White & Case LLP - True Picture

Ready your (suit)Case: this global superstar offers a guaranteed international seat and cross-border work aplenty.

White & Case training contract review 2025

The Firm



Fancy yourself a globetrotter? As one of a select few firms to guarantee an international secondment, a training contract at White & Case will be right up your alley. With 44 offices across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia, from Frankfurt to Seoul, White & Case has well earned its place on the global stage. As training principal Victoria Landsbert emphasises, “We pride ourselves on being a truly nationwide and global firm, so we can offer trainees some of the largest and most prestigious international work.”

Historically speaking, White & Case has some of the strongest international credentials too. It was one of the first US firms to establish an overseas office – starting with Paris – and was even one of the first to set up shop in London back in the 70s. Internationalism is clearly embedded into life at the firm, as evidenced by one of our sources who commented that their first matter was spread across eleven different jurisdictions. Aspiring solicitors at White & Case are frequently able to work with their colleagues across borders, and this cross-border work sweeps up top-notch rankings in Chambers UK for capital markets, both equity and debt. White & Case also has exceptional strength nationwide in the international arbitration elements of construction, oil and gas, and infrastructure, securing another host of gold medals across these practices, and the firm also wins big in Chambers Global.

“It perfectly combines the elite work and high salary of US firms with the legacy of training in the English market.”

The cosmopolitan nature of the firm was a big point of appeal for trainees too, as one confessed, “I loved the international expertise and reach. It perfectly combines the elite work and high salary of US firms with the legacy of training in the English market.” And similarly to American firms, there’s also a slightly smaller trainee intake: “The intake size is particularly good – about 50 trainees a year. So, you know all the other trainees, but you’re not lost in the system. Because of it, you’re given a good level of work.”

The Seats



The seat allocation process has recently changed, with trainees providing a written statement and ranking each department from one to 19. The written portion gives you a chance to explain why you are interested in a certain seat and how you see your training contract progressing. This is thought to be a good opportunity to strengthen your application, although it’s not mandatory; our interviewees were pleased with the new system, which has seen 90% of trainees get one of their top three choices. “It gives the firm a broader idea of what you want to do,” said one, “it means they know what your seventh choice would be rather than your 17th.” A finance seat – such as debt finance, restructuring, capital markets, or project finance – is a compulsory element of the training contract at the firm.

“…you don’t tend to do any work without at least one other office being involved.”

The guaranteed international secondment was a massive draw for our interviewees, and it’s highly encouraged as it allows you to forge cross-office connections – especially considering one of the firm’s values is ‘united.’ When it comes time to lobby for your preferred secondment, a list of seats and locations are released, and trainees speak with graduate recruitment: “You can just tell them business reasons why you want to go, like if you’re worked with the location before, that you want to qualify into a certain team, or language reasons.” Paris was the current cohort’s most in demand destination, with around five trainees undertaking their secondment there. One hailed it as a “great opportunity to see how other offices work, which is especially beneficial at W&C, as you don’t tend to do any work without at least one other office being involved.”

Capital markets was a popular seat choice amongst our interviewees, and it’s a sizeable department with several sub-teams including structured finance, debt capital markets, and equity capital markets. That said, there is rolling training throughout all the subgroups to ensure no trainee is pigeonholed into one section. Due to the high calibre of work the department takes on, it offers trainee and associate development opportunities every few weeks, on top of a two-week induction. There are frequently multiple jurisdictions involved in any given matter, so trainees can become somewhat familiar with French, Italian and US law – and this group is also a good way to tick off your compulsory finance seat! Within work like this, newbies can expect to work on drafting offers and memorandums, helping to turn comments on those too. One interviewee told us, “Although you can’t get involved in the mechanical parts of a deal, you are very much encouraged to look at the documents and start drafting client advice. You can also lead on the due diligence side, looking through the data room and advising clients on their options of selling bonds, raising private debt, etc.” As expected, the hours can be a bit more demanding in this seat, so some of our sources reported a few all-nighters. However, one stated, “I do still finish at six or seven some days, so it varies. I’ve never worked late when someone senior isn’t.”

Another seat available to trainees is the energy, infrastructure, project and asset finance group – or EIPAF for short. This seat is “much more than your mundane tasks,” and with the department handling projects of great magnitude, insiders admitted that this seat requires a lot of hard work and long hours. Don’t stress, though: newbies are given a proper induction before getting stuck into any work. Tasks include CP checklists (a drawdown checklist which is used for cross-border and non-English loan finance transactions,) note-taking, and sitting in on calls. As one interviewee laughed, “Note-taking might sound boring, but someone needs those notes!” Another shed some light on the team, telling us, “I had such a good relationship with everyone. I never felt like I couldn’t ask them for something.” As you develop, there is also the chance to get involved in more complex work, most notably bespoke contract drafting.

The firm’s client list for international arbitration consists of some heavy hitters, and insiders reported that their main duties involve legal research, document review, and proofreading. Partners also take trainees along with them to hearings and client interviews. Be warned, though, that this seat is research heavy: “I often researched a matter for three or four hours at a time. I also did a lot of proofreading.” As time goes on, you can have a go at drafting minor claims and administrative reports, and there are “plenty of opportunities to ask questions in client meetings.”

“The responsibility has accelerated my learning and development, as out of your comfort zone is where growth happens.”

Private equity“may be a scary first seat for some people, but it is also very rewarding.” In typical W&C fashion, matters in this department will rarely involve just one jurisdiction. So, as you would expect, “there is plenty of interaction with local counsel.” This department doesn’t waste any time getting rookies in front of clients, as one told us, “I got client contact from very early on. Within my first month, I would wake up to a lot of emails from clients.” Other tasks include drafting documents of equity injections and due diligence reports, reviewing contracts, and drafting resolutions. When it comes to signing, trainees track documents and launch DocuSign envelopes. Newbies are also encouraged to partake in business development through giving presentations and attending meetings. Juniors do eventually get given their own work streams, so overall, our sources were pleased with the amount of responsibility they received. One affirmed that it “has accelerated my learning and development, as out of your comfort zone is where growth happens.”

Trainee Life



White & Case’s office is nestled comfortably in the heart of the City, right between Bank and Liverpool Street stations. Alongside a hefty (and just increased) first-year trainee salary of £62k, trainees can revel in the fact that they never need to pay for a meal again. Why? The firm provides all three meals daily, “which is a massive perk!” So much so that our sources didn’t feel the need to use their Deliveroo/Uber Eats late night meal allowance – the food in the canteen is just that good. There are even baristas working on the premises, as well as a juice and protein shake bar! Despite this tempting offering, the firm’s only mandatory in-office days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Hours, of course, vary, with several interviewees telling us that they work some late nights and weekends. This was the consensus amongst our survey respondents too who reported lower happiness with their hours than the market average. However, insiders assured us that this balances out overall, and there is no expectation to stay in the office past 6.30pm if you don’t have any work to do.

All our sources commented that the culture was another main selling point: “I think everyone from your fellow trainees, who are some of my closest friends, to partners is super approachable and willing to give you a hand.” We were also told there is a big contingent for after work drinks every Thursday, and employees even get a discount at one of the local pubs. There are plenty of other events too, some as creative as pasta-making and a three-day firmwide football cup of around 1,500 W&C’ers! Other events are diversity, equity and inclusion focused, such as a Black History Month event and cultural mixers; the firm is also involved in the Black Counsel Forum. Other events include everything from Bollywood dancing workshops, Seder table gatherings, and fai chun – Chinese calligraphy classes. White & Case also regularly host athletes, authors and actors like Lauren Ridloff, Tom Daley, and Jill Scott MBE who share personal stories and insights on identity. As one trainee put it, “I think they put their money where their mouth is when it comes to diversity.” In terms of pro bono, there are regular emails from the global pro bono team inviting everyone to participate. All trainees are required to complete 20 hours of pro bono annually, but according to insiders, this is easily achievable even before the end of your first seat. Even better, those who go above and beyond the mandatory 20 hours are bestowed a special star award! Some pro bono work trainees can get involved in includes research into immigration and asylum matters, the London Zoo, and the Cornell Death Penalty Project.

“Everyone from your fellow trainees, who are some of my closest friends, to partners is super approachable and willing to give you a hand.”

There is a formalised feedback process when it comes to supervision, but we were told that supervisors are always happy to go for a coffee and catch up. (This won’t be difficult considering the food and beverage offerings in the office!) “I have received really good feedback on my work,” nodded one newbie, “they are committed to learning and development.” The firm also has a trainee buddy system which is great for day-to-day advice, and each department offers two-week training at the start of each seat too.

Good news! Those we spoke to were keen to continue their career at the firm, and the qualification process was described as “transparent.” Early careers circulates a list of qualification seats for which trainees then submit their CVs. White & Case’s retention rate sits higher than average at around 87%, and in September 2024, the firm retained all 21 of its cohort.

Who said it’s lonely at the top?...

White & Case has several socials at rooftop bars, including one on the London Eye!

How to get a White & Case training contract



  • Vacation scheme deadlines: 13 October 2024 (Winter), 12 January 2025 (Spring and Summer)
  • First-year insight scheme deadline: 30 March 2025
  • Open days deadline: 27 October 2024
  • Training contract deadline: 13 July 2025

White & Case has several ways for prospective trainees to get to know the firm, from vacation and insight schemes to open days. Of course, if you’ve already made up your mind, then there is also the option to apply directly for the training contract.

Open days and insight schemes

White & Case holds two open days in November as well as two, two-day insight schemes in May. The former, says Early Careers Legal Recruitment and Development Manager Gemma Barns, are “for penultimate-year students, finalists and graduates from any degree discipline,” while the insight schemes are also for any degree discipline, but are aimed at first-year students only.

In both instances, those interested “are required to submit an online application form.” However, if you’re not lucky enough to attend one of these, Barns says they’re “a stand-alone opportunity” and are not part of the application process for a vacation scheme or training contract at the firm.

The vacation scheme

One route into the firm is via its three vacation schemes, which take 25 people each. Running in winter, spring and summer, each one is two weeks long and “participants sit in one practice area during the vacation scheme,” Barns explains. “This allows them to develop really strong supervisor and buddy relationships over the two weeks, and to take on more advanced work as the scheme progresses.” Barns tells us that during vacation schemes, participants can expect to do “real client work, which can include drafting memos, legal research, attending meetings and court hearings, for example.” The aim, says Barns, is to ensure that “participants get exposure to our different practice areas and members of the firm across all levels, allowing them to build their networks both professionally and personally.” If that’s sounding rather tasty, be aware that the firm gets approximately 3,000 applications, which takes the form of an online application and covering letter. From there, it’s a “video interview assessed by the graduate resourcing team” followed by “a face-to-face interview with a member of the team and one associate, plus a written assessment.”

The training contract

For those looking to score the training contract, W&C want-to-be trainees need a solid 2:1, or be on track to get one, and an AAB at A level, or equivalent. However, it’s not all about the academics and Barns tells us that “we are looking for candidates with a broad range of experiences and transferable skills that allow them to thoroughly demonstrate the competencies that we are looking for.” Rather than a one size fits all approach, Barns explains, “we actively seek out people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to join our equally diverse global teams.” To ensure the process is as inclusive as possible, Barns tells us the firm has several measures in place. “We use Rare Recruitment’s Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) which allows us to review every candidate application in context of their background,” Barns explains. Furthermore, the firm operates “blind recruitment whereby interviewers don’t receive a copy of the candidate’s application before, during or after the interview. This puts all candidates on a level footing during the interview process as the interviewers assess candidates against our set competencies.” The firm also has “one on one conversations with candidates who notify us that they have a disability or long-term health condition to understand any adjustments they require.”

White & Case receives around 1,500 applications for the training contract each year, and as with the vacation scheme, this starts off with a cover letter and online application form. For those applying directly, the firm “runs assessment centres, of approximately eight candidates” per assessment. These centres “include a written assessment, group business simulation, interview with one member of the Early Careers Legal Recruitment and Development team and one associate, and a networking lunch with current trainees,” Barns tells us. “Successful candidates are then invited to a training contract interview with two partners, including delivering a pre-prepared commercial presentation.”

Prior to the assessment centre and following the online application, applicants will do a video interview, where Barns tells us, “Candidates will answer three questions. They’ll have 15 seconds to prepare for each question and 90 seconds to answer. Before they answer the questions, they’ll have the opportunity to complete a practice question to help them feel more at ease.”

For direct applicants, there is also a 30-minute telephone interview with a member of the Early Careers Legal Recruitment and Development team, “and the questions focus on the competencies we look for in our trainee solicitors,” says Barns.

As with the vacation scheme, Barns says face-to-face interviews are an opportunity to meet the team, associates and partners. Barns says, “We want to hear about candidates’ experiences so far and why they’re interested in a career in law. We also want to know why they’re interested in joining White & Case.”

Whatever the route in, Barns is at pains to explain that “through our assessment and interview processes, we are looking for candidates who have real integrity, are driven to succeed, share our mindset and client focus, and those who are a demonstrated team player.”

The firm offers 50 training contracts each year, more than any other international firm in London.

 

White & Case LLP

5 Old Broad Street,
London,
EC2N 1DW
Website http://www.whitecase.com/

5 Old Broad Street,
London,
EC2N 1DW

5 Old Broad Street,
London,
EC2N 1DW

5 Old Broad Street,
London,
EC2N 1DW

Firm profile



White & Case is a global law firm of more than 2,500 lawyers worldwide. We’ve built an unrivalled network of 44 offices in 30 countries. That investment is the foundation for our client work in over 200 countries today. Complex client projects, nuanced local market knowledge and global capabilities define who we are. Many White & Case clients are multinational organisations with complex needs that require the involvement of multiple offices. As part of our training contract, we offer every trainee a guaranteed six-month overseas seat.  

The work



As a White & Case lawyer, you’ll work on fast-paced cutting-edge cross-border projects from the outset of your career. In London, our key areas of work include: debt finance (including regulatory compliance); financial restructuring and insolvency; capital markets (high yield and securitisation); dispute resolution (including antitrust, commercial litigation, intellectual property, international arbitration, trade, white collar and construction and engineering); energy, infrastructure, project and asset finance (EIPAF); corporate (including M&A, private equity, employment, compensation and benefits, investment funds, real estate and tax).

The training programme



White & Case is looking to recruit ambitious trainees who have a desire to gain hands-on practical experience from day one and a willingness to take charge of their own career. We value globally-minded citizens of the world who are eager to work across borders and cultures, and who are intrigued by solving problems within multiple legal systems. They should have an understanding of international commercial issues and an interest in working on big-ticket, cross-border work. We recruit both law and non-law students and owing to the nature of our work, language skills are of interest. Applicants will be welcomed for their individuality, their ability to contribute to the cutting-edge work we do and the energy with which they approach the job at hand. They should have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a solid 2:1, have a positive and friendly attitude, be enthusiastic and work well in teams.  

The training contract consists of four six-month seats, one of which is guaranteed to be spent in one of our overseas offices, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, Helsinki, Houston, Madrid, Paris, Prague, Singapore, Stockholm and Tokyo. The remaining three seats can be spent in any one of the Firm’s practice groups in London. Receiving a high level of partner and associate contact from day one, our trainees can be confident that they will receive high-quality, stimulating and rewarding work. Trainees work in small, focused teams, so their colleagues trust them to perform tasks accurately and efficiently. White & Case is a “high-stretch, high-support” workplace that celebrates individual excellence and team success. We actively encourage our trainees to take early responsibility, and there is a strong emphasis on practical training, with plenty of support and feedback. Alongside the training contract, our trainees are encouraged to get involved in all aspects of our globally-renowned pro bono programme, often working directly with clients and even managing small matters. White & Case recruits and develops trainee solicitors with the aim of retaining them on qualification.  

Discover White & Case through the eyes of our people. Read more (https://inside.whitecase.com/) about our work, our people and our offer.  

The deadline for applications is 13 July 2025.  

Vacation schemes



So you want to be a City lawyer? Taking part in one of our three annual vacation schemes is the best possible way to experience what our lawyers do every day. Try out real client work and see if our Firm is the right fit for you.  

We recruit the majority of our London trainees (on average 80 percent) from our vacation schemes, with 25 participants in each intake. There’s no limit on how many training contracts we offer per scheme, so you won’t be in competition with your peers. 

Wherever your career takes you, we guarantee that you’ll build skills and experience that will last:

• Do real client work: draft memorandums; write client alerts; research areas of the law; attend meetings or court hearings, for example
• Learn about different practice areas and deepen your knowledge of the law
• ‘Ask Me Anything’ Q&A session with partners and associates
• Attend social events, including supervisor and buddy lunches, and fun activities such as sushi making
• Build your networks, both professionally and personally
• Receive feedback and advice on your work and performance
• As part of your training contract interview, you’ll have the opportunity to prepare a presentation on a commercial topic

Our vacation schemes run on the following dates:

Winter (for finalists and graduates)
Our Winter scheme runs from Monday 2 December to Friday 13 December 2024 and the deadline to apply is 13 October 2024.

Spring (for penultimate-year students, finalists and graduates)
Our Spring scheme runs from Monday 31 March to Friday 11 April 2025 and the deadline to apply is 12 January 2025.

Summer (for penultimate-year students, finalists and graduates)
Our Summer scheme runs from Monday 23 June to Friday 4 July 2025 and the deadline to apply is 12 January 2025. 

Open days



If you’re curious about working as a City lawyer, our London office open days are a great place to find out more. You’ll learn more about White & Case, and meet our current trainees, associates and partners.

• Learn about City law
• Network with the White & Case team over lunch
• Get practical tips on how to do well in your applications and interviews
• Put your decision-making skills to the test in an interactive business game
• Speak to trainees, associates and partners about their work and our Firm

Our open days run on 14 and 21 November 2024 and the deadline to apply is 27 October 2024. 

First-year two-day insight scheme



Attend one of our two-day insight schemes to understand more about what City law firms do and about different areas of the law. Discover what lawyers really do and see if this is a career that matches your interests and ambitions.

• Learn about White & Case
• Find out how we compare to other law firms
• Shadow one of our trainees
• Understand the day-to-day role of a trainee
• Enhance your future applications
• Meet White & Case trainees, associates and partners
• Attend networking events

Our two-day insight schemes run from 7 to 8 May and 14 to 15 May 2025 and the deadline to apply is 30 March 2025.  

White & Case Virtual Learning Programme



Our virtual learning programme offers the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into life as a White & Case trainee and experience the realities of cross-border law.

There is no cost to access the programme; it is self-paced to fit around your schedule, and no application form or legal knowledge is required. You'll gain insight into the fast-paced cutting-edge projects our lawyers and trainees work on, and gain valuable skills by undertaking true-to-life legal tasks. Participation in the learning programme will be recognised on our application forms, and it is a great way to demonstrate your interest in law and White & Case.

Wherever you are based, we want to give everyone the opportunity to get to know us.

If you're globally minded and ambitious, join our virtual learning programme here.

How to apply & deadlines



Apply online at whitecasetrainee.com

Social media



Twitter account: @WhiteCase
Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/whitecase?fref=ts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/white-&-case/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/whitecaseglobal
Video Content: https://www.youtube.com/user/whitecaseglobal
Instagram: @WhiteCase

This Firm's Rankings in
UK Guide, 2024

Ranked Departments

    • Banking & Finance: Borrowers: Big-Ticket (Band 2)
    • Banking & Finance: Lenders: Big-Ticket (Band 2)
    • Banking & Finance: Sponsors (Band 3)
    • Commercial and Corporate Litigation (Band 3)
    • Competition Law (Band 6)
    • Construction: Contentious (Band 2)
    • Construction: Non-contentious (Band 3)
    • Corporate/M&A: £800 million and above (Band 5)
    • Financial Crime: Corporates (Band 4)
    • Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 2)
    • Asset Finance: Aviation Finance (Band 3)
    • Banking Litigation (Band 4)
    • Capital Markets: CLOs (Band 2)
    • Capital Markets: Debt (Band 1)
    • Capital Markets: Equity (Band 1)
    • Capital Markets: High-Yield Products (Band 4)
    • Capital Markets: Securitisation (Band 4)
    • Capital Markets: Structured Products (Band 3)
    • Commodities: Trade Finance (Band 2)
    • Construction: International Arbitration (Band 1)
    • Data Protection & Information Law (Band 4)
    • Energy & Natural Resources: Mining: International (Band 2)
    • Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas (Band 1)
    • Energy & Natural Resources: Power (Band 4)
    • Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory (Band 4)
    • Infrastructure (Band 1)
    • International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration (Band 2)
    • International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration (Band 2)
    • Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above (Band 4)
    • Projects (Band 1)
    • Projects: PFI/PPP (Band 4)
    • Real Estate Finance (Band 5)