DLA Piper appoints new head of employment in Finland

DLA Piper has appointed Riikka Autio as a partner and Head of Employment based in Helsinki, Finland, effective 17 February 2020. Riikka worked at DLA Piper from 2016 to 2018, when she then joined VR Group as an employment lawyer.

Riikka and her team advise on all aspects of employment law including transactional matters and employment disputes. Riikka advises private and public sector employers, among others, on collective bargaining agreements, development of legislation, director agreements, co-operational proceedings and international assignments. She will work closely with the firm’s Corporate team in connection with M&A and restructuring transactions. Riikka also advises clients on compliance programmes and incentive schemes.

Per Benonisen, DLA Piper’s Head of Employment in the Nordics, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Riikka back to the firm and continue working with her. She is an excellent lawyer and I have no doubt that she will make a significant contribution to the firm and our Employment group in the Nordics and internationally.”

Matti Ylä-Mononen, DLA Piper's Country Managing Partner in Finland, said: "We are very happy to have Riikka back on board. She is a highly experienced and diligent lawyer who knows the firm and our clients well and is committed to the delivery of outstanding client service. I am confident that under her leadership our employment team will go from strength to strength.”

Riikka Autio added: "I am very pleased to return to DLA Piper to lead the employment team in Helsinki and to work with terrific clients and colleagues. The Employment team has done a great job and I look forward to building on the success to ensure we continue to provide high quality services and strengthen our position in the market.”