Expanding career opportunities in our Estonian office
Ellex in Estonia expands its partnership model and appoints three associate partners for the first time: Merlin Liis-Toomela, Rutt Värk, and Alla Kuznetsova.
The legal profession never stands still, and neither do we. Developments in the legal market, evolving client expectations, and a changing economic and social environment require law firms to adapt over time. At Ellex Estonian office, a new generation of talented lawyers is emerging – professionals we believe will write the next chapters of Estonia’s legal history. Over the past year, we have reviewed and updated both career model and the principles governing our partnership.
Our focus is now even more clearly on people – the experts who represent our greatest value. Our team consists of legal nerds who refuse to settle for mediocrity and for whom there is no such thing as an “ordinary case.” They speak directly, work efficiently, and keep their attention on what truly matters to the client.
According to Managing Partner Martin Mäesalu, leading a law firm also requires constant adaptation: “The environment in which we operate is changing rapidly. Legal services themselves are undergoing the most significant transformation in a generation. Our management approach and working methods must evolve in step with these changes. We are a passionate team united by deep commitment to our field – something we feel instinctively, even without saying it aloud. Yet, to preserve our DNA, we must articulate it, especially in times of change. Our goal is to remain, year after year, a professional home for Estonia’s best lawyers. Ellex is a community of legal enthusiasts. This cannot be just a slogan – it must be a high standard, supported at every stage of a career and, when necessary, by renewing the principles of partnership itself.”
To broaden opportunities, we have updated our partnership model. One of these changes is creating the associate partner position starting from the new year. We see this as the final step for those moving toward full partnership.
Merlin Liis-Toomela, newly appointed associate partner, commented: “I am deeply grateful for this trust. Ellex is Estonia is a leading law firm with a long history, which has successfully evolved over time and is now undergoing a natural generational shift in both management and partnership. Expanding the partnership model demonstrates readiness to look ahead and remain at the forefront in Estonian legal services market. This is particularly important in fast-developing areas such as IT and data protection, where the legal environment, technology, and client expectations are constantly changing.
Such steps send a clear signal to younger colleagues – that through dedication, professionalism, and shared values, it is possible to grow and take on greater responsibility. For me, the role of associate partner primarily means increased responsibility and motivation to set new goals for myself, my team, and the entire firm, so that we can provide clients with clarity and confidence in a complex and rapidly changing legal landscape.”
Rutt Värk added: “I have worked in transactions advisory for over 15 years, a journey marked by both challenges and opportunities. Clients and their trust have made it possible to work on significant matters, but equally important has been the team with whom we achieve more together. At Ellex, there are exceptional people, a supportive culture, and a partnership that encourages development – all of which make the work genuinely enjoyable. Transactions’ work is dynamic, and every project brings something new, keeping the work consistently engaging. The associate partner role gives me the opportunity to contribute even more to client matters as well as to the development of the firm and our team. I am pleased to take this step and see what comes next.”
Alla Kuznetsova: “This new role represents recognition of my work, along with greater responsibility and the opportunity to contribute more actively to Ellex’s strategic development. It allows me to grow alongside people I truly value. I am grateful to my team, colleagues, partners and our clients for their trust and support. Ellex in Estonia is a firm where clients feel secure and where leading lawyers can focus on the practice of law that inspires them. I am pleased to contribute to our shared success.”
