PwC’s legal services diversify their expertise even further

PwC Finland’s legal services were strengthened in January 2020 by the addition of two experienced lawyers who will support our clients in areas such as technology law, data protection and labour law.

Andrei Donoghue has joined PwC’s Helsinki office to develop and manage our IP & Technology legal services. Andrei has extensive experience from areas such as technology law and intellectual property rights, as well as legal questions related to data protection and cybersecurity. Before joining PwC, Andrei worked at HPP Attorneys Ltd. Prior to that, he worked for many years as an inhouse counsel, including as Assistant General Counsel at Microsoft Corporation responsible for legal support to the corporation’s global supply chain and manufacturing operations. In addition to Microsoft, Andrei has held several senior positions in Nokia Corporation’s legal department.

Anne Hirsiniemi, who works at PwC’s Oulu office, specialises in labour law, data protection and occupational safety. Anne has over a decade of experience in labour law consultancy. Due to her previous employment history, she also has special expertise in the construction industry. Anne’s previous employers include the Confederation of Finnish Construction Industries RT, Fondia Oyj and Hannes Snellman Attorneys Ltd.

Andrei is excited about the opportunity to work on challenging tasks in an outstanding work community.

“Our clients are going through what, in many ways, is a period of transformation in their business and I am motivated and excited by the opportunity to join other PwC professionals in helping them overcome the challenges they face. I’m also fascinated by technology and the opportunities it affords, as well as understanding the associated threats,” says Andrei.

Businesses are currently focusing their attention on greater digitalisation and automation. Issues such as artificial intelligence and robotics provide entirely new problem-solving possibilities. They are also raising new questions.

“Securing data and systems is becoming even more critical as many basic business functions digitise, so it’s obvious that these issues too are inseparably linked to data protection. Businesses are increasingly aware of this development, which is being monitored by authorities in an entirely new way,” Andrei remarks.

For Anne, the highlight of her job involves working with clients. Her expert colleagues, who inspire her every day, are of the same opinion.

“A particularly topical aspect of my job lies in the interpretations and application of the new Working Hours Act that just came into effect. Also, in terms of data protection, it will be interesting to see what kinds of sanctions evolve in Finland, based on the EU General Data Protection Regulation,” Anne says.

“It’s great to have experienced experts like Andrei and Anne as part of our team. Andrei’s special expertise in technology law, intellectual property rights, and data protection will enable us to serve our clients even better, including in demanding contract projects and digital change projects, while Anne’s diverse expertise in labour law will allow us to assist our clients more broadly with labour law and occupational safety issues,” comments Elina Kumpulainen, of PwC’s Legal Services Leader.