White & Case LLP |

How you secured your TC and why you chose White & Case

I secured my training contract by applying directly through the Firm’s training contract application process. Although I did not follow the traditional route of first completing a vacation scheme at the Firm, White & Case stood out during my research and networking with numerous law firms due to their reputation, the breadth of their portfolio and feedback about the workplace culture. The Firm engages in work across the globe, with a very strong client base and has become a market-leader in various sectors. The cross-border nature of almost every transaction the Firm is involved with and the fact that the Firm also guarantees the opportunity to work overseas during the final seat of your training contract, was a huge selling point for me.

Typical activities and key responsibilities of your role as a trainee at White & Case

During my first seat in Asset Finance, I had the opportunity to assist with various tasks such as helping draft agreements, reviewing and amending corporate documentation and supporting the closing processes of numerous deals. An overarching theme throughout the seat was my role to continuously liaise with clients, counterparties and local counsels throughout, in order to progress each stage of a transaction.

What training have you received during your TC

In addition to ‘learning on the job’, we have received a variety of both external and internal training to assist with our development. Throughout the training contract, the Firm has organised numerous sessions from external bodies, which include information on a range of commercial topics to keep up to date with the legal sector and business affairs. This is in addition to skills-based sessions such as drafting and presenting, all of which are fundamental to a solicitor’s role, whether face to face, by conference calls or by distance learning.

Trainees are also provided internal training within their current practice area, both at the start of and throughout their seat. These sessions provide vital background and allow experienced staff to coach and mentor, which for a trainee working in a new department is increasingly beneficial to refer back to when starting a new task or if you are unsure on a particular issue.

Your work highlights so far

My main work highlight of the training contract so far would be when my team and I closed the first deal that I was involved in. There were many complexities and setbacks during this transaction, which were often difficult and challenging to overcome. Finally seeing this deal through, with a successful closing, was a huge achievement.

In addition to the challenging and engaging work, the Firm ensures that regular social events and gatherings are organised to create and develop team morale, collaboration and reward employees for their hard work. Attending these socials provides a release from the office and an opportunity to network with different individuals across the Firm, which is another highlight of being part of the team here (with a personal favourite being Go-Karting at Canary Wharf!).

What you enjoy the most about your job so far

I have enjoyed the high level of responsibility I was allowed to take on throughout my first seat. On numerous transactions, I was able to help the liaison with clients and other parties to progress the transaction. In particular, due to the cross-border nature of the work at White & Case, this involved liaising with numerous local counsels across Europe and Asia, which was challenging but rewarding and developmental.

What challenges you have faced and how you have overcome any difficult situations, including any support that may have been provided

The biggest challenge I have had to face so far, was simultaneously working on numerous transactions, across different time zones and languages, all of which were scheduled to close within days of each other. However, I was able to overcome this difficult period with support of the team and by planning and hard work. Trainees sit with their supervisor and they provide excellent, timely and experienced guidance and encouragement. Similarly, many departments have a Professional Support Lawyer, whose role includes assisting trainees and other lawyers through challenging periods and helping find useful resources to aid with any task. This internal support is essential in helping navigate busy work schedules.

Why you like working for White & Case and your favourite work perk

In addition to the engrossing and complex work, the people here are the heart of the Firm. Having supportive, empathetic, and approachable colleagues, especially those more senior to you, is vital in a challenging workplace. This encouraging environment makes coming to work enjoyable and helps feel that you are making a difference, even during the difficult periods.

My favourite work perk would be the remote working allowance, which helps us to purchase office supplies for working from home one or two days a week. This approach allows trainees to make the most of the agile working policy, but still ensures productiveness and focus by granting access to necessary equipment (for example, given the type of work we do, being able to purchase multiple monitors, headphones and even a desk is invaluable!).

How you secured your TC and why you chose White & Case

I applied for an internship in the Milan office, which gave me insight into how the Firm operated, the international scale of the work, and the people it attracted. I applied for the training contract off the back of this internship, which straddled the period when we all started working from home during the pandemic. The seamless transition to online working at a time when this was not the norm, combined with the support that I received from my mentors in the office, convinced me this was the Firm I wanted to train at. Alongside the guaranteed overseas seat for all London trainees, the main attraction for me was the supportive and brilliant colleagues I met during my internship.

Typical activities and key responsibilities of your role as a trainee at White & Case

During my first seat in Debt Capital Markets, my main tasks involved working with precedents and preparing first drafts of transaction documents, as well as researching previous issuances of specific bonds, such as sustainability-linked bonds. As a trainee, you are also heavily involved in managing workstreams and liaising with other teams to receive or provide comments to transaction documents. At White & Case you are given a high level of responsibility early on, and an opportunity to show proactivity and take ownership of your work.

What training have you received during your TC

The firm provides a two-week induction organised by the Graduate Development team when you start your TC. These two weeks are spent doing essential training and transitioning into working life. This includes Professional Skills Courses (PSCs) covering the basics of how the City works, as well as the basics of financial and commercial transactions (such as accounting principles, parties involved, and investments). The induction also provides training on some key tools that you will use in the job, for instance the internal document management platform, time recording software, and the Microsoft Office tools.

At the end of the two weeks, each trainee has an additional week or so of seat specific induction (the exact length of time depending on the department to which the trainee is assigned). In Capital Markets, department training entailed learning the main features of debt and equity capital markets, derivatives, and structured finance, as well as training sessions on specific software or IT platforms which are predominantly used by the group.

As a trainee, you are also expected to attend “Lunch & Learn” sessions, which happen approximately every three weeks. These provide ongoing training to new trainees and are designed to help settle you into your training contract. There are also firm-wide Learning and Development Sessions, which can provide training on a wide variety of topical matters, such as sanctions and UK/EU legal services bans, or general discussions on practice areas or industry groups.

Finally, as a trainee you are also expected to take responsibility for your own professional development. This can be achieved by attending recordings of previous training sessions on the Learning and Development portal, or getting involved in researching and submitting current updates which would be of interest to your department.

Your work highlights so far

The main highlight of my training contract so far has been the chance to travel abroad to a client’s headquarters. This involved two days of meetings with various representatives from the client’s business and legal teams, and was an excellent opportunity to be fully immersed in a transaction and be a part of the negotiations and discussions which are then translated into an Offering Memorandum. Our team also included attorneys from other White & Case offices, which meant I was able to see first-hand how the firm’s network of professionals works seamlessly across the globe on big-ticket deals.

What you enjoy the most about your job so far

The most enjoyable element of my training contract so far has been the level of responsibility we are given as trainees, which encourages you to take ownership of your work. This may appear daunting initially, but you quickly realise that associates and partners are available and happy to provide clarifications on a task. The fast-paced environment means you are working on many different tasks and can learn quickly, and it is truly satisfying to see your team come to rely on you and your work.

What challenges you have faced and how you have overcome any difficult situations, including any support that may have been provided

Embarking on a training contract can present challenges, especially when operating in a fast-paced environment such as White & Case. Luckily, my trainee cohort, as well as the cohorts from other intakes, have been a great support network. We rely on each other, as often other trainees will have recently gone through what you are experiencing. We also have a “trainee buddy” system at White & Case: first seat trainees are allocated a trainee buddy to act as a helpful point of contact. Each department will then have its own “buddy” system whereby you are put in touch with a junior associate in your team, to be able to raise any issues or concerns or simply to have catch-ups over coffee. In addition to this, each trainee will have a supervisor who is not only a point of contact for professional concerns, but can become a mentor in other aspects of your training as well. The Firm places a great deal of attention on ensuring there is a wide support network in place. This means I know who to go to whenever I encounter any issues.

Why you like working for White & Case and your favourite work perk

I have loved the international aspect of almost all of the deals I have worked on. I have been involved in big-ticket transactions in both Capital Markets and Private Equity and have greatly enjoyed being mentored by leading lawyers in these fields. Besides the quality of my work, the key thing that drew me to White & Case was the supportive network that I experienced during my internship, and I am happy to say that this appeal of the Firm has been borne out during my training contract. My favourite work perk is definitely the free barista coffee bar we have in our canteen, Broad Street Kitchen!

How you secured your TC and why you chose White & Case

I was offered my TC after completing the White & Case Vacation Scheme. I was interested in the Firm’s high profile and complex deals across multiple jurisdictions and the opportunity to work with international clients and lawyers. One of the most appealing elements of the White & Case TC is the guaranteed overseas seat. In particular, I was attracted to the Firm’s market-leading work in the renewable energy and infrastructure sector.

Typical activities and key responsibilities of your role as a trainee at White & Case

During my first seat in International Arbitration/ ESG Advisory, I worked in a small team to produce memorandums for clients ranging from corporate to government entities on improving their carbon emission reduction policies and projects. Considering the rapidly growing and evolving ESG landscape, the research that I undertook as a trainee was often very complex and technical, yet highly engaging. I was encouraged to draft sections of the legal memorandums and highlight potential risks associated with certain carbon credit projects, or provide solutions to particular problems the client was facing with regard to their current carbon credit schemes.

What training have you received during your TC

The first two weeks of the TC was an induction where we were introduced to the White & Case London executive committee, provided software training, and shown how to use the Firm’s document management systems and legal technology platforms. As I was sat with International Arbitration, I then attended a week of disputes training on privilege, enforcement of arbitral awards, disclosure costs, settlements, introduction to mediation, disputes funding and witness statements. We also attended a rolling training programme where we were introduced to specific trainee tasks such as filings, drafting witness statements and making court applications. I found this really helpful before undertaking some of these tasks during my seat.

Your work highlights so far

Some of the most exciting work I was a part of involved advising a government entity on setting up its own Voluntary Carbon Credit Market (VCM). This was a large-scale project which involved research into various jurisdictions and current global VCM Standards. Building a regulatory system from scratch was interesting as it involved thinking about technical legal questions such as defining the legal nature of a carbon credit and the ownership/ fungibility rights attached to it. This was the type of innovative and forward-thinking client work that I wanted to be involved in when applying to the Firm.

What you enjoy the most about your job so far

As well as working on a variety of interesting work streams, I have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with lawyers from a variety of different backgrounds at the Firm. Especially when working late nights, it is important to work with friendly and supportive people. This certainly makes the team-work element of the job really enjoyable.

What challenges you have faced and how you have overcome any difficult situations, including any support that may have been provided

I have just started my new seat in Debt Finance. I initially found it challenging to understand the new jargon and complicated security structures for some of my deals. Despite the fast-paced nature of finance deals, the team have been incredibly supportive in taking the time to explain and answer all of my questions. The team have further set up a weekly Trainee Workshop to focus on practical points and issues that we encounter as we get more familiar with the work and typical trainee tasks.

Why you like working for White & Case and your favourite work perk

The relationships I have developed with the people at White & Case has majorly contributed to my enjoyment at the Firm. The trainees in my cohort are very supportive which creates a positive work environment. The associates and partners are approachable and are invested in helping you to form and shape your own career path. My favourite work perk is the free food at BSK for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Not only is it really convenient, but also a great place to socialise and catch-up with your friends.

• How you secured your TC and why you chose W&C:

I attended the firm’s Winter Vacation Scheme and was subsequently offered a Training Contract. One of the main attraction points of the firm was its guaranteed overseas seat and the opportunity to work on cross-jurisdictional matters from the outset of my legal career. The exposure to big ticket deals with a cross border element encourages trainees to take early responsibility. Coupled with this, White & Case has positioned itself as a market leader in a range of practice areas including its work with developing markets. Finally, I felt the culture of the Firm encouraged proactivity.

• Typical activities and key responsibilities of your role as a trainee at W&C

During my first seat in Commercial Litigation, I had the opportunity to attend a virtual hearing in the Netherlands and joined calls with our counsel team and client. This provided an invaluable experience to understand how the team communicates with the client to tailor case strategy. I would regularly help the team with filings, when court deadlines approached, and this provided the chance to take ownership over the document and ensure proofreading and cite-checking were carried out to the highest level of accuracy.

• What training have you received during your TC

I attended a three-week induction which provided software training to understand the Firm’s document management systems and legal technology platforms. This proved useful during my training contract and helped us appreciate from an early stage the importance of incorporating technology to provide for more efficient work processes. Trainees sat in the disputes departments also attend a rolling training programme where we gain department specific training on privilege, enforcement of arbitral awards, disclosure, costs, settlements, introduction to mediation, disputes funding and witness statements. This provided a useful platform upon which I could add practical experience gained from the duration of my seat.

• Your work highlights so far

The main highlight of my training contract to date has been the opportunity to attend the hand down of a judgment. It was insightful to sit with the internal White & Case team and attend strategy calls with our barristers on how to formulate next steps pending the outcome of the judgment. Post receipt of the judgment, I also attended a call with the client. This was useful in understanding how the team internalises and responds to the client’s needs.

• What you enjoy the most about your job so far

I have enjoyed the pace of work during my training contract and the ability to be proactive and take initiative. Teams at White & Case give trainees the opportunity to take on responsibility and in turn this creates a sense of accomplishment and ownership over the work product.

• What challenges you have faced and how you have overcome any difficult situations, including support that may have been provided

Starting a new job can be challenging when faced with new processes and concepts. I have found the trainee cohort to be a great sense of support and comfort in navigating these difficulties. We also have a ‘trainee buddy’ system at White & Case, where as first seat trainees we are allocated a trainee buddy as an incredibly helpful point of contact throughout the Firm. The White & Case offices are set up in such a way that a trainee is usually sat with an associate or partner and this has provided an atmosphere where trainees can learn and develop under the guidance of experienced members of the team.

• Why you like working for W&C and your favourite work perk

The people at White & Case are one of the Firm’s main selling points. I have developed relationships with associates, trainees and partners throughout the Firm who are all invested in creating an environment that celebrates hard work and individualism. This has made coming to work incredibly enjoyable. Paired with the complexity of deals and the international nature of the work that White & Case carries out, I have found the Firm a wonderful place to grow and develop as a young adult. My favourite work perk would be the annual £500 Wellness Account which is provided to employees, by which we can enjoy massages and manicures after a long day at work!

I applied to White & Case whilst working at Kobre and Kim where I travelled across multiple jurisdictions assisting in the firm’s service as independent examiner for the U.S. Department of Justice. I developed an interest in complex cross-border work. After researching White & Case, I was struck by the firm’s extensive global reach, interesting cross-border work and guaranteed overseas seat. I could also see that the Firm was looking for trainees who understand international commercial issues and are eager to work internationally and solve problems within different legal systems. Having worked in multiple international law firms and governmental bodies, I wanted to work for a firm that was truly global. I applied directly for a training contract. Since joining the firm, I have not worked on any transactions where the parties are solely British!

In terms of my role as a trainee, so far, I have reviewed and amended legal opinions, offering memorandums, closing memorandums, security documents, global notes and other transaction documents on various bank/bond transactions. I have also been responsible for general matter management and uploading deal documents to our archives. I prepared a legal memorandum with respect to Clearing System operational restrictions on sanctioned Russian entities and English law liability standards. Before each task, my supervisor dedicates as much time as necessary to ensure that he carefully explains the relevant legal and commercial issues I need to consider.

Since joining the Firm, I have received a wide range of training. Before my first seat, the Firm offered extensive training on dealing with personal and professional challenges. These courses have been incredibly useful. At the beginning of every seat, trainees receive department specific training. This training is usually for one week. Throughout my seat, I have also been provided with extensive in-house training courses and materials to help me get up to speed with important legal issues. These training courses are usually recorded and available for us to revisit. The Firm ensures that trainees have all that they need to become the best lawyers that they can.

When I started my training contract, I often doubted the quality of my work and was mindful of asking questions. I quickly learnt that the firm has an ‘open door’ policy whereby partners, associates and professional support lawyers are always willing to help and support trainees. My supervisor regularly provides feedback on my performance. This has allowed me to recognise how well I am doing and the value I have been adding to each transaction.

One of the best things about working at White & Case is the people. I get to work on high profile cross-border projects in a firm that is diverse, inclusive and welcoming. The lawyers at White & Case are very knowledgeable and they are always willing to dedicate time to help and support me. There is no hierarchy in the Firm; all associates and partners are approachable. The Firm also offers many great benefits. My favourite perk is the annual £500 wellness voucher, which I can use for gym memberships, exercise equipment, active wear and even theatre tickets!