Sullivan
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Biography

Joonas’ practice focuses on corporate and securities law, representing public and private companies in complex transactions, including domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions, SEC reporting including federal and state securities law compliance, and other general corporate and securities matters. His practice includes a strong emphasis on cross-border work and assisting clients realize opportunities and overcome challenges in the U.S. market.

He advises clients, including strategic buyers, sellers, private equity firms and VC funds, across a diverse range of sectors. Joonas has represented clients in complex multi-party negotiations, legal due diligence, legal advice on foreign investment matters, corporate restructuring and preparation of companies for sale, and negotiation and structuring of domestic and cross-border transactions. His experience also includes representing both issuers and underwriters in public and private corporate finance transactions, including De-SPAC transactions, registered direct transactions, private investments in public equity (PIPEs), private placements, and other securities offerings.

Joonas joined the firm from KPMG, where he practiced primarily in Helsinki, Finland, as well as Nuremberg, Germany. While in Helsinki, Joonas worked concurrently with the Finnish Business Angels Network to educate angel investors with his legal perspective.

Education
  • Stanford Law School (LL.M.)
    • Corporate Governance and Practice
  • University of Helsinki (Master of Laws)
  • University of Helsinki (Bachelor of Laws)
Bar & Court Admissions
  • Finland
  • New York
Professional Qualifications
  • Finnish Corporate Law Association
  • Finnish American Chamber of Commerce (New York)
  • Helsinki Chapter of Finnish-American Societies
  • Finnish Sport Law Association
Awards & Honors
  • "Rising Star" New York Metro Super Lawyers (2026)
Community Engagement
  • Member of the Board of Directors and Secretary, Finnish American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (New York)
Languages
  • English
  • Finnish
  • Swedish
Joonas Aho Elected to Board of the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (New York)
Joonas Aho has been elected to the Board of the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (New York). Joonas will also continue in his role as Secretary, supporting the Chamber’s initiatives to strengthen commercial ties, business collaboration, and cross-border opportunities between Finland and the United States. Founded in 1948 in New York, the Chamber works to protect, develop, encourage, promote and foster trade, business, financial and professional interests and commercial relations between Finland and the United States. His appointment further reflects Sullivan’s longstanding commitment to serving Nordic clients and fostering international business relationships. Michael Student is also continuing his longstanding service on the Board, now in the second year of his current two-year term. Michael has been actively involved with the Chamber for many years, and his continued leadership reflects a strong commitment to advancing the Chamber’s mission, supporting the Finnish-American business community, and strengthening connections between companies, investors and professionals operating across both markets. For more information on the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., please visit their website.
Sullivan Attorneys Selected to 2026 New York Metro Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Super Lawyers has named 13 attorneys from Sullivan's New York office to its 2026 New York Metro Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Attorneys are recognized for excellence in the practice of law, rated by a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The recipients of this designation will be featured in New York Metro Super Lawyers magazine and The New York Times. The following Sullivan attorneys have been named 2026 New York Metro Super Lawyers: Carole Bass - Estate & Probate Keri Wintle Costello - Bankruptcy: Business Scott Kaufman - Mergers & Acquisitions Gerry Silver - General Litigation Michael Sullivan - Business Litigation Joel Telpner - Business/Corporate The following Sullivan attorneys have been named 2026 New York Metro Rising Stars: Joonas Aho - Securities & Corporate Finance Molly Depew - Estate & Probate Anna Lea (Setz) McNerney - Business Litigation Michael Palmisciano - Intellectual Property Christopher Shields - Business Litigation Zachary Sobel - Securities & Corporate Finance Ida Vanto - Mergers & Acquisitions