Welcome to White & Case, a global dealmaker that “accepts people as their whole selves.”
White & Case Lateral Profile 2023
White & Case has borne fruit in 46 offices across the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. It’s this international presence that drew our interviewees to the firm: “I was looking for a firm with a strong presence in the Middle East – where better to go than White & Case?” Naturally, the firm has attracted people from all walks of life, which in turn has created a rich, diverse culture: “People here are from all sorts of backgrounds; it creates a global mindset.”
Case in point, the firm has picked up no fewer than 21 rankings in our sister guide, Chambers Global, for everything from private equity and capital markets to banking and finance and projects. Back on home soil, the firm’s bases are in key locations such as Chicago, LA, Miami, New York, Silicon Valley and DC. Chambers USA has dished out more than 50 rankings for its domestic work. In terms of regional strengths, both the New York and DC branches are recognized for their expertise in litigation, while Florida stands out for its bankruptcy prowess.
View the firm's Chambers USA rankings
Read the firm's Inside View feature on junior associate life
Why did you join your firm? Associates say…
"Reputation, client base, international presence, future outlook and prestige."
"Its strong international and cross-border work as well as its large global presence."
"International law opportunities."
Strategic Recruitment Focuses 2023
Commercial litigation careers
The view from the firm: Litigators across our firm have represented clients before all types of trial, appellate, regulatory and alternative dispute resolution tribunals around the world. We are also well known for our strength in class action work. An additional strength is our ability to advise in relation to growing regulatory requirements in the United Kingdom, the United States and Europe.
Commercial litigation clients: Rangers Baseball Express; Johnson & Johnson; Deutsche Bank Securities
Recent work highlight: Represented the Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in an antitrust dispute involving LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.
Project development and finance careers
The view from the firm: We are the preeminent global law firm for project development and project finance transactions. With more than 300 lawyers worldwide, providing New York, English, Islamic and local law advice, our global Project Development and Finance Practice possesses the foresight, flexibility and experience to deliver results under the most challenging conditions.
Project development and finance clients: Onward Energy; New Fortress Energy; JERA Americas
Recent work highlight: Represented Clean Energy Future in relation to the $1.3 billion construction, ownership, operation, and maintenance of a natural gas-fired electric combined cycle power generation facility in Ohio.
Debt finance careers
The view from the firm: We have dedicated Bank Lending, Private Credit & Direct Lending, and Borrower Finance teams, who advise a wide range of banks, credit funds, alternative capital providers, sponsors and corporations. With established teams in all of the world’s major financial markets, we offer global reach, depth of local resources, seamless integration across offices, and a powerful combination of US, English and local law advice.
Debt finance clients: BlackRock; Blackstone; CVC Capital Partners
Recent work highlight: Represented BlackRock as lender in a $55 million senior secured credit facility.
International & Secondment Opportunities
The view from the firm: Our associates regularly spend time in other offices, whether for short-term trips or longer-term secondments. For example, Debt Finance seconds multiple associates between our London and New York offices to build and maintain relationships and to allow for the associates to build stronger cross-border skills.
Client secondment examples: Meta; Twitter; BNP Paribas; Deutsche Bank
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
15 |
2.6 : 1 |
21% |
||
|
partners made in 2022 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
69% |
49% |
79% |
||
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with children | felt partnership was achievable at the firm | agreed partners are nurturing future leaders |
||
The view from the firm:
- Formal learning: The White & Case Milestone programs
Our unique Milestone programs complement and enhance overall development for associates, counsel and local partners. Milestones are interactive workshops offered at specific career transition points. You will join peer groups of lawyers to learn, practice new skills and build relationships across practice areas and offices. - Your transparent personal development plan
Our competency framework outlines what we expect from you at each stage of your career, and we encourage you to use it to build your personal development plan.
Our framework is a simple and consistent guideline of the skills, experiences and behaviors expected at each level, supported by the learning, experiences and mentoring on offer. - A broad range of support
Our approach to development is both holistic and comprehensive. Not only does it include formal training, we also provide mentoring, sponsorship programs, client secondments, pro bono opportunities and a dedicated in-house Coaching Office. We foster networking within the Firm through a robust annual calendar of practice- and industry-focused seminars and workshops. Some offices also provide client or intra-office secondment opportunities to deepen your skills and expand your network.
Hours & Compensation
|
2,000 |
14.9 |
49.2 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
59% |
64% |
65% |
| agreed they had a good work-life balance |
said the benefits package makes the workload worthwhile |
found the bonus allocation fair and transparent |
Salaries
1st year: $215,000
2nd year: $225,000
3rd year: $250,000
4th year: $295,000
5th year: $345,000
6th year: $370,000
7th year: $400,000
8th year: $415,000
The view from the firm: In order to be eligible for a full bonus associates and counsel must bill a minimum of 2,000 hours per calendar year, a minimum of 1,750 hours of which must be billed to client chargeable matters. The remaining 250 hours may consist of additional client chargeable hours and/or a mix of approved diversity and inclusion, pro bono, or other firm chargeable hours.
Is White & Case the right firm for you?
|
91% |
88% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work is interesting |
The view from the firm: We’re looking for high achievers who want to be part of a dynamic, growing global business. We prize globally minded citizens of the world who are eager to work across borders and cultures, and are intrigued by solving problems within multiple legal systems. People who thrive at White & Case are team players who are self-motivated, achievement- oriented, open-minded and entrepreneurial. They enjoy working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. They are committed to becoming the best at what they do and are inspired by the success of others. We’re proud that our people are from a wide variety of backgrounds; clients and lateral hires tell us we’re more “tolerant” and less “corporate” than other firms. Our lawyers give back to society through a well-organized, global pro bono and social responsibility program.
We asked survey respondents what stands out about the firm's culture?
"Diversity! The office has so many people from different countries speaking multiple languages."
"Everyone is EXTREMELY kind and understanding about other commitments and respecting work boundaries."
"I feel the firm is very interested in trying to get associates matched with work that reflects their intellectual interests."
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
82% |
25% |
54% |
||
|
reported strong performance in inclusivity training |
of partners are women |
of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
||
Pro Bono
|
70 |
94% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: ArchCity Defenders and Civil Rights Corps; Unchained At Last; Human Right 2 Water; White & Case Racial Justice Task Force
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Kelly Fox, lateral recruiting manager, kelly.fox@whitecase.com