Young EVS – Supporting Well-Being and Collaboration at Eversheds Sutherland

At Eversheds Sutherland, professional excellence is complemented by a strong commitment to well-being and personal growth. One initiative that reflects this commitment is Young EVS, a network created by and for law students and early-career lawyers. Since its founding, the group has become an integral part of the firm’s culture, offering opportunities to unwind, connect with colleagues, and explore new experiences alongside everyday work.

Young EVS was born out of a simple idea: bringing people together outside the office in ways that support well-being and team spirit. What started with casual after-work gatherings soon grew into a varied programme of events. Over the years, colleagues have shared experiences ranging from movie nights and board games to yoga classes, golf sessions, and creative workshops such as candle-making before the holidays. More adventurous outings have included visits to Linnanmäki amusement park, trampoline parks and even an afternoon at Zippy Park adventure course. A much-anticipated highlight each spring is the opening of terrace season, which has become a tradition particularly cherished by students and new recruits.

The network’s activities are not limited to leisure. Acts of goodwill have also played a central role. In 2023, Young EVS joined the Joulupuu Christmas charity drive, while in 2024 members knitted and donated woollen socks in support of the Finnish Association for Substance Abuse Prevention (EHYT). Through these initiatives, the firm’s values come to life.

For those involved, the impact of Young EVS has been both personal and collective. “When we launched Young EVS, we didn’t know what it would become. The joy it brings—both to long-standing colleagues and to new recruits—has been incredibly rewarding,” says senior legal trainee Ronja Taipale, who was part of the group from the very beginning. Newer members share the same enthusiasm. Matilda Iivanainen, who joined as a junior legal trainee in spring 2025, recalls her first impressions: “My experience has been very positive so far. Young EVS offers a relaxed way to spend time with colleagues, and it makes it easier to connect with both new and familiar faces. That also helps everyday collaboration—asking for advice or support feels natural.”

Taken together, these voices show why Young EVS has become such an essential part of life at the firm. By connecting people across roles and seniority, the initiative creates space for genuine interaction, strengthens the sense of belonging, and supports long-term well-being. It also demonstrates that professional growth is not only about skills and knowledge but also about building a community where everyone feels welcome. As Young EVS continues to evolve, its mission remains clear: to create meaningful experiences that bring colleagues together, support their well-being, and enrich the culture that makes Eversheds Sutherland a unique place to work.