Fern Han, White & Case

Fern Han talks about her secondment to Johannesburg – one of her trainee seats at White & Case LLP. Before starting her LPC and training contract, she graduated from the London School of Economics (LSE) with a degree in law in 2007.

Life at a global law firm

I work with a wide range of clients that have very diverse business interests across business sectors and geographical regions. In the 17 months that I have been with the firm, I have been sent to the US to help with the drafting of an expert’s report, and to South Africa for client meetings. A typical day can involve conference calls, meetings with clients, drafting research memos and even playing on the firm’s cricket team in a friendly match against the client. Working hours are approximately 9.30 am to 7.00 pm, with the inevitable late nights when work requires it. The culture is friendly and approachable, which means that although the lawyers work hard, there is always room for a drink at the pub with your colleagues on a Friday evening.

International training contracts

Take advantage of the international nature of the work to get as varied an experience as possible. I am doing my second consecutive seat in Johannesburg, which means that I’m ‘on the ground’ when international investors look to invest in African mining interests and I was also here during the World Cup. An international firm attracts an international staff: water cooler conversations are never dull.

Advice to students: speak to current trainee solicitors

Finally, each firm has a different approach to nurturing its trainees. Speak to current trainees in the firms you are targeting to get a better idea of what to expect and pair these with what you want to achieve from your training contract.