Magnusson provides employment advice for clients looking to enter the Baltic or Estonian market, and is a popular choice in this regard due to its experience of collaboration with foreign law firms. Among its varied client base are clients such as FlixBus. Work includes hiring and terminations as well as restructurings, occupational health and safety matters, and employment-related disputes. Jaanus Mägi and Nele Laas head up the team, the latter of whom ‘is able to advise in complex situations and sees the big picture‘.

Sorainen‘s dedicated employment team has ‘sector-specific knowledge which allows the team to offer tailored solutions‘ in sectors such as financial services and energy. Its knowledge extends to whistleblowing matters, as well as disputes in the workplace, labour law compliance, and advice on employment contracts and termination processes. Pirkko-Liis Harkmaa, an employment law expert, and Karin Madisson, a go-to practitioner for employment litigation, head up the team. In addition, Kadri Härginen, who was promoted to partner in January 2024, is currently acting in several disputes regarding the termination of employees' contracts due to misconduct.

Cobalt‘s core strengths in employment include advising both domestic and global clients on employment disputes, employment law issues relating to company acquisitions and reorganisations, and local employment regulations. The group, which is praised for its efficiency and adaptability, has notably represented clients in a growing number of internal investigations in 2024. Team head Karina Paatsi ‘has exceptional skill at dealing with complex cases‘, including the termination of employment and sensitive internal investigations, for example into sexual harassment allegations. Elsewhere in the team, Heili Haabu is known for assisting companies with all aspects of managing employment relations, and Kadri Michelson is commended for her expertise in employment litigation.

Ellex‘s ‘responsive, practical, and knowledgeable‘ group has a deep bench of dedicated employment lawyers. Among its varied client roster are global companies which instruct the team on employment issues stemming from M&A deals across sectors such as retail, pharmaceuticals and energy, as well as issues related to employment contracts. Complex employment disputes are also handled by the team, an area of strength for Arne Ots. Group head Martin Käerdi is key for employment regulation and contracts matters, while Hanna Pahk is an expert in employment management and relations.

Clients turning to Eversheds Sutherland Ots & Co range from start-ups and private individuals to medium-sized businesses and blue-chip companies, offering large European clients access to deep knowledge of local employment regulations. Tambet Toomela, who oversees the team, specialises in employment law, particularly in complex employment disputes. Erika Tuvike also has disputes experience, having represented clients before the Estonian Labour Dispute Committee.

Praised for its ‘good communication skills and high level of competence’, TGS Baltic has a well-established employment practice and is able to deal with a range of contentious and non-contentious employment issues, including labour disputes, employee transfers and terminations, and immigration-related matters. The team was further strengthened by the merger with PwC Legal in 2024, with Indrek Ergma joining to lead the team alongside Anu Kirss, who specialises in advising international clients on personnel restructurings. Triin Kaurov is key for advising clients on employment litigation.

WALLESS is noted for its proficiency in handling industry-specific labour issues in sectors such as IT and pharmaceuticals, including cross-border employment matters. The team’s advice extends to both private clients and state entities such as the Government of the Republic of Estonia, which the group has recently represented in a high-profile dismissal case. Practice head Toomas Taube‘s experience in HR and labour law issues leaves him well placed to advise corporate executives on employment or service contract matters. Liis Venelaine is also a key contact in the team.

KPMG Law in Estonia continues to advise clients including Estonian manufacturers on a variety of employment matters. Managing partner Karin Oras and Kaia Kuusler are at the helm; Oras’ areas of expertise include representing clients in employment disputes and advising on corporate pension plans and conflict management, while Kuusler is a versatile practitioner whose core strength lies in advising clients on HR issues such as working conditions.

Practitioners in LEADELL Pilv‘s growing employment practice stand out for their strength in employment disputes, frequently representing clients before employment tribunals. Pirkka-Marja Põldvere, who heads up the team, is emblematic of the firm’s expertise in this area, leading the group’s work in employment disputes such as compensation claims relating to monetary damages caused by either employers or employees. The group more broadly is experienced in cases concerning the legality of the termination of employment contracts.

NJORD Law Firm fields a team of employment law specialists, assisting clients throughout the Baltic region including family businesses, automotive companies and energy companies. A key pillar of the group’s work is assisting with employment matters linked to immigration, covering areas such as work permits and other issues affecting foreign employees. Katrin Sarap leads the group, and is proficient in employment litigation.