Castrén & Snellman strengthens expertise in environmental law and infrastructure projects – Heidi Malmberg appointed as Partner

‘Castrén & Snellman’s Environment, Infrastructure & Natural Resources service has a long track record of groundbreaking work in supporting change in the environmental and energy sectors. We have worked on solar and wind projects for as long as they have existed in Finland, and we have solid legal expertise in green transition matters. Heidi’s experience in questions related to natural resources, permitting, and environmental aspects of projects is particularly valuable to our clients now that environmental and climate matters are one of the key drivers not only for our clients’ business but also for wider societal change,’ says Sakari Lukinmaa, Managing Partner at Castrén & Snellman.

Internationally recognised attorney with a focus on environmental law and natural resources

Heidi Malmberg has over 20 years of experience in environmental and energy law. She is also internationally recognised: Who’s Who Legal and IFLR1000 have ranked her among Finland’s leading legal experts several times. Heidi advises clients on significant domestic and international infrastructure projects, industrial development projects, mergers and acquisitions and permitting and environmental liability matters.

Heidi is particularly familiar with permitting procedures for renewable energy and industry projects, and she has a particular interest in the mining and natural resources business. In recent years, she has worked on various permitting procedures related to natural resources and the energy transition as well as numerous mergers and acquisitions.

‘The energy transition brings about extensive changes, and companies are faced with the unknown. Tackling global challenges such as climate change calls for unprecedented solutions from the environmental and energy sectors,’ says Miika Pinomaa, head of Castrén & Snellman’s Energy service. ‘Heidi’s broad experience and her ability to anticipate and resolve our clients’ issues in a business-oriented way makes her an excellent strategic partner for our clients.’

Environmental aspects carry increasing weight for businesses

Sustainability has developed into a polestar that steers corporate decision-making and shapes society. The on-going energy transition guides Europe towards an emissions-free era.

‘Electrification is advancing in strides, thanks to the energy transition. In addition to reducing emissions and combatting climate change, corporate agendas and sustainability goals now include sourcing responsibly produced raw materials, implementing circular economy and stopping the loss of biodiversity. These are all connected to the clean energy transition,’ describes Heidi.

Heidi keeps a keen eye on the environmental legislative work carried out in Finland, Brussels and the USA. The significance of environmental law has increased and environmental and energy law are increasingly interconnected with all areas of business law.

‘Environmental aspects are an integral part of transactions and corporate agreements, and their importance will only increase in the coming years as the energy transition advances. Castrén & Snellman’s team of environmental lawyers has a wide range of experience that also includes industrial plant and infrastructure projects all the way from site selection to permitting procedures and project agreements. Thanks to our firm’s comprehensive full-service offering, we are in an excellent position to serve our clients throughout the lifecycle of their projects in the changing world. It is my privilege to continue this work as a partner,’ says Heidi.

Heidi Malmberg joined Castrén & Snellman in 2005. She graduated from the University of Turku in 2002 with a Master of Laws degree. Heidi also has a LL.M. degree from the Duke University School of Law, and she is one of only a handful of Finnish lawyers admitted to practice law in the state of New York.

We wish to extend our warmest congratulations to Heidi!