Maiju Airisniemi on keeping oneself open to new opportunities
“I like to be open to new experiences – this is something that my mom instilled in me and has grown as I saw the opportunities that the world has to offer. I don’t know what will come next, but I’m confident everything will work out.”
This positive mindset defines Maiju Airisniemi, a Helsinki-based Associate working with Roschier’s Corporate Advisory, Public M&A, and Equity Capital Markets practices. She is also unique in that she woke up one day and decided to apply to law school.
Staying open minded
“The idea of practicing law never crossed my mind in high school. My previous studies in the business field involved a mandatory business law course. I did well, so I took some voluntary courses on law. The idea kept growing until one morning, I decided to become a lawyer.”
With no friends or family in the legal profession, she entered law school without expectations. “I remember sitting alone on the first day among 150 fellow students with no idea what to expect. I had to be open minded because I had no expectations.”
While law school provided the qualification, Maiju has learned that practical knowledge extends beyond textbooks.
“People can guide you in different ways, but it’s up to you to make the right decisions, to keep educating yourself, and stay interested.”
“You don’t always know if certain information will be relevant to a case. Inspiration can be sought from a previous case, a discussion with colleagues, or a news article – we must follow what is going on in the world because it also affects what we do. Keep your ears and eyes open because you never know where helpful information will appear.”
Sense of community
During Maiju’s studies, she undertook various internships, including one at Roschier. “When I came as a trainee, I quickly realized that corporate and securities law was exactly what I wanted to do. And then, upon graduation three years ago, they hired me.”
She recalls her first day as an employee at Roschier with a laugh. “It was also the first time everybody was allowed back at the office after the pandemic. However, I didn’t know that. All the team were present, and they were like, ‘How have you been?’ It was a joyful atmosphere. I was thinking, ‘Didn’t you just see each other last week?’”
“When you show that you are ready to take on more responsibility, you will definitely get it. People trust what you are doing and what you are saying, which has helped me become a better lawyer.”
Today that community spirit persists, supporting professional development. “When you show that you are ready to take on more responsibility, you will definitely get it. People trust what you are doing and what you are saying, which has helped me become a better lawyer.”
Finding the balance
Maiju’s development has been supported by team members, mentors like Antti, and other senior associates. However, she recognizes her crucial role in her progress. “People can guide you in different ways, but it’s up to you to make the right decisions, to keep educating yourself, and stay interested.”
She also emphasizes the importance of staying grounded when working on significant cases. “I am still friends with the group formed for law students at the beginning of our studies. I message and see them often. We all work in different fields, so it’s nice to hear about experiences that are different from my own.”
This sense of connection and balance translates into her professional life. “When I wake up to go to work, I feel positive and enjoy my job. I’ve seen some development in what I do and feel that it is taking me somewhere meaningful. I’m in the right profession right now.”