We are thrilled about the appointment of Eeva-Lotta Kivelä as our newest partner, as of 1 January 2025.
Eeva-Lotta is a highly accomplished transaction lawyer with a proven track record in navigating complex transactions, both financial and corporate. Her expertise spans acquisition finance, leveraged finance, project finance, and regulatory laws in the energy and financial sectors, positioning her as a trusted advisor to clients in diverse and challenging landscapes. Additionally, her experience in corporate restructurings and M&A involving regulated entities – seamlessly integrating finance, contract, and corporate law – has delivered exceptional outcomes for our clients.
She brings into our partnership a unique combination of technical skill and industry insight, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sector, technology as well as financial services. This combination is best fit to serve clients in the process of transitioning towards cleaner and more sustainable economy. With extensive experience advising especially on the financing and regulatory aspects of energy and natural resources projects, she has been instrumental in numerous landmark energy transactions and renewables developments in Finland during recent years. Her work consistently reflects a commitment to sustainability and innovation, offering clients sophisticated solutions to their most pressing challenges.
We sat down with Eeva-Lotta to discuss her journey, her thoughts on the evolving legal landscape, and her focus on the green transition.
Q: What keeps you busy right now?
Right now, I’m focused on several exciting projects, including advising on a large-scale renewable energy development and helping some other clients navigate evolving regulations and making transactions in the financial sector. Additionally, I’m working closely with colleagues to develop innovative approaches to financing of new technologies connected to green transition, ensuring our clients remain at the forefront of sustainability efforts.
Q: You have substantial experience in various transactions and during recent years you have focused especially on endeavours related to the green transition. What drew you to this area, and why do you find it important?
I was drawn to projects related to green transition because it sits at the intersection of innovation, complexity and impact. The green transition is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and it’s incredibly rewarding to play a role in enabling sustainable development. Securing funding and executing these projects is complex but critical; it requires not only a deep understanding of the energy and industrial sector but also innovative approaches especially when financing new technologies. I have always been drawn to problem-solving, and the world of green transition offers an endless array of challenges to navigate.
The market is undergoing a significant shift, with businesses and investors under increasing pressure for unprecedented levels of investment and commitment to channel resources into new technologies and sustainable business models. Replacing fossil energy sources involves not just adopting new technologies, but overcoming entrenched infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and market inertia. It’s a challenge of extraordinary complexity – one that demands bold, innovative solutions as well as deep understanding of the intricate legal and financial frameworks underpinning these undertakings.
Navigating this landscape requires a collaborative approach that bridges technical expertise with strategic insight, ensuring that ambitious ideas can be translated into legally solid, actionable, impactful outcomes. This is the area where I have focused my practice: helping clients secure the necessary funding and execute transactions to drive meaningful progress in redefining energy system, circular economy and accelerating the path to sustainability. I find it incredibly rewarding to work on projects that address one of the most pressing global challenges while creating long-term value for our clients.
Q: How do you see the role of legal professionals evolving as the green transition accelerates?
Legal professionals are increasingly expected to act as enablers of sustainability while the world is turning more complex and increasingly regulated. Navigating transactions especially in sectors vital to society is no longer possible without deep understanding of the regulatory landscape. This requires seamless collaboration between sophisticated experts.
Beyond traditional roles, we are now part of shaping policies, ensuring compliance with environmental standards, and designing innovative mechanisms that can attract investments and financing to green initiatives. I would say that collaboration across disciplines, including deep business understanding, will be key as the green transition gathers pace.
Q: You have 3 minutes to convince a young law student to choose transactions and green transition before any other practice areas. Ready, steady, go!
This is easy. While green transition is not a practice area per se, it is where highly complex regulatory landscape, innovation and impact converge. This area lets you work on transformative projects, such as renewable energy developments and circular economy, that directly shape the future of our planet. You’ll be solving some of the most complex challenges in law, collaborating with top professionals, and driving meaningful change. Plus, it’s a dynamic and fast-evolving field, making it incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally. And transactions are fun.
Q: The best career advice you ever got and that you will pass on?
The best advice I received was probably to stay curious and always be willing to exit your comfort zone. The legal field is constantly evolving, and staying open to new ideas, technologies, ways of working and perspectives is essential in staying relevant.
I’d also pass on two extras: 1) build a network of like-minded professionals who share your passion for making a difference, and 2) don’t be afraid to take risks! Some, if not all, of the best opportunities come from making an effort and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Q: If law would not be available, what would be your plan B?
If I wasn’t a lawyer, I’d likely pursue a career in portfolio management. Alternatively, I could author science fiction.
