Anna Pekurinen – Corporate Counsil at Oura

Anna Pekurinen

Tell us about your career journey?

My career has evolved quite naturally over time. I started in private practice and gradually realized that I’m most engaged when I can be very close to the business itself. Moving in-house showed me how law can support growth and people at the same time.

Today, I work at Oura as a Corporate Counsel, and I can confidently say I love my job. I’ve learned that you can be both kind and sensitive and still damn good professionally. The key is not to lose yourself along the way.

What were some defining moments that shaped your career?

The moments that have shaped me the most haven’t always been big or dramatic. Often, they’ve been quieter ones, like learning from people who lead with integrity and empathy.

Moving from private practice to an in-house role was a turning point. It taught me that law can be incredibly creative when you’re part of building something together. And that even negotiations are, first and foremost, human interactions. Listen, try to understand the other side, and don’t push your own agenda without context. That’s usually when the best outcomes emerge.

What inspired you to pursue this career path?

I’ve always been curious about how things work: how systems hold together, how decisions are made, and how structure can enable freedom rather than limit it. Law felt like a natural way to explore that. Over time, what’s kept me inspired is the human element: helping people find clarity in complexity and trust in uncertainty.

What is your proudest moment in your career?

What makes me proud isn’t one specific achievement but the trust that builds over time. When colleagues come to me for advice, or when I can simplify something that felt overwhelming, those moments mean the most. They remind me that my work has a real impact.

What advice do you have for female students?

You don’t need to fit any predefined mold to succeed. The legal field can sometimes value toughness, but authenticity, curiosity, and kindness are real strengths. You can be empathetic and strong at the same time, the two aren’t opposites. I truly believe that the qualities often associated with women are exactly the ones future companies will need most. Be confident in your perspective and surround yourself with people who believe in you.

What are some challenges you’ve had to face in your career?

Balancing ambition with self-compassion hasn’t always been easy. Many of us in this field hold ourselves to high standards, and it’s tempting to measure our worth by output. I’ve had to learn that growth also happens when you slow down, reflect, and allow yourself to be human.

How are women represented in your field?

Representation has improved significantly, especially among younger lawyers, but there’s still work to do at leadership and board levels. The encouraging part is that the culture is changing. I see more women leading with inclusivity, collaboration, and authenticity, and I believe those are exactly the qualities that make organizations stronger.

What skills do you think are most important to succeed in this career?

Beyond legal expertise, curiosity and communication are key. You need to understand the context behind decisions, listen actively, and translate complex issues into something others can act on. Emotional intelligence matters enormously. Law is ultimately about people, and the ability to connect, listen, and build trust is what sets great lawyers apart.

 


Career Aspirations showcases the goals, inspirations, and experiences of women through written format.