Firm news | January 23, 2024

Kirsi Kosunen and Roschier: A four-decade milestone

January 2024 marks the 40th work anniversary of Senior Executive Legal Assistant, Kirsi ‘Kikka’ Kosunen, at Roschier. During her time at Roschier, she has witnessed the development of the assistant’s role and has seen the company, its ways of working and technology evolve to catch up with the demands of today’s world.

Kirsi Kosunen has been a trusted member of staff at Roschier for decades. We sat down for a chat with her to learn about her experiences and to gather advice for aspiring assistants.

How has your role changed over the past 40 years?

“On 9 January 1984, I began my journey with Roschier as a secretary. My position was secured after submitting an application and successfully completing two rounds of interviews. I felt enchanted stepping into this new world that was vastly different from my background.

In the early days, I handled various tasks such as document editing, copying and serving coffee to the guests. Today, the assistant’s role is very diverse, and it mostly revolves around supporting one’s closest colleague. I tend to say, ‘no two days are the same,’ as the assignments vary extensively. I also believe that assistants greatly benefit from Sherlock Holmes-like traits: after all, we do have quite sharpened senses and are always up for keeping track of microscopic details.”

What about Roschier; how has the law firm changed over time?

“Roschier’s landscape has certainly weathered more than a few changes. The core of our organization is, without a doubt, its people. When I first joined, we were a close-knit group of 20, but now we’ve developed into a community of around 500 fantastic team members. The change in work dynamics is evident as well, emphasizing a team-oriented approach that encourages collaboration. Technological advancements have played a crucial role in communications; what was once centered around phone calls and telex messages has evolved into the current era of emails, video conferencing and AI-powered tools.

In recent years, the firm has introduced an array of new elements that enhance the day-to-day lives of personnel in many ways, including diverse benefits, extensive training opportunities, vibrant celebrations, an in-house Communications & Branding team and a dedicated helpdesk. Even our physical work environment has transformed from the early days at Keskuskatu to a short-lived stay in Hakaniemi, culminating in our move to the current Kasarmikatu location in 2018.

All in all, it has been a genuine joy to witness and actively participate in Roschier’s growth over the past four decades.”

What has kept you at Roschier for all these years?

“It’s the people – I truly enjoy being surrounded by such wonderful colleagues! I also firmly believe that cultivating efficient teamwork contributes to a meaningful work environment. For instance, Jouni Salmi has been my assigned Partner for the past 10 years, and therefore I can assure you that mutual respect and trust go a long way.

Requests to relocate have come my way more times than once, particularly when a partner or associate has departed and invited me to join them. It’s a testament to doing things right – otherwise, I wouldn’t have received those invitations. But as you can tell, I haven’t ventured elsewhere!

Other aspects that make my tenure at Roschier so fulfilling include the clients, engaging work assignments as well as access to the latest equipment and technology. The connection between clients and work assignments is very intertwined, as the assistant’s role requires continuous learning from clients while advancing ongoing tasks. Regarding new equipment and technology, I must admit that at times, it feels like the entire workplace undergoes a transformation as the ways of operation evolve and methods progress. We navigate through a constantly changing environment.”

What advice do you have for aspiring assistants?

1.  Listen attentively and keep your senses alert. It’s important to note that the law firm landscape – and with it, the field of law – is a world of its own. Learning here happens gradually. Some things learned at school won’t necessarily apply here; instead, you’ll be learning about the famous overall picture.
2.  Don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s always good to be straightforward and seek assistance, no matter the situation. Experienced assistants will know what to do, ensuring that no one is left to figure things out on their own.
3.  Be active. As a newcomer, I encourage you to put yourself out there. Whether it’s in meetings, team events or training sessions, share your expertise!
4.  Cultivate humility. Greetings, goodwill and expressing gratitude go a long way, just as much as assisting clients and colleagues to the best of your ability. Remember that one is never quite done with learning in this field.
5.  Bring forth new ideas; they might upgrade current practices. However, it’s worth noting that out of ten new ideas, only one may be adopted into practice. Understand that adopting ideas might take time, and not all – even the greatest ones – work in practice.