Switzerland

Working in Switzerland

White & Case SA has been present in Switzerland since 2015, drawing on a deep bench of knowledge and experience to advise clients on international arbitration and more general dispute resolution.

Lawyers who join our team in Geneva find themselves part of an open collegial culture in which innovation, teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit are valued, senior lawyers are generous with their knowledge and new associates are encouraged to be forthright with their questions.

We maintain a positive and friendly work environment, which eases the demands of working for a leading law firm. Our employees have excellent academic and professional qualifications, and all contribute to the collegial and supportive atmosphere of our office.

 

Practice areas

International Arbitration

Our team has a vast breadth of experience in international arbitrations under all major rules, governed by various laws, representing clients from a wide range of industries, including construction & engineering, mining, pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, manufacturing and consumer goods.

As well as advising on international arbitrations across the world, our team in Geneva also has experience in handling arbitrations in Switzerland and/or governed by Swiss law, including arbitration-related court proceedings, notably before the Swiss Federal Tribunal. Our Geneva international arbitration lawyers come from diverse backgrounds in both civil and common law, and between them speak many languages.

G763_Hunter_Zelda

White & Case has cultivated a creative and skilled team of lawyers by exposing its juniors to the first-hand practice of arbitration from the outset. In my case, by three years PQE, I had already cross-examined my first witness at a hearing before a Tribunal composed of three prominent arbitrators.

Zelda Hunter
Partner

Roles

We recruit for a wide variety of positions. Find out more about each one.

We offer our associate lawyers exposure to truly complex international legal matters. As an associate lawyer, you will work in a team with other lawyers coming from various legal backgrounds and be in contact with the Firm’s clients. You’ll have responsibilities early in your career as you work on multiple assignments, which will include writing briefs, reviewing factual documents, preparing witness statements, working with technical, financial and legal experts, as well as attending hearings. We also offer our associates internal and external practical training (such as an oral advocacy course).

We are always interested in promising associate lawyers. We look for highly motivated individuals with strong academic background (qualified in Switzerland or abroad), fluent in English, excellent drafting skills, strong commercial awareness, high performance mentality, significant personal achievements and a strong commitment to the practice of law.

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We offer talented Swiss law graduates the opportunity to complete a six-month or twelve-month traineeship in our Firm, which may contribute to the "stage d'avocat" (for the time being, we do not offer the possibility to complete the full 18-month "stage d'avocat" required for the Geneva bar exam). During your internship, you will work on the Firm's matters, assisting lawyers in their day-to-day work, carrying out legal research, reviewing contracts and factual documents, drafting pleadings and legal opinions, participating in team meetings and other related activities. We are looking for highly motivated Swiss law graduates (Bachelor's degree + Master's degree + ECAV) with strong academic background, excellent drafting skills, and fluency in French, English and advanced skills in German.

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You want to become a lawyer and have a genuine interest in international arbitration? Taking part in our summer vacation scheme is the best possible way to experience what our lawyers do each day. Wherever your career takes you, we guarantee that you will build skills and experience that will last.

These will include the following:

  • Undertake client work with our partners and associates (i.e. researching areas of law, reviewing factual evidence, drafting memos, attending meetings, just to name a few);
  • Deepen your knowledge of arbitration and learn about different practice areas;
  • Participate in knowledge sharing workshops;
  • Attend social events and share an office with a trainee;
  • Build your network, both professionally and personally; and
  • Receive feedback and advice on your work and performance at the end of your vacation scheme.

Dates? The 4-week vacation scheme takes place every July.

Who can apply? Swiss law students with a minimum of 6 semesters of law school (by the time the vacation scheme starts), excellent grades, fluent in both French and English with a good knowledge of German.

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Open Roles

We currently have the following open position.

We are looking for a Swiss legal intern from 1 March to 31 August 2023 for a six-month opportunity in our law firm, this can be part of the "stage d'avocat". During the internship, the intern will work on the Firm's matters, assisting lawyers in their day-to-day work, carrying out legal research, reviewing contracts and factual documents, drafting pleadings and legal opinions, participating in team meetings and other related activities. We are looking for highly motivated Swiss law graduates (Bachelor's degree and Master's degree) with a strong academic background, excellent drafting skills, and fluency in French, English and advanced skills in German.

Candidates interested in applying for positions as students, associate lawyers or administrative staff should send their curriculum vitae and supporting documents (law degree, examination certificates, etc.) to [email protected] or call +41 22 900 15 60 with any questions.

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We now welcome applications for August 2024.

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We now welcome applications for the July 2023 vacation scheme. Candidates should apply by 30 November 2022 (send a cover letter with your CV and transcripts with grades).

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Applying in Switzerland

Candidates interested in applying for positions as students, associate lawyers or administrative staff should send their curriculum vitae and supporting documents (law degree, examination certificates, etc.) to [email protected] or call the office at +41 22 900 15 60 with any questions.

46.2075389, 6.148038

Working in Switzerland

An established presence in Switzerland since 2001, White & Case LLP is widely recognized as a leading firm in the field of international trade law and policy in Geneva. Our office is one of the world’s largest and most active practices in the law of the World Trade Organization (WTO), working closely with other White & Case offices across the globe to provide a range of services designed to match the scope of global trade regulation and to answer the needs of our clients, whenever and wherever they arise.

Members of our International Trade team have the chance to work on complex multijurisdictional trade- and customs-related projects, helping private and sovereign clients manage risks and maximize opportunities associated with the increasing regulation of international trade in goods and services. Lawyers who join our team in Switzerland find themselves part of an open collegial culture where innovation, teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit are valued, senior lawyers are generous with their knowledge and new associates are encouraged to be forthright with their questions.

We maintain a positive and friendly work environment, which eases the demands of working for a leading global law firm. Our employees have excellent academic and professional qualifications, and all contribute to the collegial and supportive atmosphere of our office.

 

Practice areas

Practice Work in Geneva: International Trade

The location of our Swiss office enables us to closely monitor the work of various international organizations based in Geneva, including the WTO, through which the rules of the multilateral trading system are negotiated and enforced.

Our team provides advice to companies and sovereign governments on the full range of WTO disciplines, including trade remedies (anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures), technical barriers to trade, customs, investment, agriculture and intellectual property. Our lawyers also have a deep expertise on bilateral and plurilateral trade and customs issues.

Marcus Sohlberg careers

White & Case is a leader in international trade-related law, which means I'm exposed to all aspects of this highly specialized area and have gained first-class experience in a short amount of time.

Marcus Sohlberg
Counsel

Roles

We recruit for a wide variety of positions. Find out more about each one.

Highly qualified and motivated administrative staff are key to the success of our work. We offer the opportunity to work in a truly international environment, with colleagues and clients across the world. We are always interested in candidacy from qualified people to join our administrative team. Successful candidates must have the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, work effectively with others, exercise good judgment and have high ethical standards.

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We offer our associate lawyers exposure to complex and high profile international trade matters. As an associate lawyer, you will work in a team with other lawyers coming from various legal backgrounds and will be in contact with clients. We are looking for highly motivated individuals with strong academic background, fluent in English, with excellent drafting skills, strong commercial awareness, significant personal achievements and a strong commitment to the practice of law.

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We offer graduate students the possibility to gain practical experience during internships (generally for a three- to six-month period). During your internship, you will work on the Firm’s cases, assisting lawyers in their day-to-day work, carrying out research, participating in team meetings discussing strategy and other related activities.

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Applying in Switzerland

For our International Trade practice, we seek lawyers who have an excellent command of English, both written and oral, since English is the working language of the practice. Any additional languages, in particular French and Spanish as these are the two other WTO languages, are an advantage. We also prefer either a postgraduate qualification in international trade law or experience working on international trade matters.

For professional services, we are looking for talented individuals who must have the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, work effectively with others, exercise good judgment and have high ethical standards. Previous experience in an international law firm is an advantage.

Only applications sent through the career page will be reviewed. Make sure to attach your CV and cover letter to your application.

Please note that although the recruitment process may take some time, you can always expect an answer.

46.2075316, 6.1480235