Sigita Zvejniece has built a remarkable career, starting in Latvia and now working with legal systems in 11 different countries. As the Director of Legal Compliance at Leinonen Group, she helps ensure that the company follows all the rules and regulations across borders. In this interview, Sigita shares her story, from discovering her love for legal work to leading compliance in a multinational company. She also talks about how technology is changing legal work and how she balances her busy job with her personal life.
How did you decide to become a lawyer?
I didn’t start my career thinking I would be a lawyer. At first, I studied finance and worked in audit. But during my internship, I realized I was more interested in what my legal colleagues were doing. Their work in compliance and risk management caught my attention, and I thought, “This is something I want to do.”
So, I decided to study law. While I was in university, I got a job in a sworn attorney’s office. This gave me hands-on experience early in my career. I realized that learning on the job helped me understand the law much better than just studying it in class. That decision to get real-world experience made all the difference for me.
What was it like to move from Latvian law to managing compliance across many countries?
The move was both exciting and challenging. When I started at Leinonen, I focused on Latvian legal matters. But over time, I took on more responsibility, eventually working on projects for the whole company. This new role required me to think globally, not just locally.
I had to learn about different legal systems and how to create rules that work in 11 countries. It pushed me to grow as a professional and as a person. It’s a lot of responsibility, but I enjoy the challenge. Working across many countries has made me a better problem-solver and helped me see things from different perspectives.
How do you keep up with the laws in 11 countries?
Keeping track of laws in 11 countries is a big challenge, but I follow a clear system to manage it. I work closely with local legal experts in each country. These experts help me understand the specific rules and practices in their regions. Their advice is especially helpful for understanding details that are hard to find on my own.
I also spend a lot of time researching European Union regulations. Many of the countries we work in follow EU rules, like GDPR or anti-money laundering laws. Staying updated on these regulations helps me understand how they will affect local laws.
Communication with our country managers is very important. They often spot practical problems or legal changes early, so we can solve them together. I also use technology to track updates and organize my work. Tools like these save time and make it easier to manage large amounts of information.
Finally, I rely on my network of legal contacts. When I face a complex or unfamiliar issue, I can reach out to colleagues for advice. By combining local expertise, EU research, technology, and teamwork, I ensure that Leinonen stays compliant in all our countries. It’s challenging work, but it’s also very satisfying.
How has working internationally helped you grow?
Working with people from different countries has taught me a lot. Every country has its own way of doing business, and I’ve learned to adapt to those differences. For example, some places like to move quickly, while others take more time to make decisions.
It’s also made me better at handling complex problems. International work requires you to think carefully and consider many viewpoints. Personally, I’ve become more patient and understanding. This job has pushed me to keep learning and improving, which I find very rewarding.
How does technology help with legal work?
Technology has completely changed the way lawyers work, making many tasks faster and more efficient. For example, document management systems help organize large amounts of legal documents, ensuring nothing is lost and making it easy to find what you need. AI tools are especially helpful for drafting simple legal documents, reviewing contracts, or summarizing large sets of information. These tools save a lot of time, allowing me to focus on more complex and strategic tasks that require personal judgment.
Research is another area where technology makes a big difference. Instead of spending hours searching through books or websites, I can use advanced tools to quickly find updated laws, regulations, or case studies. This speed helps me stay on top of changes in the legal field and better support our business.
However, technology also comes with risks, especially when handling sensitive data. Tools like AI often rely on data to learn and improve, so it’s essential to use secure systems to protect confidential information. At Leinonen, we are very careful about how we use technology. We follow strict rules to ensure that sensitive information stays private and that our tools are used responsibly.
Overall, technology helps us work smarter and stay competitive in a world that is changing quickly. It doesn’t replace the need for human expertise, but it complements our work by saving time, improving accuracy, and giving us better ways to solve problems. By using the right tools and being mindful of risks, technology becomes a powerful partner in legal work.
Is it difficult being the only legal expert in a company focused on accounting?
At times, it can feel lonely. I don’t have legal colleagues in the same office to discuss complicated issues with. But I have a strong network of friends and contacts in the legal field, and I often reach out to them for advice or ideas.
My colleagues at Leinonen are very supportive, even if they don’t have legal backgrounds. They help me understand the business side of things, which is just as important. Together, we find solutions that work for both the legal and operational sides of the company.
What advice do you have for young women starting careers in law?
Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to take on challenges. The legal field can be tough, and sometimes people might underestimate you because of your age or gender. Use that as motivation to prove them wrong.
Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to take on challenges.
It’s also important to have mentors who can guide you. Find people who support your growth and push you to do better. Remember, hard work and confidence can help you break down barriers. Things are improving, and more companies, like Leinonen, are becoming inclusive and supportive places to work.
How do you relax and manage stress?
Work-life balance is very important to me. Leinonen has a great culture that encourages employees to take care of themselves. I make time for hobbies like reading or spending time with family and friends.
When work gets stressful, I remind myself to step back and take a break. Sometimes, just a walk or a cup of tea can help clear my mind. I’ve learned that taking care of yourself isn’t just good for your personal life—it makes you better at your job too.
What is your vision for legal compliance at Leinonen?
I believe compliance should be a natural part of our company culture, not just a checklist. Instead of reacting to problems, we should focus on preventing them. This means creating strong legal systems that are clear and easy for everyone to follow. When compliance is simple, it becomes part of daily work without feeling like extra effort.
Educating employees is also important. When people understand why compliance matters and how it supports our goals, they are more likely to follow the rules. Providing clear guidelines and regular training helps make this happen.
At Leinonen, we are already making good progress. We use technology to track changes in laws, manage data, and handle routine tasks. This helps us stay ahead while building trust with clients. My goal is to keep improving these systems and make compliance a strong foundation for the company’s future success.
What is your proudest achievement so far?
Becoming the Director of Legal Compliance at Leinonen is something I’m very proud of. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s also an amazing opportunity to make a difference.
This role has allowed me to grow professionally and contribute to the success of a company that values ethics and innovation. I’m grateful for the trust Leinonen has placed in me, and I’m excited to keep building on what we’ve achieved so far.
Sigita’s journey from Latvian law to managing compliance in 11 countries reflects her dedication, adaptability, and innovative spirit. Her contributions to Leinonen Group have strengthened its compliance framework while inspiring others with her focus on growth and balance. As she continues to lead with passion and precision, we wish her every success in her career and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will undoubtedly create in the years to come.
