Meet Kate

Why did you decide on a career in law?

I've always been drawn to problems that combine analytical rigour with real commercial stakes, and law seemed like the natural place to apply that. When I was researching career options, I found myself genuinely intrigued by how lawyers translate complex, high-pressure situations into clear, practical solutions for clients. That combination of intellectual challenge, an advisory aspect, and tangible impact is what convinced me a career in law, rather than something more abstract or simply numerical, was the right fit for me.

When did you join White & Case and what inspired you to apply?

I joined White & Case in February 2026, and I've just finished my first seat in Energy, Infrastructure, Project & Asset Finance (EIPAF), moving into my second seat in Corporate M&A next. I was drawn to the Firm because of its outstanding reputation, the breadth of its practice, and everything I'd heard about the culture from a White & Case dinner I attended whilst at University - and my winter vacation scheme confirmed it. I was inspired by the calibre of work the associates and partners were doing for genuinely impressive clients, and just as importantly, I felt welcomed by everyone on the team I sat with. White & Case works on genuinely global matters, has an outstanding client base, and is a market leader across a number of sectors, but it was that friendly, supportive culture that made me think, “I could actually see myself enjoying working here every day.” What sealed it, though, was the cross-border nature of almost every transaction the Firm handles, combined with being one of the only firms to guarantee an overseas seat.

What does a typical work day look like?

During my first seat, I have had the opportunity to assist with a range of tasks, from helping draft agreements and reviewing and amending corporate documentation, to supporting the closing processes on numerous deals. A common thread throughout has been liaising continuously with clients, counterparties and local counsel to help progress each stage of a transaction. And, of course, sampling more than a few fabulous coffees and matchas from the free barista bar in our canteen, Broad Street Kitchen! Ultimately, no two days are the same as a trainee but it is the variety of tasks which is what makes the day-to-day so intellectually stimulating.

What are your working hours like? 

Honestly, it varies quite a bit, and ultimately comes down to deal timelines - gearing up to a signing or closing will naturally mean longer hours, but it really is a case of peaks and troughs rather than being relentless. For transparency, you do spend a fair amount of time in the office, particularly during those busier periods. That said, the genuinely supportive and positive atmosphere at every level of seniority makes a real difference, and hard work is always appreciated and acknowledged, which goes a long way. Annual leave is also very much protected, so when you do take time off, it's respected as proper time to switch off.

What is the single most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. It sounds simple, but it took me a little while to fully believe it - everyone at every level of the Firm, from trainees to partners, started exactly where I am now, and they all had to ask the exact same “obvious” questions at some point. Once that clicked, it completely changed how I approached my seat. Asking questions early doesn't just save time; it shows that you're engaged and want to get things right, rather than guessing and hoping for the best. If anything, the people I've learned the most from have been the ones who were most generous in answering even the smallest queries, which says a lot about the culture here.

What are your top tips for someone applying to White & Case?

Do your research on the Firm's clients and the industries it works in - it makes a real difference at interview stage. I'd also say make the most of university events; that's exactly how I first learned more about the Firm, by speaking directly to people who worked there at a White & Case dinner which was hosted in my University city. There's only so much you can get from a website, so take every chance to ask questions and hear what the work is actually like day to day.

What's the best piece of work you've been involved in?

Helping to draft a shareholders' agreement has to be up there. Seeing my own drafting and suggested provisions actually being discussed on a call with the client, rather than just filed away, was a real “this is why I wanted to do this job” moment. It's one thing to draft something in isolation, but hearing it debated and refined in real time really brought home how much of a difference the details make. When we finally signed, we had bound copies printed, and I'll admit, slightly embarrassingly, mine is still sitting proudly on my desk!

Are you involved with any of White & Case’ affinity networks?

I am a part of the ALLiance Women’s Affinity Network which actually has it’s own bookclub. They recently had Harriet Tyce (former barrister) as a speaker to talk about her new book.

What makes White & Case a great place to work?

Something I've genuinely valued during my first seat is being trusted with real responsibility from early on. Across several transactions, I played an active part in coordinating with clients and other parties to keep things moving forward. Beyond the substance of the work itself, though, if I had to name one thing that sets White & Case apart, it would be its people. Working alongside colleagues who are supportive, understanding and easy to approach, particularly those senior to you, makes an enormous difference in a demanding environment. That kind of atmosphere turns even the toughest stretches into something manageable, and makes it easier to feel that your contribution actually matters. I've built genuine relationships with trainees, associates and partners across the Firm, all of whom seem invested in fostering a culture that recognises hard work and values individuality. That alone has made coming into work something I look forward to. Combine that with the complexity and global reach of the deals we work on, and it's easy to see why I've found White & Case such a rewarding and inspiring place to work.

What do you enjoy about being a trainee solicitor and what are the challenges?

One of the biggest challenges is learning to juggle several deals at once, all with competing demands and deadlines, while also doing something new for what can feel like the first time, every single day. It's a genuine learning curve, but you're never left to figure it out alone. Trainees sit with a supervisor who provides excellent, timely and experienced guidance and encouragement whenever you need it. On top of that, I've been lucky to have a fantastic support network in my trainee cohort, as well as trainees from other intakes. We lean on each other a lot, because more often than not, someone else has recently been through exactly what you're experiencing and can tell you it's completely normal.

As for what I enjoy, it's actually that same variety and challenge that makes the role exciting rather than overwhelming. No two days look the same, and the steady stream of new experiences means you're constantly building skills and confidence, even in the moments that feel difficult at the time.

What do you think are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?

For me, it comes down to three things: attention to detail, resilience, and communication skills. Attention to detail is non-negotiable, given how much of the work involves precision, whether that's drafting, reviewing documentation, or checking figures. Resilience matters just as much, particularly as a trainee, because you're constantly being asked to learn new things quickly and adapt, and being willing to embrace that rather than shy away from it makes a real difference. Then there's communication, which I'd say goes beyond just being a good team player, although that's obviously important too. It also means being comfortable picking up the phone to clients, opposing counsel, or local counsel, and being able to explain things clearly and confidently, even when the subject matter is complex.

What advice can you give to other aspiring solicitors?

I'd say focus on building your commercial awareness early and keep it up consistently, rather than cramming it in right before applications or interviews. Read around the industries clients work in, follow major deals in the news, and try to understand not just what happened, but why it matters commercially. It genuinely makes a difference when it comes to interviews, but it also just makes the job itself easier to grasp once you start. Alongside that, make the most of every opportunity to network, whether that's university events, open days, or simply reaching out to people who are already in the profession. Speaking directly to trainees and solicitors gave me a much clearer, more honest picture of what the work is actually like than anything I read online, and it's often those conversations that end up shaping which firms you decide to apply to in the first place.