A Finnish Christian lawyer who has spent more than two decades representing immigrants, asylum seekers and criminal defendants says his work has given him a unique perspective on both the brokenness of humanity and the transforming power of faith.
In the latest episode of Christian Daily International's Faith Without Frontiers podcast, Finnish lawyer Ville Hoikkala reflects on a legal career shaped by his Christian convictions, encounters with people from diverse cultures, and the challenges of defending vulnerable clients in an increasingly polarized Europe.
"I noticed that all those things with bureaucracy, I somehow understood quite easily," he recalls. "I thought, let's study law."
More than 20 years later, that decision has become a vocation centered on serving people from all walks of life.
Throughout the conversation, Hoikkala explains how his Christian faith shapes the way he treats clients regardless of their religion or background. Many of his clients are Hindus or Muslims, and he says they often appreciate working with a lawyer whose faith gives him a strong moral foundation.
The interview also explores the complex issue of asylum claims involving people who have converted from Islam to Christianity. Rather than testing a person's knowledge of Christian holidays or church history, Hoikkala focuses on their testimony: how they came to faith, who Jesus is, what the gospel means to them, and how following Christ has changed their lives.
Even then, he says, asylum decisions remain difficult because persecution varies widely. In some countries, converts face threats primarily from family members or local communities rather than governments, making legal cases especially challenging.
The conversation also moves beyond immigration to Hoikkala's experiences defending people accused of serious crimes, including a man convicted in connection with the Rwandan genocide. He reflects on hearing stories of violence and suffering while maintaining the professional responsibility of ensuring every person receives a fair trial.
His years in court, he says, have reinforced a biblical understanding of human nature.
"I see the pain of what happens when people are evil to each other," he says. "But I also know something about the people who commit those horrible things."
The podcast also addresses difficult realities within Christian communities. Hoikkala shares experiences representing victims of domestic violence and warns that a Christian background does not automatically prevent abusive behavior. He encourages churches to confront these issues honestly.
The full interview is available in the latest episode of the Christian Daily International podcast.
