Castrén & Snellman’s lawyers Kiti Karvinen and Tuomas Lehtinen have been elected to the Delegation of the Association of Finnish Lawyers for the period 2015–2018. Senior Associate Kiti Karvinen was elected as a representative of the Nuoret Lakimiehet association of young lawyers, whereas Partner Tuomas Lehtinen was appointed as the representative of the Finnish Bar Association from his position as the deputy of Antti Sorjonen’s who is a member the board of the Association of Finnish Lawyers. In addition, Senior Associate Karen Zilliacus was elected to the Delegation as a deputy member.
2.12.2015
Kiti Karvinen and Tuomas Lehtinen Elected to the Delegation of the Association of Finnish Lawyers
Kiti Karvinen & Tuomas Lehtinen
The Association of Finnish Lawyers supervises the interests of and provides services for lawyers in all fields of law. It has over 16,000 members. The highest power of decision in the Association is held by the 44-member Delegation.
Latest references
LähiTapiola and OP Henkivakuutus – Successful representation of insurance companies in Supreme Administrative Court health data processing cases
We successfully represented insurance companies LähiTapiola and OP Henkivakuutus in two cases concerning an important point of principle: the right of insurance companies to process health data as part of the insurance application process. The Supreme Administrative Court handed down twin decisions ( one published as precedent ) addressing the matter in light of contrary DPA decisions. Under the Finnish Data Protection Act, insurance companies may, to simplify, process health data concerning “insured persons” (vakuutettu, försäkrad) to determine liability under the insurance. This rule constitutes an exception to Article 9 GDPR. At issue was whether the term “insured person” also covers people in the process of obtaining insurance coverage or only people who are already covered. In more practical terms: can an insurance company rely on the rule when considering whether/how to grant the insurance in the first place? The SAC answered in the affirmative and thus upheld the traditional industry approach over the DPA’s contrary view. The SAC noted that the Data Protection Act did not define the term “insured person” and thus looked at insurance legislation for guidance. As argued by the insurance companies, that legislation also uses the term in the context of describing the insured person’s pre-contractual informational obligations. Thus, and in view of the underlying purpose of the rule at issue, the SAC found that an “insured person” could be someone in the process of obtaining coverage, not just a person already covered. The outcome clarifies the scope of the local rule at the insurance application stage for the Finnish insurance industry.
Case published 22.1.2026
Taaleri – AI workshop
Castrén & Snellman organised a practical AI workshop for Taaleri’s lawyers, combining the basic principles of AI thinking with practical applications in a legal environment. The training utilised use cases that were designed in collaboration based on Taaleri’s own materials. Participants found the use cases particularly useful and noted that what they had learnt was readily applicable to their daily work. The training was delivered by Castrén & Snellman’s legal technology experts with a legal background, and participants praised their strong expertise in both legal technology and its application in a legal environment. ‘Our team gained valuable insights into leveraging AI, which will continue to support our organisation’s AI journey,’ says Irina Bergström, Development Manager at Taaleri.
Case published 19.1.2026
Puhdistamo – PK Consumer Health invests in Puhdistamo
We advised the shareholders in Puhdistamo – Real Foods Oy in the sale of all shares in Puhdistamo to PK Consumer Health. Puhdistamo is a leading Nordic wellbeing company, best known for its high-quality supplements, sports nutrition products and, functional beverages. Puhdistamo employs 120 employees in Finland and Sweden. PK Consumer Health is owned by Avista Healthcare Partners and Damier Group. The sellers will make a reinvestment into PK Consumer Health as part of the transaction. Completion is subject to customary closing conditions.
Case published 15.1.2026
Urban Partners – Financing of EUR 100 million construction project in Herttoniemi, Helsinki
We advised the real estate investor and developer Urban Partners in the financing of a EUR 100 million construction project in Helsinki, which combines build-to-rent housing and care homes within one scheme. A fund managed by Urban Partners (NSF V) purchased the plot of land in Herttoniemi, Helsinki and subsequently secured planning consent to deliver a hybrid living scheme. The modern complex will offer high-quality housing and care facilities for the elderly alongside rental accommodation. A total of 425 apartments and 108 care homes will be delivered across four buildings on the site. The project will be implemented in accordance with Urban Partners’ sustainability targets. All buildings will be constructed to energy class A, and the project will aim for the highest Platinum level of the international LEED environmental certification and will be implemented in accordance with the EU taxonomy criteria.
Case published 5.1.2026