Lawyers assist Vastaamo data breach victims while billing insurance companies in Finland

Victims of the Vastaamo data breach are receiving legal assistance from lawyers Paula Pajula and Jenni Raiskio, who are able to earn significant amounts from helping these individuals, despite not charging the victims directly. Instead, they bill insurance companies, potentially amounting to millions of euros.

Yle interviewed ten clients of Pajula and Raiskio for this piece. While most are satisfied with their assistance, some are concerned they may end up receiving less than their lawyers. Pajula and Raiskio have been portrayed as relentless defenders of Vastaamo victims, assisting pro bono, leading to the mistaken belief that their work is entirely voluntary. However, they clarify that they do not promise to work without compensation; rather, they expect to bill insurance companies.

In private practice, it is common for legal fees to be covered by clients’ home insurance legal protection, as is the case here. The purpose of this report is not to suggest any wrongdoing but to shed light on the lawyers’ incomes in relation to this exceptional legal process and the social costs associated with it.

Currently, Pajula and Raiskio are representing between 3,000 to 3,500 victims. If even one-sixth of those clients are billed 4,000 euros each, the total fees could reach millions. Pajula’s law firm is rapidly growing its annual revenue, currently standing at 500,000 euros.

They emphasize the enormity of their workload and the risks they took while advocating for these victims, who are still awaiting compensation, the total of which remains uncertain. Multiple insurance companies have already approved claims for eight out of ten interviewees, but the actual billing amounts remain confidential.

Concerns have arisen among victims about communication and transparency regarding their cases, with some feeling only contacted when they expressed doubts. Despite the challenges, Pajula and Raiskio remain committed to assisting every victim who reaches out.