First Weeks at Kalliolaw – Meet Our New Junior Trainee

Starting at a new job has many facets: new places, new software and, above all, new faces. We talked to junior trainee Riku-Matti Peltomaa and asked him about his first weeks.

How have your first weeks been?

First class. I’d say I have genuinely enjoyed them, though occasionally I’ve been puzzled by all manner of e-mail lists and MS Word -formatting. I suppose that sort of thing develops my information searching skills, though.

What has surprised you most?

Many of my tasks here are essentially the same as the problems I face in uni, e.g. searching for the perfect source, so I would say the biggest surprise is that I get to be paid for this, when I do it for free for my courses.

What have you enjoyed the most so far?

I would be lying if I said anything except the office summer trip, but a strong contender would be diving into any of the interesting subjects we handle alone in my own office. Such an experience is rather rare, what with the few essays and scarce seminars included in our law school curriculum and, of course, my living in a single-room apartment.

What has been the biggest learning experience during these first weeks?

A quick call or an e-mail really is nothing to stress about if something is unclear at all. I’d say I have, even at this stage, developed a keen sense for what I am able to handle on my own and what requires a bit of consultation from someone else.

What are you looking forward to next?

In the short-term probably being fully on board with everything that happens in our office, since the assignments we handle are so interesting. In the long term? Maybe summer.

Coffee, tea, or energy drinks?

The coffee machine here is just phenomenal. Beats any old Helsinki café by a mile.

And finally — three words to describe your first weeks at Kalliolaw?

Hmm… how about ‘time flies when-you’re-having-fun’?

We’re delighted to have Riku-Matti join our team and are looking forward to supporting him on this exciting journey, getting to know his strengths, and seeing him grow and thrive in his new role.