The Junior Trainee programme at Kalliolaw provided Elina Jylhä with a comprehensive and in-depth look into the practical side of a legal career. Over the course of approximately one year, her academic knowledge was transformed into real-world skills, all within a supportive professional community that fostered learning and growth.

“The traineeship was an extremely educational and rewarding experience that gave me a concrete and deeper understanding of a lawyer’s day-to-day work,” Elina explains. The workplace environment played a key role in making her experience enjoyable: “The atmosphere was fun and encouraging, and time flew by both while working and spending time with colleagues.”

One of the most valuable lessons Elina took with her was the importance of clear and professional communication. “I learned that precision in communication is not just a formality but essential for clarity and reliability in legal matters—both internally within the team and externally with clients and authorities,” she says. The traineeship also sharpened her ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Theory and practice came together naturally during the traineeship: “I had the opportunity to apply the foundational knowledge I gained during my studies and deepen it through practical work.” In addition to legal research and translation tasks across various fields of law, Elina also appreciated the variety offered by attending court proceedings and visiting public authorities.

The experience helped clarify her professional interests. “I realized that certain fields I found interesting during my studies, like labor law, didn’t spark the same enthusiasm in practice,” Elina reflects. At the same time, it reinforced her existing interests and career direction.

The firm’s work culture also left a lasting impression. “The hierarchy is low, and daily interaction with even the most experienced lawyers is natural. It’s easy to approach anyone with questions or just for a chat.” Shared lunches and coffee breaks created space for valuable conversations—about work and beyond—and helped foster genuine connections with colleagues.

Elina’s key takeaway was that being proactive is important, but so is asking questions: “Being independent is valuable, but it’s always better to ask if something is unclear. It’s better to check than to make mistakes. Asking questions is part of learning and growing.”

Her advice to future trainees is clear: “I encourage new trainees to jump in fearlessly and be proactive. Taking initiative and having the desire to improve make the traineeship much more rewarding.”

Elina’s year as a Junior Trainee was not only a year of learning but also a significant step toward becoming a legal professional—through hands-on experience, meaningful interactions, and personal insights.