In Finland, there is no monopoly in marketing legal services or assisting in court proceedings. Jurists who advise on and assist in legal matters can be divided into two categories: members of the Finnish Bar Association (lawyers) and non-members of the Bar (jurists). Only members of the Bar are entitled to use the professional title “advocate” (in Finnish ”asianajaja” or in Swedish ”advokat”).

A lawyer shall honestly and conscientiously fulfill the tasks entrusted to him/her and in all his/her activities observe the proper professional conduct for lawyers.

Lawyers may practise as sole practitioners, in partnerships or in limited companies. According to the Advocates Act, the practise of legal profession in a company is not allowed, except with another lawyer, unless the Board of the Association grants a permit based upon specific grounds. A decision in principle has been made according to which the Board may not grant such a permit; hence MDPs are not allowed.

Lawyers bear unlimited liability, also when practising in a corporate structure.