About me
Heidi Merikalla-Teir
I am an independent arbitrator and mediator based in Helsinki, acting in domestic and international commercial disputes. My work is guided by independent judgment, procedural integrity, and a clear, business‑minded understanding of the issues in dispute.
I have over 20 years of experience from business law firms and expert organisations, working with complex commercial disputes and high‑stakes decision‑making. Alongside my dispute‑resolution practice, I have held senior leadership roles within law firms and expert organisations, including executive and governance positions. This background gives me first‑hand insight into organisational dynamics, decision‑making under pressure, and the practical realities faced by parties involved in disputes.
I hold degrees in law (LL.M) and business (MBA).
My work as an arbitrator has been recognised by independent international legal directories, including Chambers & Partners, Lexology Index, and Legal 500.
Below, you will find a summary of my experience. For more details about my background and experience, please refer to the information provided in the enclosed CV and in the Services section.
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Before launching my own business in 2024, I spent five years as the CEO and a partner at a Finnish business law firm, specializing in dispute resolution. During this time, I gained valuable experience in leading business operations and expert teams, participating in executive committee and board activities, and managing shareholder responsibilities within a corporate setting. Simultaneously, I served as an arbitrator and mediator, resolving business conflicts.
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Until 2019, I held the position of a director at the Finland Chamber of Commerce, where I was responsible for overseeing dispute resolution and self-regulation matters for nearly five years. As a member of the executive team, I managed these specific business units and collaborated with various stakeholders in society, including publicly listed companies, legal professionals, policymakers, and media.
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During this period, I also served as the Secretary General of the Arbitration Institute of the Finland Chamber of Commerce (FAI), an organization that provides arbitration and mediation services for resolving domestic and international disputes. In this capacity, I gained unique insights into arbitration and mediation. I supervised a significant number of arbitration cases, reviewed arbitral awards, and provided guidance on the application of the FAI Arbitration and Mediation Rules.
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Between 2002 and 2015, I spent over a decade as a counsel and attorney-at-law specializing in commercial dispute resolution. My expertise spans representing clients in both domestic and international commercial arbitration and litigation proceedings across diverse business sectors, including M&A, joint ventures, sale of goods, distribution, construction and projects, corporate matters, shareholder's agreements, and financial transactions. Additionally, I served as an arbitrator and mediator. My career began as a competition law and transactions lawyer.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me,
and I will be happy to provide more information.
