Erkko Ruohoniemi

Partner, Attorney-at-Law

Erkko Ruohoniemi specialises in competition law related cases, such as merger control notifications to the Finnish and EU Competition Authorities as well as cases of abuse of dominant position and cartels.

Erkko has also a wide experience in matters related to telecom and energy regulation. In addition, he advises both procurement entities and private companies in public procurement issues and is co-author of a popular handbook on public procurement. Erkko is also an expert in advertising and marketing law.

Telephone

+358 50 338 4667


Email

erkko.ruohoniemi@merilampi.com


Languages

  • Finnish
  • Swedish
  • English

Expertise

Recent references

Education

  • Master of Laws (LL.M.), University of Turku, 1996
  • Attorney-at-Law, 2006

Experience

  • Merilampi Attorneys Ltd., Partner 2008 –, Senior Associate 2006 – 2007, Associate 2004 – 2006
  • Ministry of Trade and Industry, Governmental Secretary 1996 – 2003

Memberships

  • Finnish Bar Association
  • International Bar Association (IBA)
  • Julkisten hankintojen yhdistys ry (association for public procurement)

Rankings

  • Legal 500 EMEA, EU and Competition (2023): Erkko Ruohoniemi leading individual.
  • Chambers Europe, Competition/European Law (2023): “If I present a complex case, he points out clear questions and provides pragmatic answers.”
  • Who’s Who Legal, Global Guide, Government Contracts (2022): Erkko Ruohoniemi recommended.
  • Chambers Europe, Competition/European Law (2022): “Erkko Ruohoniemi is best known for his handling of public procurement matters, acting on both advisory mandates and contentious proceedings. Clients praise his “quick and sophisticated legal advice.””
  • Legal 500 EMEA, EU and Competition (2021): Erkko Ruohoniemi leading individual.
  • Chambers Europe, Competition/European Law (2021): “Erkko Ruohoniemi is best known for his handling of contentious procurement matters on behalf of private or state-owned companies. He also assists with appeals against decisions made by the FCCA or the Finnish telecoms regulator.”
  • Legal 500 EMEA, EU and Competition (2020): Erkko Ruohoniemi leading individual. Merilampi ranked in Tier 2. “Erkko Ruohoniemi is one of the best public procurement lawyers in Finland.”
  • Chambers Europe, Competition/European Law (2020): “Erkko Ruohoniemi regularly advises on public procurement and competition law issues including merger control. He represents clients in court cases relating to cartels and public procurement appeal procedures.”
  • Who’s Who Legal, Global Guide, Government Contracts (2020): Erkko Ruohoniemi recommended. Erkko Ruohoniemi is considered “a must-have procurement lawyer on the list” and “a highly skilled practitioner in the field of public contracts“.
  • Global Competition Review’s GCR 100 (2020): Merilampi ranked as Highly Recommended
  • Legal 500 EMEA, EU and Competition (2019): Erkko Ruohoniemi leading individual. Merilampi ranked in Tier 2.
  • Global Competition Review’s GCR 100 (2019): Merilampi ranked as Highly Recommended
  • Legal 500 EMEA, TMT (2019): Erkko Ruohoniemi recommended
  • Chambers Europe, Competition/European Law (2019): Erkko Ruohoniemi ranked in Band 3
  • Who’s Who Legal, Government Contracts (2019): Erkko Ruohoniemi recommended
  • Legal 500 EMEA, EU and Competition (2018): Erkko Ruohoniemi leading individual. Merilampi ranked in Tier 2.
  • Chambers Europe, Competition/European Law (2018): Erkko Ruohoniemi ranked in Band 2. “Clients praise his ability to communicate: “He’s clear, he can express quite complicated matters in a very understandable way and he’s quick to understand the substance of the question”.”
  • Legal 500 EMEA, TMT (2018): Erkko Ruohoniemi recommended
  • Legal 500 EMEA, EU and Competition (2017): Erkko Ruohoniemi leading individual
  • Chambers Europe, Competition/European Law (2017): “Clients describe his service as “effective”, in which he displays “good commitment“.”
  • Legal 500 EMEA, EU and Competition (2016): Erkko Ruohoniemi leading individual
  • Chambers Europe, Competition/European Law (2016): “Erkko Ruohoniemi is noted especially for his expertise in public procurement matters. One source says “I’ve heard a few lectures he’s given which have been really good, and he has good insight into public procurement matters,” while another says “his comments are very good and to the point.“”
  • Chambers Europe, Competition/European Law (2015): “Erkko Ruohoniemi has notable experience advising clients from the energy sector, recently advising Elisa Corporation on a number of competition law issues. “He is a huge expert in this area – he actually drafted the law“, say clients.”
  • Legal 500 EMEA, EU and Competition (2014): “The communication flow is flawless at Merilampi and the commitment is outstanding and exceptional, demonstrating its ability even in the most complex areas.“
  • Chambers Europe, Competition/European Law (2014): “Clients consider Erkko Ruohoniemi “very pragmatic and to the point” when acting on major competition cases. His competition law experience is broad, although he has recently been primarily active on public procurement projects and disputes.”