EY Tax and Law: an energetic journey

Can you create your dream job at EY? EY Tax and Law Associate Attorney, Tonje reflects on her job and journey studying the energy sector.

Like so many others before me, I have invested many good years in educating myself to be able to compete in the ever so growing job market. All leading up to the very beginning of my career. Today, I work as an associate attorney at EY Tax and Law (the law firm in EY) at the Bergen office.

After graduating, you find yourself amidst an infinite number of career choices. Choosing a career path can be quite challenging and sometimes feels impossible. However, I am utterly fascinated by the law and all its riddles. Since I have a passion for both law and business economics, I was motivated to get a Master of Law and a degree in business administration. I knew my dream job would be to combine these professional fields. This article will show you how EY Tax and Law has made that possible.

During one of EY’s Nordic introduction sessions for new employees, the speaker said that EY has the competence, including financial experts, consultants, lawyers and strategists, to work with clients in any business field and with any case. I remember thinking that it is way too optimistic in such a complex global business world. However, after some time at EY, I realize that with approximately 400,000 colleagues across 150 countries, it might be achievable after all. During my time at EY, I have been in contact with colleagues across the globe, regarding both foreign law regulations relevant to international clients and market-related cooperation.

My first peak into the EY energy focus was at my job interview. The EY Nordic Energy Leader was among the partners interviewing me for the position. She gave me firsthand insight into how EY is present in the energy sector worldwide and how the organization has the skill set to help clients across borders face the radical transformations ahead. Since the industry is evolving fast, many companies must develop new capabilities, change their business structure, and center the business around sustainability. It is captivating that EY, together with clients around the world, is addressing these opportunities and challenges every day.

I have a special interest in the energy industry because of the many challenges and opportunities it presents, both from an environmental and business point of view. With that in mind, I chose to focus on the regulations of offshore wind in Norway in my master’s thesis. Quite a few raised their eyebrows. Apparently, it was hard to see how I could apply this knowledge in a law firm, and I have to admit I sometimes shared that concern. However, it turns out to be one of my best decisions.

During my first year at EY, I attended several external seminars and events around the country covering offshore wind in Norway. In that arena, we get to meet the key players in the industry and the decision-makers. This enables us to gain valuable knowledge, both from a legal point of view and from a client perspective. It is an especially exciting time as the offshore wind industry is developing in Norway. The opportunity to participate in the energy segment as a newly hired employee has exceeded my expectations.

Today, I am thankful for following my instinct with a master’s degree in offshore wind, which has opened doors for me at EY. I believe there is room for EY people to choose their own path and specialize in a field of interest. In EY, there are countless opportunities for newly hired employees, such as me, to specialize in segments involving, for example, government and infrastructure, health, sciences, private equity, technology, media, telecommunications and advanced manufacturing and mobility.

It is even encouraged extensively at EY to enhance your skillset to make you a better you. The choices are endless. EY also offers several badge programs, which is an online education platform to progressively build competence in-house on a topic of choice and interest. I am currently working on a badge about creating long-term value through environmental, social and governance (ESG). It is motivating to see how EY is allowing colleagues to choose their own path within this large organization and, by doing that, define their own success based on interest and enthusiasm.

One of the reasons why I find EY especially interesting is the advantage of offering clients a “one-stop-shop” with the muscles to provide multiple services to the clients. Currently, I am working on a project for a client in the energy industry in a team consisting of colleagues with legal, transaction and corporate finance competence and experience. The team members have different backgrounds and education, and with that combination, EY can deliver a package of service to the client. For me, personally, it means that I get to extend my network within the organization and gain valuable knowledge to accelerate my professional development.

I believe the EY Tax and Law has a competitive edge compared to traditional law firms. Alongside being present in different market segments, EY Tax and Law works nationally and internationally in various legal fields. Since every field of work intertwines or touches upon other professions and expertise, a colleague with a different background can contribute valuable insight on a specific matter. This enables every employee to share knowledge and work with a wide range of cases in teams. I believe this is one of the reasons why I have so many motivated colleagues.

Speaking of motivation. No other large law firm in Norway has more female partners than EY Tax and Law. I believe, as a woman in a male-dominated business, it is inspiring to have so many female role models. For instance, both the Head of EY Law and the CEO of EY in Norway are female. I am glad to be part of a future-orientated company that uplifts equality.

Since EY offers a hybrid working model, I have a lot of freedom and flexibility to choose when or where to work. This is handy when I want to visit my family during holidays or other events where I can bring work with me. It also gives the possibility to simply go for a walk during traditional work hours. I know a lot of colleagues appreciate this freedom, with the experience that it maintains a healthy work-life balance.

I appreciate that EY Tax and Law takes on several court cases every year where associates get experience with litigation, which is a requirement to become a lawyer in Norway. Therefore, some of my time is spent working on interesting court cases.

Outside the everyday EY work, I participate in several in-house events and programs. I think it’s especially exciting with Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY). This is the world’s largest growth creator program that awards successful entrepreneurs across the globe. I am happy to participate in the committee that is looking for candidates in Western Norway. This enables me to learn more about local businesses and meet inspiring entrepreneurs. I also get to take part in the Social Committee in Bergen that organizes social events for all EY colleagues at the Bergen office. This is a great opportunity to network across service lines in the organization.

It has been an exceptional experience in EY so far. I have been given a chance to decide my own path within the organization and pursue my interest in the energy industry. Being in a team that takes a small part of what is, for many companies, a great adventure is undoubtedly rewarding and a source of motivation and inspiration every day. I expect the future holds a continued steep learning curve when seizing opportunities and overcoming challenges together with the team. I look forward to building strong relations to achieve work-related goals and progress professionally in the years to come. The best part is that the journey has just begun!