Karin Madisson

Professional highlights

Facilitating positive results. I have advised on some of the largest transactions in the Baltics and occasionally enjoy representing clients in court on principle-based issues to improve the business climate. I enjoy reaching agreements on complex matters, mediating, and helping clients focus on their core business. Particularly challenging are situations where shareholders or stakeholders are at an impasse, and the law offers limited solutions. In such cases, everything depends on negotiation skills and understanding human psychology.

Focus on cross-border issues. I specialise in international legal issues and have advised on the largest cross-border mergers and restructurings in the Baltics. I have also been privileged to advise on collective agreements and strike negotiations. I have a strong connection with the start-up, forestry, and industrial sectors. In addition, I contribute to international research projects, such as the Maastricht University project on corporate mobility within the EU, and World Bank studies, comparing Estonia with other countries.

Dialogue with legislators. In 2015, I was appointed by the minister of justice to serve on a steering committee that seeks to propose how to make Estonia’s business environment more competitive. In 2017, I joined a team of experts to analyse and propose improvements for insolvency-related laws. I also served on the ministry’s company law review committee, which guided the working group in drafting legislative amendments. I also contribute to shaping the perspectives of the Estonian Employers’ Confederation, the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, VEF (Vastutustundliku Ettevõtluse Foorum) and the Green Tiger, where our office is a member.

Active in Bar Association. For eight years, I chaired the commercial law committee of the Estonian Bar Association, which provides input on the legislative process. From 2021 to 2023, I continued to contribute as a regular member. In 2015, I was honored with the Lawyer of the Year title by the Estonian Bar Association.

An eye on business. I have served as a business advisor and on supervisory boards for several companies. I enjoy giving lectures to business professionals, who always teach me something new and share valuable real-life examples. I often speak up on business issues when lawmakers need to hear clients’ concerns or when proposed legislation may harm entrepreneurship. My personal life as an entrepreneur is not limited to being a partner with Sorainen: together with my family, I run the boutique hotel Ööbikuoru Villa (Villa Nightingale) and restaurant Andreas in picturesque Rõuge in Southern Estonia.