Press Release 07.11.25
Julia Kotamäki-Thakker advises clients on complex international trade, national security and regulatory matters.
Julia counsels global companies and investors engaging in cross-border business transactions and activities. She helps clients navigate and comply with sanctions, export controls and investment screening/foreign direct investment (FDI) regulations, and represents them before government bodies responsible for granting various types of licenses and clearances. Julia acts for clients across a range of sectors, including technology, manufacturing, defense, aerospace, telecommunications and energy.
Representative Experience
- Representing clients in obtaining clearances under global investment screening/FDI regimes for different types of transactions, such as complex M&A deals, internal reorganizations, joint ventures and minority investments across a range of sectors, including cybersecurity, AI, mining, defense and telecommunications.
- Advised the Bank of Cyprus and the Cypriot banking sector on U.S., UK and EU sanctions, as well as AML compliance, supporting their frontline role in navigating global financial regulatory challenges.
- Assisted various companies in preparing for, and actioning remedial measures following, export control audits, as well as liaising with export control authorities on compliance matters on behalf of clients.
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- Advised leading space and satellite companies on export controls, sanctions and anti-corruption compliance, including licensing and regulatory issues.
- Advised airlines, aircraft manufacturers and lessors on sanctions and export control compliance, including licenses, due diligence, lease amendments, insurance recoveries and regulatory engagement related to Russia, Iran and other high-risk jurisdictions.
- Advising clients on UK sanctions regimes and export control laws in various contexts, including in relation to compliance programs, supply chain issues, and in the context of transactions and the implementation of business strategies.
- Advising and representing clients before UK sanctions and export control authorities in relation to the submission of voluntary disclosures and license applications.
- Advised Nikon Corporation, a globally active Japanese manufacturer of optical technology solutions, on the national security aspects of its public takeover of SLM Solutions Group AG, a German manufacturer of metal 3D printers.
- Advised Imerys S.A., the French-listed world leader in mineral-based specialty solutions, on the UK competition and national security aspects of its joint venture with British Lithium to accelerate development of the UK’s largest lithium deposit.
- Advised SoftBank Group Corp. on the national security aspects of its leading participation in the $1.05 billion funding round in UK-based autonomous driving company Wayve and its acquisition of robotic automation company Berkshire Grey.
Professional Highlights
- Prior to joining Pillsbury, Julia was an antitrust and national security associate in the London office of a global law firm and worked in the legal and compliance teams at Novartis, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
- Member of the Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce
- Named in the Pro Bono Recognition List of England and Wales (2024)
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- “Assessing the UK’s Public Interest Test in Light of Current Societal Uncertainty,” Journal of Law and Jurisprudence 7(1) (2018). Author.
Education
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M.Sc. and Legal Practice Course, The University of Law, 2020
Graduate Diploma in Law, BPP Law School, 2019
LL.M., Corporate Law, University College London, University of London, 2017
LL.B., European Law, Maastricht University, 2016
Admissions
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England and Wales