“A company’s growth isn’t measured only in revenue or number of assignments – the growth story of its people and workplace culture matters just as much. The best results come when you dare to trust and commit to your people from the very start. At Fenno, people who started out as students have grown into top experts, and some have even become partners or our CEO. When you make room for fresh, open-minded perspectives, you avoid blindly repeating old patterns.”

“No one has the time to manage or know everything. Complex expert work requires the backing of a diverse group of people capable of viewing matters from various perspectives. Team support alleviates the workload, as one can always seek advice, share challenges, and solve problems together. At Fenno, success is a collaborative effort in which everyone plays a vital role; that is why the entire team deserves recognition. When even difficult tasks are handled together—systematically and meticulously—the result is always a more satisfied client and a more motivated team.”

“You can fully commit to demanding expert work without making everyday life overly serious. With a flat organizational structure, the threshold for asking questions or striking up a conversation is low—whether you’re talking to a junior lawyer or a partner. This relaxed, approachable atmosphere also makes it easier to build professional trust; the team sits down to talk about things other than work, and new colleagues are immediately welcomed into the lunch group. In an open and flexible work community, you can truly be yourself.”

“People often assume that a lawyer is called in only when a dispute has already arisen, a divorce is underway, or a loved one has passed away. In reality, things are easiest for those who consult a lawyer while life is going well. An enduring power of attorney, a will, or a prenuptial agreement are not grim documents; rather, they are a way to keep the reins in your own hands. When complex matters—such as the distribution of an inheritance or the transfer of assets—are planned and handled carefully and in good time, future pitfalls and unnecessary disputes can be avoided.”

“Contracts establish the framework for operations and define the rights and obligations of the parties involved. In the real world, however, a purely mechanical interpretation of contractual clauses rarely resolves a difficult situation or leads to the best possible outcome. Stubbornly fixating on the fine print and insisting on being “right” as a matter of principle can sometimes prove costly for the business. This is particularly true in the construction industry and in contracting. For instance, if a contract is terminated solely on legal grounds, the result can be halted work, delays, and significant financial losses. The smartest solutions emerge when potential problems are anticipated and the consequences of various actions are considered in consultation with an expert while the project is still underway.”

“Serving on a board of directors entails more than just a prestigious title or a front-row seat to the company’s daily operations; it involves personal liability. A board member can face liability for damages due to mere negligence or passivity, and certain serious, intentional omissions can even lead to criminal liability. Ignorance or turning a blind eye does not absolve one of responsibility, as the Limited Liability Companies Act obliges board members to inform themselves. It is advisable to thoroughly understand the background of matters before signing off on them and to react promptly to any issues identified. If a decision is reached that one considers erroneous, it is good practice to have one’s dissenting view recorded in the minutes; this is the only way to demonstrate later how one acted in the situation. However, one need not possess all the expertise personally; seeking expert assistance in advance during challenging situations is a prudent risk management measure.”

“In quite a few housing companies, operations continue year after year based on rules written decades ago. As long as daily life runs smoothly and the atmosphere remains harmonious, these old practices suffice.

Problems arise when there is a turnover of shareholders or a major renovation is required. Verbal agreements are forgotten, and ambiguous articles of association become a burden for the board. Lacking a solid foundation to rely on, the board begins to postpone decisions.

Updating the articles of association to reflect current standards is a simple way to ensure smooth decision-making and prevent disagreements among shareholders.”