Vilma Makkonen

This is how I became a member of #avanceteam

In 2018, someone close to me gave me a tip about a relatively new and rapidly growing law firm that had made a strong impression on them and was creating buzz in the market. Given that this recommendation came from a completely neutral and unbiased source, it was impossible to resist submitting a trainee application to Avance, and I was lucky enough to be offered a traineeship. That journey continues to this day.‍

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Memorable moments during my career at Avance

One of the most memorable moments is definitely my very first weekly office meeting. I can still vividly remember the incredibly warm welcome I received – it set the tone for everything that followed. Beyond the daily work, the firm's social events create lasting memories that bring us all closer together as a team.‍

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I enjoy my time at Avance because

I get to work alongside exceptionally smart and creative professionals who manage to transform everyday work into something genuinely fun and who have become true friends along the way.

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I want to work with dispute resolution matters at Avance because

Every dispute is different. While the procedural framework may follow familiar patterns, the topics and substance of each case are always distinct. This diversity keeps the work engaging and creates endless learning opportunities. Moreover, for a dispute lawyer, oral hearings are the essence of our craft. Those courtroom moments make you feel truly alive and engaged in the practice of law.

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My typical day at work

Given the vast spectrum of disputes and their potential multi-year lifecycles with various phases, twists and turns, combined with dispute lawyers serving as versatile generalists, describing a "typical" day is nearly impossible. The content varies significantly – even within a single day, I might shift from drafting a stern demand letter to facilitating settlement negotiations and preparing settlement agreements. Most days involve a blend of legal writing, client and internal consultations, project coordination and contributing to the firm's development, including mentoring junior colleagues and participating in recruitment processes.

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Some of my unusual days at work

Ironically, for a dispute lawyer, a peaceful, predictable day would actually be quite unusual.

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Tips & tricks: how to succeed as a lawyer at Avance

Stay curious and maintain the willingness to learn. A resilient, can-do attitude will take you far in tackling new challenges. Embrace collaboration – the best solutions often emerge from teamwork and diverse perspectives. Develop a keen eye for detail, as precision and thoroughness are non-negotiable in legal practice.

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One word to describe Avance would be

Dynamic.