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There’s no such thing as a typical White & Case lawyer. Between us, we speak 87 languages and represent 110 nationalities. We value our diversity and the different perspectives that everyone brings. What we all have in common is that we operate as one team; mutually supportive, always curious and driven to do our best for our clients.
Over the last century—including more than 50 years in London—our lawyers around the world have been true legal pioneers. That’s reflected in the work we have done, the speed at which we have opened offices in new markets or the laws that we have helped craft. So it’s no wonder that pioneering is one of our values today. Yet our success, and our distinctive culture, is shaped just as much by our other two
values: united and human. It’s this powerful combination that drives our success and sets us apart.
Start your career with us and you’ll get to experience our values in action as you become a globally minded, well-rounded lawyer. Expect exceptional career development and support, challenging work and the chance to build relationships that will last a lifetime.
Join us in our London office for an open day, insight scheme or vacation scheme and see for yourself what it really means to be part of a White & Case team. I warmly encourage you to explore every chance to get to know our Firm, experience our culture and see how you can make your mark with us.
There’s no such thing as a typical White & Case lawyer. Between us, we speak 87 languages and represent 110 nationalities. We value our diversity and the different perspectives that everyone brings. What we all have in common is that we operate as one team; mutually supportive, always curious and driven to do our best for our clients.
Over the last century—including more than 50 years in London—our lawyers around the world have been true legal pioneers. That’s reflected in the work we have done, the speed at which we have opened offices in new markets or the laws that we have helped craft. So it’s no wonder that pioneering is one of our values today. Yet our success, and our distinctive culture, is shaped just as much by our other two values: united and human. It’s this powerful combination that drives our success and sets us apart.
Start your career with us and you’ll get to experience our values in action as you become a globally minded, well-rounded lawyer. Expect exceptional career development and support, challenging work and the chance to build relationships that will last a lifetime.
Join us in our London office for an open day, insight scheme or vacation scheme and see for yourself what it really means to be part of a White & Case team. I warmly encourage you to explore every chance to get to know our Firm, experience our culture and see how you can make your mark with us.
If you want to work on high-profile projects as part of a diverse, global team, you’re one of us. We know that it’s important to find a firm that feels like a great fit, so we encourage you to find out more about what it’s like to work as a City lawyer at White & Case.
If you’re interested in a career in the law but want to know more, our virtual learning programme will give you an insight into what lawyers actually do, or you can attend one of our London office open days.
First-year students exploring their options can apply for our two-day insight schemes, where you’ll shadow a trainee and learn more about our Firm and our work.
Our two-week vacation schemes are for students or graduates who want a real insight into life as a White & Case trainee. You’ll learn about different practice areas, do real client work, and meet many of our trainees, associates and partners.
If you want to work on high-profile projects as part of a diverse, global team, you’re one of us. We know that it’s important to find a firm that feels like a great fit, so we encourage you to find out more about what it’s like to work as a City lawyer at White & Case.
If you’re interested in a career in the law but want to know more, our virtual learning programme will give you an insight into what lawyers actually do, or you can attend one of our London office open days.
First-year students exploring their options can apply for our two-day insight schemes, where you’ll shadow a trainee and learn more about our Firm and our work.
Our two-week vacation schemes are for students or graduates who want a real insight into life as a White & Case trainee. You’ll learn about different practice areas, do real client work, and meet many of our trainees, associates and partners.
Are you ready to make your mark? When you join us as a trainee in London, you’ll work in diverse teams on the most complex challenges for the world’s biggest companies and institutions.
The learning curve will be steep and the hours can be long—that’s the reality of working in City law. It’s an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience that will set you up for wherever your career takes you. With four six-month seat rotations, including a guaranteed overseas seat, you’ll be working on multinational deals and matters, and making a real impact from the start. A lot can happen in two years, including your opportunity to build the skills and networks that will last a lifetime.
83%
retention rate of trainees qualifying in 2022
50
trainees recruited annually in London
1
of the only law firms to guarantee an overseas seat
80%
retention rate of trainees qualifying in 2021
50
trainees recruited annually in London
1
of the only law firms to guarantee an overseas seat
Are you ready to make your mark? When you join us as a trainee in London, you’ll work in diverse teams on the most complex challenges for the world’s biggest companies and institutions.
The learning curve will be steep and the hours can be long—that’s the reality of working in City law. It’s an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience that will set you up for wherever your career takes you. With four six-month seat rotations, including a guaranteed overseas seat, you’ll be working on multinational deals and matters and making a real impact from the start. A lot can happen in two years, including your opportunity to build the skills and networks that will last a lifetime.
Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
The SQE is the new route to qualification for solicitors in England and Wales. Trainees joining White & Case from September 2024 onwards will train via this route (commencing their SQE preparation course from September 2023). Prospective solicitors are required to pass this new centralised assessment, which is divided into two stages, SQE 1 (functioning legal knowledge) and SQE 2 (legal skills). Upon successful completion, our future trainees will also gain an LLM in Legal Practice.
We’re committed to providing exceptional training that will equip you with the skills to practise in a market-leading global law firm, and we’re proud to be partnering with the University of Law to design and deliver our tailored offering.
After completion of SQE 1 and 2, you’ll complete the SQE Plus. This course builds on the core legal modules previously covered and will be unique and fully tailored to the Firm, allowing you to gain further experience and critical skills specifically relevant to your career with White & Case.
Once you’ve completed the 11 months of study for the SQE 1, 2 and Plus, you’ll then complete your qualifying work experience (QWE) with the Firm by undertaking the two-year training contract.
Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
The SQE is the new route to qualification for solicitors in England and Wales. Trainees joining White & Case from September 2024 onwards will train via this route (commencing their SQE preparation course from September 2023). Prospective solicitors are required to pass this new centralised assessment, which is divided into two stages, SQE 1 (functioning legal knowledge) and SQE 2 (legal skills). Upon successful completion, our future trainees will also gain an LLM in Legal Practice.
We’re committed to providing exceptional training that will equip you with the skills to practise in a market-leading global law firm, and we’re proud to be partnering with the University of Law to design and deliver our tailored offering.
After completion of SQE 1 and 2, you’ll complete the SQE Plus. This course builds on the core legal modules previously covered and will be unique and fully tailored to the Firm, allowing you to gain further experience and critical skills specifically relevant to your career with White & Case.
Once you’ve completed the 11 months of study for the SQE 1, 2 and Plus, you’ll then complete your qualifying work experience (QWE) with the Firm by undertaking the two-year training contract.
Four different seats
Our trainees learn on the job through four six-month seats: one overseas, one in Finance and one in a contentious area of law. Alternatively, you can join our Litigation Training Programme if a contentious seat isn’t for you. You’ll be in the driving seat when it comes to your career, with plenty of opportunities to understand our work, meet our teams, and see what areas of the law best suit your interests and ambitions.
A guaranteed overseas seat
Live and work overseas during your six-month seat with one of 13 White & Case global offices. Experience life in a different country, grow your network and expand your global mindset. We’ll give you free accommodation for six months, a cost-of-living salary adjustment and free language lessons in certain countries.
Four different seats
Our trainees learn on the job through four six-month seats: one overseas, one in Finance and one in a contentious area of law. Alternatively, you can join our Litigation Training Programme if a contentious seat isn’t for you. You’ll be in the driving seat when it comes to your career, with plenty of opportunities to understand our work, meet our teams, and see what areas of the law best suit your interests and ambitions.
A guaranteed overseas seat
Live and work overseas during your six-month seat with one of 13 White & Case global offices. Experience life in a different country, grow your network and expand your global mindset. We’ll give you free accommodation for six months, a cost-of-living salary adjustment and free language lessons in certain countries.
Comprehensive support
Everyone needs back-up. Not only will you work directly with our partners and senior associates, you’ll have the benefit of a dedicated supervisor (usually an experienced associate) and ongoing support from the Graduate Development team. Together, they’ll ensure your skills, knowledge and practical experience are constantly expanded.
Training and professional development
Trainees in London will have all completed the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) ahead of joining. There is an in-depth induction for new trainees when they start the training contract, and we also run extensive in-house training. From lunch-and-learn sessions with senior associates focussing on specific areas of the law to specialised seminars with City professionals, we’ll make sure you get everything you need to become the best lawyer that you can be.
Comprehensive support
Everyone needs back-up. Not only will you work directly with our partners and senior associates, you’ll have the benefit of a dedicated supervisor (usually an experienced associate) and ongoing support from the Graduate Development team. Together, they’ll ensure your skills, knowledge and practical experience are constantly expanded.
Training and professional development
Trainees in London complete the compulsory and elective modules of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s professional skills course. We also run extensive in-house training. From lunch-and-learn sessions with senior associates focussing on specific areas of the law to specialised seminars with City professionals, we’ll make sure you get everything you need to become the best lawyer that you can be.
We believe that high performance deserves great rewards. Our compensation package reflects the calibre of our trainees.
As well as 25 days of annual leave, we’ll give you up to six weeks of unpaid leave on qualification. We also provide a suite of flexible benefits, which you can tailor to suit your lifestyle, needs and priorities.
£500 health and wellness account
Retail vouchers
Pension
Skin cancer screening
Dental insurance
Cycle to work scheme
Life assurance
Season ticket loan
Critical illness cover
Travel insurance
Give As You Earn
Private medical insurance
£52k
year-one trainee starting salary
£140k
salary on
qualification
interest-free loan upon joining
£4k
PGDL maintenance grant plus fees
£17k
SQE maintenance grant plus fees
£17k
year-two trainee salary
£57k
We believe that high performance deserves great rewards. Our compensation package reflects the calibre of our trainees.
As well as 25 days of annual leave, we’ll give you up to six weeks of unpaid leave on qualification. We also provide a suite of flexible benefits, which you can tailor to suit your lifestyle, needs and priorities.
Retail vouchers
Pension
Skin cancer screening
Dental insurance
Season ticket loan
£500 health and wellness account
Cycle to work scheme
Life assurance
Critical illness cover
Travel insurance
Give As You Earn
Private medical insurance
£140k
salary on
qualification
PGDL maintenance grant plus fees
£17k
£52k
year-one trainee starting salary
year-two trainee salary
£57k
interest-free loan upon joining
£4k
SQE maintenance grant plus fees
£17k
“As a trainee, you provide a support role for the deal team and assist with the different stages of a transaction. Typical tasks include verifying statements in investor presentations and the prospectus, drafting ancillary documents such as officer’s certificates, legal opinions and notices, and managing the closing of a transaction.”
“An important aspect of an FRI trainee’s role is project management, whether that means keeping track of conditions precedent (CP) checklists or keeping track of progress on documents, and getting input from other departments and jurisdictions on specific legal issues.”
What exactly do our trainees do all day? We asked current trainees in our London practices to share the inside track on what to expect when you join us as a trainee.
“As a Tax trainee, you’ll be exposed to a broad spectrum of matters and the manifold tax regimes they engage. This entails plenty of opportunities to hone research and drafting skills by conducting research and preparing memoranda on points of tax law that directly contribute to client matters and often concern cutting-edge areas of business and finance.”
“The work in the contentious Construction practice ranges from drafting submissions and conducting legal research to attending client calls and witness interviews. The work varies for each of the different stages of the arbitration process, and trainees get heavily involved in matters at all stages.”
“Trainees conduct the preliminary analysis on a given transaction to work out where filings are likely to be required. This may involve liaising with other offices around the globe and working with them towards a final judgment. The work is more often than not cross-border by its very nature.”
“Trainees are given lots of client/counsel contact and are often tasked with providing the first drafts of documents, managing the CP process as well as the signing/closing process.”
“You’ll help draft court documents, attend calls with counsel and the other side in a dispute, take notes of discussions, keep track of court deadlines and attend hearings. Trainees are also required to research specific areas of law and produce internal memos.”
“As a trainee, you provide a support role for the deal team and assist with the different stages of a transaction. Typical tasks include verifying statements in investor presentations and the prospectus, drafting ancillary documents such as officer’s certificates, legal opinions and notices, and managing the closing of a transaction.”
“An important aspect of an FRI trainee’s role is project management, whether that means keeping track of conditions precedent (CP) checklists or keeping track of progress on documents, and getting input from other departments and jurisdictions on specific legal issues.”
“Trainees conduct the preliminary analysis on a given transaction to work out where filings are likely to be required. This may involve liaising with other offices around the globe and working with them towards a final judgment. The work is more often than not cross-border by its very nature.”
“Trainees are given lots of client/counsel contact and are often tasked with providing the first drafts of documents, managing the CP process as well as the signing/closing process.”
“You’ll help draft court documents, attend calls with counsel and the other side in a dispute, take notes of discussions, keep track of court deadlines and attend hearings. Trainees are also required to research specific areas of law and produce internal memos.”
“As a Tax trainee, you’ll be exposed to a broad spectrum of matters and the manifold tax regimes they engage. This entails plenty of opportunities to hone research and drafting skills by conducting research and preparing memoranda on points of tax law that directly contribute to client matters and often concern cutting-edge areas of business and finance.”
“The work in the contentious Construction practice ranges from drafting submissions and conducting legal research to attending client calls and witness interviews. The work varies for each of the different stages of the arbitration process, and trainees get heavily involved in matters at all stages.”
What exactly do our trainees do all day? We asked current trainees in our London practices to share the inside track on what to expect when you join us as a trainee.
Every London trainee is guaranteed a six-month overseas seat as part of their two-year training contract: a unique opportunity to live and work overseas.
It’s a big part of the White & Case trainee experience, and one of the main reasons that candidates apply to our Firm. You’ll experience living in a different country, gain valuable insight into the working practices of another jurisdiction and build professional contacts that will last a lifetime.
Benefits
Every London trainee is guaranteed a six-month overseas seat as part of their two-year training contract: a unique opportunity to live and work overseas.
It’s a big part of the White & Case trainee experience, and one of the main reasons that candidates apply to our Firm. You’ll experience living in a different country, gain valuable insight into the working practices of another jurisdiction and build professional contacts that will last a lifetime.
Benefits
Christina Churchman
Head of Graduate Resourcing & Development
Can I decide where I go?
“Trainees submit their applications, ranking the practice areas they want to apply to, with an accompanying cover letter. The graduate resourcing partner committee meet to decide on the allocations. It takes about three weeks from application to confirm your seat.”
We asked our Graduate Resourcing & Development team and associates to answer common questions about the overseas seat. Here’s what they had to say...
Christopher Thorn
Associate
How does the overseas seat benefit your career?
“It’s the perfect opportunity to understand and appreciate the important nuances of different working cultures, and the chance to network and build relationships with clients and colleagues across the globe.”
Viraen Vaswani
Associate
Is the work different?
“The team is smaller than the one in the London office. This has meant often doing NQ-level work and being trusted with a very high level of responsibility. Being supervised by a senior partner has also taught me a tremendous amount in a very short space of time.”
Gemma Barns
Graduate Resourcing Manager
Is this my only chance to work overseas?
“A global mindset is really important in our Firm. After qualification, there are opportunities to be seconded to overseas offices for varying periods of time, as well as client secondments.”
We asked our Graduate Resourcing & Development team and associates to answer common questions about the overseas seat. Here’s what they had to say...
Christina Churchman
Head of Graduate Resourcing & Development
Can I decide where I go?
“Trainees submit their applications, ranking the practice areas they want to apply to, with an accompanying cover letter. The graduate resourcing partner committee meet to decide on the allocations. It takes about three weeks from application to confirm your seat.”
Christopher Thorn
Associate
How does the overseas seat benefit your career?
“It’s the perfect opportunity to understand and appreciate the important nuances of different working cultures, and the chance to network and build relationships with clients and colleagues across the globe.”
Viraen Vaswani
Associate
Is the work different?
“The team is smaller than the one in the London office. This has meant often doing NQ-level work and being trusted with a very high level of responsibility. Being supervised by a senior partner has also taught me a tremendous amount in a very short space of time.”
Gemma Barns
Graduate Resourcing Manager
Is this my only chance to work overseas?
“A global mindset is really important in our Firm. After qualification, there are opportunities to be seconded to overseas offices for varying periods of time, as well as client secondments.”
Apply for a training contract starting in 2025/26
When can I apply?
12 September 2022 – 16 July 2023
Who can apply?
Penultimate-year students, finalists or graduates from any degree discipline
Ready to apply? Go to our Careers site to complete your online application 
Apply for a training contract starting in 2025/26
When can I apply?
12 September 2022 – 16 July 2023
Who can apply?
Penultimate-year students, finalists or graduates from any degree discipline
Ready to apply? Go to our Careers site to complete your online application 
Don’t just watch from the sidelines—try out life as a White & Case trainee. We recruit the majority of our London trainees (on average 80 percent) from our three annual vacation schemes. There’s no limit on training contract offers, so you won’t be in competition.
Experience what our lawyers do every day, try out real client work and see if our Firm is the right fit for you.
£600 per week plus travel expenses
Support from a dedicated Graduate Resourcing & Development team member
Guaranteed training contract interview
Trainee buddy
Don’t just watch from the sidelines—try out life as a White & Case trainee. We recruit the majority of our London trainees (on average 80 percent) from our three annual vacation schemes. There’s no limit on training contract offers, so you won’t be in competition.
Experience what our lawyers do every day, try out real client work and see if our Firm is the right fit for you.
£600 per week plus travel expenses
Support from a dedicated
Graduate Resourcing & Development team member
Guaranteed training contract interview
Trainee buddy
When can I apply?
12 September 2022 –
16 October 2022
Who can apply?
Finalists and graduates from any degree discipline
5 - 16 December 2022
When can I apply?
12 September 2022 –
15 January 2023
Who can apply?
Penultimate-year students, finalists and graduates from any degree discipline
20 – 31 March 2023
When can I apply?
12 September 2022 –
15 January 2023
Who can apply?
Penultimate-year students, finalists and graduates from any degree discipline
19 – 30 June 2023
Winter
Spring
Summer
When can I apply?
12 September 2022 – 16 October 2022
Who can apply?
Finalists and graduates from any degree discipline
5 - 16 December 2022
When can I apply?
12 September 2022 – 15 January 2023
Who can apply?
Penultimate-year students, finalists and graduates from any degree discipline
20 – 31 March 2023
When can I apply?
12 September 2022 – 15 January 2023
Who can apply?
Penultimate-year students, finalists and graduates from any degree discipline
19 – 30 June 2023
Winter
Spring
Summer
Our two-day insight schemes will show you what City lawyers actually do and help you understand different areas of the law. The scheme is designed for first-year students studying any subject.
Ready to apply? Go to our Careers site to complete your application for a two-day insight scheme in London 
When can I apply?
12 September 2022 – 31 March 2023
Who can apply?
First-year students from any degree discipline
Scheme 1: 3 – 4 May 2023
Scheme 2: 10 – 11 May 2023
When can I apply?
12 September 2022 – 31 March 2023
Who can apply?
First-year students from any degree discipline
Scheme 1: 3 – 4 May 2023
Scheme 2: 10 – 11 May 2023
Our two-day insight schemes will show you what City lawyers actually do and help you understand different areas of the law. The scheme is designed for first-year students studying any subject.
Ready to apply? Go to our Careers site to complete your application for a two-day insight scheme in London 
These are for any second-year students, penultimate-year students, finalists or graduates interested in working as a global lawyer. You’ll learn about City law and meet our current trainees, associates and partners.
When can I apply?
12 September – 28 October 2022
Who can apply?
Second-year students, penultimate-year students, finalists or graduates from any degree discipline
Open day 1: Monday 14 November 2022
Open day 2: Tuesday 22 November 202
Learn more about our open days here 
Ready to apply? Go to our Careers site to complete your application for an open day in London 
These are for any second-year students, penultimate-year students, finalists or graduates interested in working as a global lawyer. You’ll learn about City law and meet our current trainees, associates and partners.
When can I apply?
12 September – 28 October 2022
Who can apply?
Second-year students, penultimate-year students, finalists or graduates from any degree discipline
Open day 1: Monday 14 November 2022
Open day 2: Tuesday 22 November 2022
Learn more about our open days here 
Ready to apply? Go to our Careers site to complete your application for an open day in London 
Experience the stimulating and challenging reality of working as a City lawyer.
Designed by our own lawyers and trainees, this programme will give you the practical skills, knowledge and confidence to take the next steps towards a career in the law.
As we now work and learn in a hybrid world, this programme is especially valuable for students who want to strengthen their applications and get to know our Firm, wherever you are located.
Sign up for our self-directed virtual learning programme here 
Experience the stimulating and challenging reality of working as a City lawyer.
Designed by our own lawyers and trainees, this programme will give you the practical skills, knowledge and confidence to take the next steps towards a career in the law.
As we now work and learn in a hybrid world, this programme is especially valuable for students who want to strengthen their applications and get to know our Firm, wherever you are located.
Sign up for our self-directed virtual learning programme here 
Graduate or postgraduate
First-year law or non-law student
Final-year law or non-law student
Spring or summer vacation scheme
Apply by:
15 January 2023
Complete PGDL
Undertake two-year training contract
Four seats with a guaranteed overseas seat
September or March start date
Penultimate year law or non-law student
(or second year of a four-year course)
Graduate Resourcing events
Law fairs, skills sessions, career dinners available year-round
First-year insight scheme
Apply by:
31 March 2023
Secure training contract
Available through a vacation scheme or direct training contract process
Apply by:
15 July 2023
Complete SQE
At the University of Law, undertaken during the academic year before your training contract start date
SQE 1: September start date
January exams
SQE 2: February start date
April exams
SQE Plus: April start date
July completion
Qualify as a solicitor
Virtual learning programme
Available year-round
Open days
Apply by: 28 October 2022
Winter, spring or summer vacation scheme
Apply by: 16 October 2022 (winter)
15 January 2023 (spring/summer)
Non-law student
Law student
Graduate or postgraduate
First-year law or non-law student
Final-year law or non-law student
Penultimate year law or non-law student
(or second year of a four-year course)
Undertake two-year training contract
Four seats with a guaranteed overseas seat
September or March start date
Complete SQE
At the University of Law, undertaken during the academic year before your training contract start date
SQE 1: September start date January exams
SQE 2: February start date
April exams
SQE Plus: April start date
July completion
Qualify as a solicitor
Spring or summer
vacation scheme
Apply by:
15 January 2023
Graduate Resourcing events
Law fairs, skills sessions, career dinners available year-round
First-year insight scheme
Apply by:
31 March 2023
Secure training contract
Available through a vacation scheme or direct training contract process
Apply by:
15 July 2023
Complete PGDL
Virtual learning programme
Available year-round
Open days
Apply by: 28 October 2022
Winter, spring or summer vacation scheme
Apply by: 16 October 2022 (winter)
15 January 2023 (spring/summer)
When you join us, you’ll join our teams working on some of the biggest, most intricate challenges faced by the world’s best-known corporations and institutions. The work is intellectually demanding and fast-paced, so you’ll need the resilience to keep up and the intellectual curiosity to keep learning. We have made a commitment to substantial and strategic growth, so you will be joining a Firm where there is no limit to how far you can advance your career.
When you join us, you’ll join our teams working on some of the biggest, most intricate challenges faced by the world’s best-known corporations and institutions. The work is intellectually demanding and fast-paced, so you’ll need the resilience to keep up and the intellectual curiosity to keep learning. We have made a commitment to substantial and strategic growth, so you will be joining a Firm where there is no limit to how far you can advance your career.
