Ava Anttila Ross
OF COUNSEL

Ava Anttila has more than 30 years of legal experience in Southern California, with a practice that has long focused on serving Finnish and Finnish American clients. A dual citizen of the United States and Finland, she is fluent in Finnish and brings a unique international perspective to her work with individuals, families, and businesses.

Throughout her distinguished career, Ava has represented clients in a wide range of legal matters while building strong ties between the Southern California and Finnish business communities. She joined Roemer & Harnik LLP to help facilitate the firm’s work on behalf of prospective Finnish and Finnish American clients. Her husband, Bruce Ross, an experienced and recognized expert in trust and estate litigation, also serves as Of Counsel to the firm.

Ava has held several leadership roles of significance, including serving as President of the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce, Finland’s representative to the European American Business Association, and representative to the Council of European Chambers of Commerce. Her work has helped strengthen business, educational, and cultural relationships between Finland and Southern California.

In addition to her legal work, Ava has served on the President’s Advisory Council of the former Finlandia University in Hancock, Michigan, and has advised both the University of California, Berkeley and Loyola Marymount University regarding Finnish language and study programs.

In recognition of her contributions, Ava was named in 2016 by the President of Finland as a Knight of the Order of the White Rose, one of Finland’s highest civilian honors.

Areas of Emphasis

  • International Client Services
  • Business Matters
  • Trusts & Estates
  • Finnish & Finnish American Legal Matters
  • Civil Legal Matters

Education and Experience

  • More than 30 years practicing law in Southern California
  • Former solo practitioner serving Finnish and Finnish American clients
  • Fluent in Finnish
  • Of Counsel, Roemer & Harnik LLP

Community

  • Finnish American Chamber of Commerce (Past President)
  • European American Business Association (Finland Representative)
  • Council of European Chambers of Commerce (Representative)
  • Finlandia University President’s Advisory Council
  • Advisor to University of California, Berkeley Finnish programs
  • Advisor to Loyola Marymount University Finnish programs
  • Knight of the Order of the White Rose (Finland, 2016)