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White & Case
Global US law firm known for major international finance, projects and disputes, with a guaranteed overseas seat for every London trainee.
About White & Case
White & Case advises companies, financial institutions, governments and investors on major transactions and disputes. Its London practice is particularly prominent in capital markets, project development and finance, energy and international arbitration.
Cross-border work is central to the firm’s practice. Matters frequently involve several offices, different legal systems and clients operating in emerging markets. This creates opportunities to understand how commercial decisions interact with political, regulatory and financing considerations.
The guaranteed overseas seat is a defining feature of the London training contract. Every trainee spends six months working in another office, building relationships across the firm and experiencing a different business environment. A compulsory Finance seat also provides a foundation in one of the firm’s core areas.
The two-year training contract combines four seat rotations with practical learning, internal courses and specialist seminars. Lunch & Learn sessions provide opportunities to learn from senior associates.
Future trainees undertake a tailored SQE programme at the University of Law, followed by firm-specific SQE Plus modules. The firm covers fees and provides maintenance grants of £17,000 for the PGDL and £20,000 for the SQE. A £4,000 interest-free loan is available upon joining.
For the overseas seat, the firm provides relocation assistance and continuing contact with the Early Careers Development team. The placement offers experience of international client work while helping trainees establish connections beyond London.
Practice areas & rankings
White & Case achieved 35 practice area rankings in Chambers UK 2027, including seven Band 1 rankings. These cover debt and equity capital markets, international construction arbitration, international mining, oil and gas, international projects, and activist shareholder representation.
The firm won Europe Data Center Deal of the Year: M&A at the TMT Finance Awards EMEA 2026. This recognised its representation of Cathexis on a sale involving the data centre sector.
Its antitrust team was also named among the 2025 Competition Groups of the Year, announced in February 2026. Recognised work included substantial competition litigation and a UK Competition Appeal Tribunal judgment for Nexans concerning alleged overcharges on power cables.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Explore the practice areas
Band 1, UK-wide, Chambers UK 2027.
White & Case advises governments, corporate issuers and financial institutions on raising debt, restructuring existing obligations and managing liabilities. Its practice includes substantial work involving Europe, the Middle East, Africa and other emerging markets. These transactions require lawyers to understand financing objectives alongside regulatory requirements and investor expectations.
Band 1, UK-wide, Chambers UK 2027.
The equity practice advises companies and financial institutions on listings and other equity transactions. International mandates are a particular feature, including work for issuers operating across EMEA. Lawyers combine corporate and securities expertise to help clients access investment and navigate the requirements of public markets.
Band 1, UK-wide, Projects: Mainly International, Chambers UK 2027.
The projects team advises on the development and financing of energy, natural resources and infrastructure assets. Clients include sponsors, banks and export credit agencies. Its work spans renewable energy, oil and gas, mining, transport and telecommunications, with significant experience in the Middle East and Africa.
Band 1, UK-wide, Construction: International Arbitration, Chambers UK 2027.
The practice handles disputes arising from major developments, including transport infrastructure, energy facilities and industrial projects. Work includes delay and disruption claims, contract issues and international arbitration. Clients range from developers and contractors to governments and state-owned businesses.
Awards
Public M&A Team of the YearBritish Legal Awards 2024
Won for its role in SigmaRoc's 1 billion euro reverse takeover of CRH's European lime business.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
Candidates complete an online application. A strong submission should explain why international commercial law interests you and connect that interest with White & Case’s work.
Go beyond mentioning the overseas seat. Explain what you would contribute to an international team and why particular practices or markets appeal to you. Examples involving collaboration, adaptability and responsibility can help demonstrate your suitability.
Applications for the spring and summer vacation schemes close on 6 December 2026. The schemes run from 5 to 16 April and 28 June to 9 July 2027.
White & Case: quick answers
How much does White & Case pay trainees?
White & Case pays first-year trainees £62,000, rising to £67,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at White & Case earn £175,000.
When is the White & Case vacation scheme deadline?
White & Case runs more than one vacation scheme round in the 2026/27 cycle: the spring scheme closes on 6 Dec and the summer scheme closes on 6 Dec. Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does White & Case take on?
White & Case takes on around 50 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does White & Case use in its applications?
The current publicly accessible assessment page does not clearly confirm the psychometric test format for the graduate vacation scheme and training contract routes. Applicants should follow the instructions accompanying their application and assessment invitation. Preparation should focus on interpreting information carefully and making consistent, reasoned decisions.
What grades do you need to apply to White & Case?
To apply to White & Case you will generally need a 2:1 degree. At A-level, White & Case asks for AAB. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
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