Sonja Heiskala

Senior Associate

Sonja advises clients in both commercial and contentious intellectual property and technology matters, such as licensing of software and other IP, technology transactions, and disputes, including employee invention matters. She also specializes in data protection, cybersecurity, and other regulatory matters, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), EU data regulation, and protection of privacy in the employment and healthcare contexts, with experience on related internal investigations and authority proceedings. Sonja regularly lectures and writes on intellectual property and data protection topics. In addition to her Finnish law degree, Sonja has an LL.M. degree from Stanford Law School.

Avance Attorneys Ltd, Senior Associate 2020–

Roschier, Attorneys Ltd., Associate, IP & Technology (2017–2020)

LL.M., Stanford Law School, 2022 (Fulbright Scholar)

Master of Laws, University of Helsinki, 2017

“100 kysymystä sairauspoissaolojen juridiikasta” (“100 questions regarding the legal aspects of medical leave”), with A. Saari and M. Mohsen

Alma Talent, 2021

“EU:n tietosuoja-asetuksen mukaisen vastuun jakautuminen EU:n ulkorajat ylittävässä henkilötietojen käsittelysuhteessa” (“Distribution of liability under the EU GDPR in data processing relations crossing the EU borders”), with J. Vinnari

Liikejuridiikka, 1/2018

Member of the Finnish Bar Association

Member of the Technology, Communication and Data Protection expert group of the Finnish Bar Association

Member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)

Member of the Finnish Association for Industrial Property Rights (STY)

Member of the Finnish IT Law Association

Sonja Heiskala is recognised as a “Recommended” lawyer in the Transactions category (Finland).

"Sonja Heiskala brings a wealth of knowledge on patent and trade secrets law in both the Finnish and US markets."

IAM Patent 1000 2025

Sonja Heiskala is recognised as a “Leading associate” in TMT.

“High availability and swift reply and actions in ongoing matters, Sonja Heiskala in particular.”

The Legal 500 2025

Sonja Heiskala is recognised as a “Recommended” lawyer in the Transactions category (Finland).

IAM Patent 1000 2024

Sonja Heiskala is recognised as a “Rising star” in TMT.

“Sonja Heiskala is standout attorney. She is always available to discuss, work when necessary, and the work product is flawless.”

The Legal 500 2024

Sonja Heiskala is recognised as a “Recommended” lawyer in the Transactions category (Finland).

IAM Patent 1000 2023

Practices

Industries

Black text 'Avance' centered on a light gray background.