in my career, gave me insights into how to deliver business-minded advice useful to the organization. However, I did miss the consultancy role and steep learning curve that only a law firm can offer,” she says.
As Emelie looks to the future, she continues to develop her expertise in projects related to the green energy transition. “I work with a lot of projects involving clean energy and the energy transition. Being able to combine my interest in the energy market with the intersection of law and politics, whilst contributing to a better future, makes me want to go to work every morning and do my best for our clients. Understanding the complexities of the energy system, the regulatory landscape, and the technological advancements will be crucial to helping our clients navigate the challenges they face,” she says. “By keeping myself at the forefront of market developments, I can continue enhancing Roschier’s capabilities in this industry.”
Reflecting on her career, Emelie’s advice to her younger self is straightforward. “Do what you find interesting and never forget to have fun. If you find purpose in what you do, you will excel at your job, no matter what it is.”