Career stories (2025) – Associate Trainee

Who are you and where do you study?

I'm Joona, and I work as an Associate Trainee at Krogerus. I'm in the final stages of my law studies at the University of Helsinki, with my thesis starting this fall. Throughout my studies, I have focused on business law, and my thesis will address topics related to property and finance law.

What has been the best part about being a trainee at Krogerus?

Altogether, I have spent about a year and a half as a trainee at Krogerus. First, I worked as an Office Support Trainee, and now I’m completing my Associate Trainee period in the Mergers & Acquisitions practice group. The best part of being a trainee at Krogerus has definitely been the people. Our trainee group has been amazing, and I’ve made great friends during this time. It has also been easy to integrate into the M&A team since everyone has been so welcoming. On top of that, I have had the chance to work on interesting projects and learn a lot from them. I also appreciate that experienced lawyers are always willing to guide and provide advice on different tasks, which makes learning both effective and enjoyable.

What was the recruitment process like and how did it feel?

During the application process, you choose one or two practice groups that interest you the most. It's worth taking the time to get to know the different practice groups before applying. Before the interview, there was a short assignment, and the interview itself was held by two lawyers from the practice group that I applied to.

What does your typical workday consist of?

Workdays in the M&A team differ a lot, as the assignments of an Associate Trainee depend on the nature of the projects you are working with. For example, the tasks vary depending on whether Krogerus is advising the buyer or the seller in a given project. In general, my workdays consist of drafting corporate documents, managing virtual data rooms, and conducting due diligence.

Which colleagues have you been regularly working with during your trainee period?

As an Associate Trainee in the M&A team, you get to work with a wide range of colleagues. Our team is large, which I consider beneficial since it allows you to learn from many lawyers and gain different perspectives. Most assignments come from Associates or Senior Associates, but due to the nature of M&A projects, trainees also get to work with lawyers from other practice groups. The M&A trainees work closely together as well, so peer support is always available.

What do you especially appreciate about Krogerus' culture and atmosphere?

What I especially appreciate about Krogerus’ culture is its relaxed atmosphere. The work is carried out with a high level of professionalism, but there is no strict hierarchy, which makes it easy to approach everyone regardless of their position. In addition, Krogerus organises activities outside office hours, which I have really enjoyed, as they provide a great way to get to know colleagues in a more informal setting.

How have you been supported as a young professional at Krogerus?

Joining the team as a trainee has been easy, as everyone has been very welcoming. When lawyers assign tasks, they give clear instructions and make sure I understand the purpose of the assignment. The atmosphere also encourages asking questions, so it always feels natural to reach out for help. Krogerus organises various trainings for trainees, and I have also had tutors with whom I’ve been able to discuss openly in a relaxed setting.

What are you planning to do after the traineeship?

After this trainee period I will start another trainee period before focusing on completing my thesis. Once I graduate, I will return to the M&A team as an Associate.