Why join us
Challenging work
High-profile client projects, nuanced local market knowledge and global capabilities define who we are. As a White & Case trainee, you’ll work on challenging, sophisticated and complex cross-border matters across both the developed and fast growth markets where rules are still being made (often with our help). You’ll be an integral member of your team and have genuine responsibility early on in your career.
Working across borders
Over the past 100 years, we’ve built an unrivalled network of 44 offices in 30 countries. That investment is the foundation for White & Case’s client work in 160 countries today.
Many White & Case clients are multinational organisations with complex needs that require the involvement of multiple Firm offices. You’ll work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with colleagues across the global network on multijurisdictional matters, and experience the operational realities of cross-border law. We believe global exposure is an integral part of becoming a great lawyer, and our trainees have the chance to shape their own career progression, with a guaranteed six-month secondment in one of our overseas offices.
Commitment to growth
We’re strategically committed to substantial growth between now and 2020—in numbers of clients, revenue and profitability, and lawyer headcount. For you, the increase in our associate numbers means more opportunity for career advancement.
Download our recruitment brochure to learn more.
White & Case is a true representation of London—it is an amalgamation of different cultures and backgrounds. I never have to change who I am or what I believe in, and I have the opportunity to learn from someone different every day.
Trainee Solicitor, London
My secondment to Dubai has highlighted how truly diverse White & Case is compared to other international law firms. With over half my intake coming from international backgrounds, you really feel that the only thing that matters is your skill and attitude.
Trainee Solicitor, London
The vacation scheme was a perfectly tailored introduction to my training at White & Case, which has involved large significant global deals with client interaction and accountability directly to leading practitioners
Trainee Solicitor, London
White & Case’s reputation is built on an ability to execute tough deals in challenging places, whether at the highest levels of global corporate life, in transitioning markets or across our London-New York axis. Our full-service London team of 100 partners, 267 lawyers and 243 professional staff works at the heart of one of the world's leading financial centres and the international hub for English law.
Our key areas of work include:
- Banking, Financial Restructuring & Insolvency and Capital Markets (including Regulatory, High Yield and Securitisation)
- Dispute Resolution (including Antitrust, Commercial Litigation, Intellectual Property, International Arbitration, Trade, White Collar and Construction)
- Energy, Infrastructure, Project and Asset Finance
- Corporate (including M&A, Private Equity, Employment, Compensation and Benefits, Investment Funds, Real Estate and Tax)
We are proud of our achievements—revenue of more than US$1.5 billion, three practices rated Band 1 in Chambers Global, top ranked for diversity and pro bono programmes—but we will not rest on our laurels. Last year, we launched an ambitious five-year growth strategy that will strengthen our position as a top-of-mind firm for global clients—and an employer of choice for top talent. The London office is a key pillar in that strategy, contributing more than £290 million in revenue.
Today, we have 44 offices across 30 countries, and our clients include an exciting mix of multinationals, financial institutions, governments and state-owned entities. More than 30 percent of all our deals over the last two years involved more than three offices, and 70 percent of our lawyers are located outside the US.
Inclusion is a business imperative for us. We are naturally diverse because of the work we do, the locations we’re in and the type of people we attract. The nature of our clients’ needs requires collaboration across borders, organically driving the recruitment of those with diverse experiences and perspectives in order to provide the best solutions for our clients.
In London, we have special interest groups for our women lawyers, LGBT and BME communities. Firmwide, we support nine global affinity groups, including Asian, Black, Hispanic, Middle Eastern and LGBT.
We are proud to work with:
DiversCity is a unique recruitment event and mentoring programme aimed at raising awareness of pursuing a legal career in London among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students at the degree and postgraduate level. White & Case has been involved in the DiversCity initiative since 2016.
DiversCity events take place in London, and travel expenses will be reimbursed. If you are interested in attending the event or would like to know more about the initiative, please visit diverscityinlaw.net or find us on social media at facebook.com/DiversCityInLaw or twitter.com/DiversCityinLaw.
Event date
- Monday 26 November 2018
Through our Global Citizenship Initiative, you can feel proud of being part of a Firm that takes its responsibilities as a global citizen seriously and, by leveraging our unique global footprint and ability to collaborate across borders, does work that makes a tangible difference on a wide range of social and environmental issues.
As a trainee in London, you will have unparalleled opportunities to do cutting-edge pro bono work on the issues that matter most to you—both locally and cross-border, with many of the world’s leading NGOs. The Firm expects every lawyer to work a minimum of 20 pro bono hours each year.
Many of our team building activities have a charitable or volunteer focus. In London, we support our Charity Partner KIDS, which is a leading children’s disability charity, through focused fundraising, volunteering and pro bono assistance.
We invite you to read more in our Global Citizenship Review.
Our Equal Opportunity Policy promotes equality at work and ensures no one suffers unlawful discrimination, directly or indirectly, on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, nationality, age, marital status, disability or sexual orientation. We aim to treat all employees fairly and consistently, encouraging good working relationships and high standards of conduct and work performance.
53%
of our 650 English law qualified solicitors are based in our London office
36
languages spoken in our London office
55
nationalities are represented in our London office
You’ll be part of an excellent training programme which gives you genuine responsibility early on—something many firms promise, but few deliver. You get to shape how your career develops and where. In fact, one of your first tasks will be to submit your overseas seat practice area preferences. Arbitration in New York? Corporate in Dubai? Bank Finance in Prague perhaps? We’re one of the only firms to guarantee an overseas training seat. Not as a gimmick, but because almost all our work is cross-border, so we need lawyers with international experience, outlook and contacts.
We structure our training programme to meet both your short-term career goals and long-term aspirations. So—how does it work?
You’ll work through four six-month seats, one of which will be in finance and one overseas. To gain contentious experience, you can choose a seat in dispute resolution, intellectual property or construction. Alternatively, if contentious work is not for you, you can join the Litigation Training Programme. Wherever possible, we take into account your personal preferences when finalising your seat rotation.
You’ll work alongside an experienced supervisor, whose job it is to make sure you get plenty of opportunities to expand the skills, knowledge and experience you need to develop your own career path. A high-stretch, high-support organisation, we are committed to providing ongoing support and the best on-the-job training possible. Reassuringly, the people who recruit you stay closely involved in your development throughout your period of training. They receive monthly training records and liaise directly with your supervisor about the relevance, variety and volume of work you’re doing.
Of course, some of your training will be more formal. You’ll complete both compulsory and elective modules of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s Professional Skills Course in-house, during your induction programme and period of training. We also run in-house courses, specialist seminars and workshops for trainees, which you’re encouraged to attend.
As you manage and plan your career, both during training and after qualification, you’ll have plenty of support. Our Associate Career Framework lets you know exactly what’s expected of you as an associate at each stage of your development and is supported by an unmatched global programme of training courses.
Most of our clients are multinational organisations, so almost everything you’ll work on will cover more than one jurisdiction. To help develop a taste for global thinking, we guarantee a six-month overseas seat in one of our offices across America, Europe, Asia-Pacific or the Middle East including Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Moscow, New York, Paris, Prague, Singapore, Stockholm and Tokyo.
Many trainees describe this overseas seat as ‘career changing’, as they gain valuable insight into the working practices of another jurisdiction and build professional contacts that last throughout their careers.
With five practice areas across 13 locations available, there is a lot to consider when submitting your overseas seat preferences. These considerations will be taken into account along with business needs and ensuring you have a well-rounded period of training when making the allocations. While speaking the local language should help you settle in, it’s not vital, as you’ll be predominantly working on English law matters in English. Wherever you go, we’ll fully support relocating you and remain in regular contact throughout your time there.
Here’s what you’ll receive:
- Free accommodation for six months
- Cost-of-living adjustment while you are overseas
- Free language lessons for selected overseas seats
- The same level of personal training—including a supervisor to ensure you get the most out of your time overseas
Before joining your first practice area, you will attend a bespoke three-week induction programme, designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to start your career as a trainee solicitor. Sessions include how to time-record, research skills training, how to manage your clients effectively, advocacy and communication skills, financial and business skills and IT training, to name but a few examples. There are also opportunities to socialise with your intake at events such as white water rafting and go-karting.
In your first few weeks of working, you will also be invited to the New Associate Conference in one of our European offices, run by our People Development team. Joining other trainees from offices across Europe and the Middle East, this intensive training enhances your practical experience and provides you with the business, legal and personal skills you need to succeed. It’s also a great opportunity to meet colleagues from other offices and start building a network of international contacts, an essential ingredient in both your career development and your ability to provide clients with an exemplary standard of service.
50
trainees recruited each year
86%
of trainees retained in the last 16 years
1
of the only law firms to guarantee an overseas seat
Who we're looking for
There is no such thing as a typical White & Case trainee. We’re proud to recruit people from all walks of life, from different national and cultural backgrounds, and with widely varying personalities.
Even so, there are a few special qualities we always look for.
Intelligence and academic excellence are essential. Your interest in us suggests you have the ambition, drive and determination to become a high-flying global lawyer.
Next, the way you think is crucial. You’ll enjoy the intellectual challenge of analysing how the law works and being creative, yet commercial, in how you interpret it. Your clients will come to depend on your lateral thinking, your focus on detail and your ability to resolve complex issues or structure international transactions.
You’re a team player, on whom colleagues can rely to perform tasks accurately, efficiently and on time. Integrity is vital too. Not only to maintain your clients’ and colleagues’ trust, but to uphold our reputation. In other words, your professional standards have to be beyond question.
You’ll also not be afraid of hard work, as you’ll be working for a leading global law firm where the client always comes first. You’re expected to ask questions about your work or seek feedback on your performance—that’s why we have an ‘open door’ policy. You’ll work in small, focused teams, and never be short of information about matters you’re working on or how you’re doing.
Your strength of character is probably reflected in your interests and activities outside the office. And of course, everyone appreciates a good sense of humour!
If you’re up for the challenge, then this is the place to be.
If you’re thinking seriously about a career in law, it’s vital you join a firm that 'feels right.' That’s why we run vacation schemes and open days—so you can find out if White & Case is the right fit for you (and vice versa).
The scheme, specifically designed for first-year students from any degree discipline, is to help introduce participants to the many areas of law, different types of firms and help confirm or dispel any myths associated with becoming a solicitor.
Participants will receive useful guidance on ways in which they can begin to strengthen their future applications, and have the opportunity to meet different members of the White & Case team informally over lunch and drinks. During the scheme, time is also spent work-shadowing with one of our trainees, providing insight into the day-to-day role of a trainee solicitor at White & Case.
Event date
- 15 –16 May 2019 (apply by 31 March 2019). Click here from 1 October to access our online application forms.
As a second-year student, penultimate year student, finalist or graduate from any degree discipline, you can apply to attend one of our open days. The purpose of our open days is to provide participants with a useful insight into White & Case and the training we offer. During our open days, there will be an introduction to our business and an opportunity to hear about the role of a trainee from some of our current intake.
Participants will be able to chat with members of the White & Case team over lunch before receiving practical tips on applications and interviews, and having the opportunity to put their decision-making skills to the test in an interactive game. The day will finish with a further opportunity to speak with various people about life at White & Case over drinks.
Event dates
- 14 November 2018 (apply by 4 November 2018). Click here from 1 October to access our online application forms.
- 28 November 2018 (apply by 16 November 2018). Click here from 1 October to access our online application forms.
A two-week vacation scheme is a great way to experience first-hand what life is like as a White & Case trainee. In total, we have around 70 places available over our winter, spring and summer placements.
Playing an active part in the life and work of the London office, you will share an office with your supervisor, helping them with their work, and attending conference calls and meetings. There will be opportunities to learn more about White & Case and its practice areas in more detail, understand the training programme we offer and attend a variety of presentations.
There will also be a group exercise and a research-based task to complete. Throughout the scheme, you’ll receive continued support and feedback from your supervisor and the Graduate Resourcing team.
The social side of office life is important, too, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to network at social events, such as sushi-making classes, indoor crazy golf and go-karting.
During our vacation schemes, you will be assessed in many different ways including your departmental work, a business-simulation group exercise, a research and drafting task and an interview with two partners involving a presentation element.
Event dates
- Winter (for finalist and graduates): 10-21 December 2018 (apply by 6 November 2018). Click here from 1 October to access our online application forms.
- Spring (for penultimate year students, finalists and graduates): 1-12 April 2019 (apply by 15 January 2019). Click here from 1 October to access our online application forms.
- Summer (for penultimate year students, finalists and graduates): 17-28 June 2019 (apply by 15 January 2019). Click here from 1 October to access our online application forms.
We understand that it is not possible for all applicants to complete a vacation scheme. If you apply directly for a training contract, and are successful at the video interview, you will be invited to an assessment day in August or September. The day will closely mirror the assessment used on our vacation schemes, including a drafting exercise, a business-simulation group exercise, and an interview with a senior associate and a member of the Graduate Resourcing team. Successful applicants will be invited back after the assessment centre for an interview with two partners involving a presentation element.
To apply for a first-year two-day insight scheme, open day, vacation scheme or training contract, you will need to complete an online application form (applications open 1 October).
To secure a training contract, you can either apply for a vacation scheme or directly for an assessment centre. Shortlisted applicants will need to successfully complete an online video interview and a face-to-face interview to secure a place on either.
Applications for vacation schemes are reviewed on a rolling basis, and direct applications for training contracts are reviewed after the deadline.
The application process opens on 1 October 2018. Click here from 1 October to access our online application forms.
We are currently recruiting for September 2020 and March 2021, with 50 training programme positions available.
To contact the Graduate Resourcing team, please email [email protected] or call 020 7532 2899.
Want to know who’ll be involved in your recruitment selection? Here you can put a face to the name before you meet them in an interview, on placement, or at one of our open days.
Graduate Resourcing Partners
Justin Benson
Training Principal, Asset Finance
University of Southhampton
Marcus Booth
Partner, Corporate
University of St Andrews
Gareth Eagles
Partner, Banking
University of Warwick
Inigo Esteve
Partner, Capital Markets
University of Exeter
Victoria Landsbert
Partner, Real Estate
Imperial College, London
Laura Prater
Partner, Banking
Bond University, Australia
Carina Radford
Partner, EIPAF
University of York
Dipen Sabharwal
Partner, Litigation
Magdalen College, Oxford University
Graduate Resourcing & Development Team
Christina Churchman
Graduate Resourcing & Development Manager
University of York
Charlotte Melson
Graduate Resourcing & Development Advisor
University of Leeds
Yohanna Wilson
Graduate Resourcing & Development Advisor
University of Greenwich
Anna Rowles
Graduate Resourcing & Development Assistant
University of Exeter
Natalie Bekos
Graduate Resourcing & Development Administrator
University of Leeds
How many vacation scheme applications do you receive each year?
Approximately 2,300
How much will I be paid on a vacation scheme?
You’ll receive £400 a week.
Who will I be sitting with during the vacation scheme?
During the scheme you’ll spend time working alongside an associate, helping them with their legal work. This will give you a real taste of life as a lawyer.
What work will I do during the vacation scheme?
You’ll do work similar to that of a trainee, subject to your level of legal knowledge and capabilities.
Who do I address the covering letter on my application to?
Christina Churchman, Graduate Resourcing & Development Manager
How long should the covering letter be?
The covering letter should be long enough to outline your experience but short enough to maintain the reader's interest.
What should I include in my covering letter?
The covering letter should highlight a commitment to a career in international law, a clear articulation of why you want to work at White & Case and the requisite skills or experience you have to become a successful trainee solicitor.
What years are you currently recruiting for?
September 2020 and March 2021
How many training contract applications do you get each year?
Approximately 1,500
What is the starting salary?
£46,000
How many vacancies do you have?
50
Do you provide sponsorship for law school?
Yes. We will pay the full course fees for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and the Legal Practice Course (LPC). We will provide a maintenance grant for each full-time law school year.
What practice areas offer trainee seats?
Bank Finance, Capital Markets, Construction Corporate M&A, Corporate PE, Energy, Infrastructure, Project & Asset Finance (EIPAF), Employment, Compensation & Benefits, Financial Restructuring & Insolvency (FRI), Intellectual Property, Litigation & Arbitration, Real Estate, Tax, White Collar
Can I choose which seats I do?
Yes. We’ll consider your choices when agreeing which seats you prefer.
How many trainees do you have now?
Altogether, we currently have 75.
Events
Our training is comprehensive, the work is cutting edge, career prospects are unlimited and the rewards are excellent. To find out more visit us at our events.
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You’ve worked hard to get where you are, and we expect a lot of you. But we also ensure you are well supported, have plenty of ways to engage with activities outside the office and are well rewarded for your work.
There's no rule that says you have to join in with the social side of office life, but most people do and thoroughly enjoy themselves in the process.
Being in the heart of the City and with the rest of London right on your doorstep, there’s plenty of fun to be had and experiences to enjoy and share with your colleagues, including office outings to events, theatre, galleries and wine tastings.
There’s the office Summer Party, Halloween Party, Winter Ball, Carol Concert and Charity Quiz, plus practice-focused retreats where you help set the strategy for the coming year—or race dragon boats along the Thames. We also hold a Graduate Resourcing Summer Party in a landmark venue such as Somerset House, The Barbican or ZSL London Zoo, specifically for current trainees, future trainees and vacation scheme participants.
We have office teams for most sports. Plus, each year one of our offices hosts the White & Case World Cup, in which both football and volleyball teams from around the world gather to compete. Also, let's not forget our annual client cricket match.
At White & Case, we balance high performance with great rewards. As a leading global law firm, we’re able to offer trainees a leading global remuneration package—another reason why joining White & Case as a trainee is even more appealing.
Course fees and maintenance grant
We pay your GDL and LPC course fees and provide a maintenance grant of £7,500 for each full-time law school year.
Loan
On day one of joining White & Case, we can provide you with an interest-free loan of £4,000 repayable over the course of your period of training.
Salary
We have a competitive starting salary of £46,000, increasing to £50,000 in your second year. Salaries on qualification are £105,000.
Awards
We award our trainees with a bonus for obtaining a distinction upon completion of the LPC.
Unpaid leave
You’re eligible for up to three months' unpaid leave on qualification.
Flexible benefits
We have a flexible benefits scheme, which you can tailor to suit your particular lifestyle. Currently, benefits include private medical insurance, dental insurance, life assurance, pension, critical illness cover, travel insurance, retail vouchers, gym membership, season ticket loan, Give As You Earn, skin cancer screening, cycle to work scheme, a health and wellness account of £500 and much more.
Your long-term career with us
At White & Case, we’ve invested a great deal of time and effort into creating a training contract that will equip you with the skills, experience and support you need to kick-start your career in law.
Upon qualification, we hope that trainees will stay and use their newfound expertise to help us continue developing. The number of trainees we recruit relates directly to our planned growth and the need for additional English law capability here in London and throughout our offices. Reassuringly, we are not looking to recruit corporate robots. From the very beginning, you will be welcomed for your individuality and your ability to contribute to the cutting-edge work we do. Recognition of your personal aspirations and ambitions is fundamental to the training programme.
At the end of the two years, you will have a clear view as to how you want your career to progress, and we are confident that you will see White & Case as the ideal platform to take that next step.
Your training doesn’t stop once you qualify either. Continuing personal development is at the heart of all our lawyers’ careers, supported by a career framework that clearly sets out what is expected of you as your role develops. We provide world-class training and development opportunities which help you build the skills you need to navigate complex transactions for clients around the world.
You’ll find your training with us is comprehensive and tailored and, with a guaranteed overseas seat, distinctly international. But that’s not all. Join us and you’ll be working for a leading global law firm that offers cutting-edge work, unlimited career prospects and excellent rewards.
We want enthusiastic, motivated people that we can see being a key part of the Firm in five, 10 or 15 years.
Contact us
To contact the Graduate Resourcing team, please email [email protected] or call 020 7532 2899.
White & Case LLP
5 Old Broad Street
London EC2N 1DW
United Kingdom
T +44 20 7532 2899
E [email protected]