2025
Please use the space below to provide details of any careers events you have attended e.g. insight days, workshops, presentations etc. These do not need to be White & Case specific. (350 words)
I have been selected for numerous highly competitive insight days and open days, providing me with a well-rounded understanding of the commercial legal market and the operations of top-tier law firms. Through Aspiring Solicitors, I attended insightful schemes at Freshfields and Travers Smith, where I gained exposure to global initiatives, ESG practices, and commercial law. At Herbert Smith Freehills, I explored M&A and litigation, gaining an in-depth understanding of complex legal issues in these areas. Engaging with senior lawyers at Lewis Silkin gave me a deeper understanding of the critical aspects of client services and the challenges lawyers face when advising clients.
Eversheds Sutherland’s insight days, both in Nottingham and online, covered a wide range of practice areas, giving me a holistic view of the firm’s operations and approach to client service across sectors. Similarly, participating in open days at Skadden, Jones Day, and Addleshaw Goddard provided me with valuable insights into global disputes and transactional law, allowing me to better appreciate the intricacies involved in these fields. The Bristows First Year IP Workshop expanded my knowledge of intellectual property, particularly within the tech and life sciences sectors, while Ashurst’s scheme offered exposure to corporate, finance, and real estate work.
RPC's workshop sharpened my commercial awareness with discussions on foreign investment and insurance law, helping me connect legal principles to real-world market scenarios. Insight days at Akin Gump, Mayer Brown, Goodwin, and Kirkland & Ellis allowed me to appreciate each firm’s distinctive strengths, particularly in private equity and real estate, and enhanced my understanding of transactions. Additionally, I completed the Covington & Burling Legal Horizons Programme, which focused on transactional law and provided me with a comprehensive perspective on global commercial transactions.
I was also selected for the White & Case Careers Dinner in [redacted], an invaluable networking opportunity that allowed me to engage with the firm on a personal level. Furthermore, I was fortunate to be selected for the [redacted] Winter Vacation Scheme this winter.
These experiences have significantly broadened my commercial awareness, strengthened my legal knowledge, and deepened my commitment to pursuing a career in commercial law.
Please tell us why you are interested in a career in commercial law and, in particular, why you would like to join White & Case. We are also interested in knowing what skills and attributes you have developed that you think are suited to a career in law at our firm. We are specifically looking for you to demonstrate some of our core competencies, in particular tenacity and determination, commercial awareness and a global mindset. (1,000 words)
I am drawn to a career in commercial law due to its dynamic nature, which encompasses a broad range of areas and has a direct impact on global business operations. From the seemingly trivial, such as determining whether a Jaffa cake is a cake or a biscuit for VAT purposes, to the monumental, like international arbitration in high-stakes disputes between nations and investors, commercial law has the ability to shape economic progress and resolve complex legal challenges. I find the versatility of commercial law particularly compelling, as it governs business activities across all stages of their lifecycle—from seed funding to mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and to restructuring and insolvency.
I am attracted to the idea of working with multiple clients across industries, building lasting relationships with key players, and making a tangible difference in their business strategies. This exposure to diverse clients and projects presents an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth, and it is this challenge and opportunity for continuous learning that excites me the most about pursuing commercial law as a career.
White & Case has long stood at the forefront of global legal practice. The firm’s commitment to serving clients wherever they are, its rich history, and its dedication to cross-border work are key elements that align with my aspirations. White & Case’s reputation for advising on complex, high-stakes transactions is unmatched, and I am especially drawn to its work in capital markets and projects. White & Case’s involvement in some of the largest and most innovative deals in the market, such as its role in the world’s largest green hydrogen project and advising on the largest go-private transaction in Japan, demonstrates the firm’s ability to handle complex, market-shaping work.
White & Case’s history, from helping transform the Red Cross into an international institution in 1915 to being one of the first US firms to establish a presence in Europe, showcases its long-standing commitment to global business and legal practice. I am particularly excited by the international secondment opportunities, which would allow me to work in a different jurisdictions and further develop a global mindset.
White & Case’s collaborative culture is another key draw for me. The firm’s commitment to delivering “One Firm” to clients, where the best teams across offices work together to offer comprehensive legal services, resonates with my own values. This approach ensures that I would be part of a team that collaborates, shares expertise, and works towards innovative solutions. The relatively mid-size trainee intake is also a great fit for me, as it strikes the right balance between providing ample support and mentorship while offering early responsibility and opportunities for career advancement.
I am also inspired by White & Case’s dedication to pro bono work. The firm’s work on initiatives such as supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction exemplifies its proactive approach to addressing global challenges through legal work. This is the kind of firm I aspire to be part of—one that not only excels in high-stakes commercial matters but also takes seriously its role in improving the world around us. I am eager to contribute to White & Case’s pro bono efforts and be part of a firm that aligns with my personal values of responsibility and community service.
My background, shaped by diverse roles in both legal and client-facing environments, has provided me with a strong foundation in commercial law, client service, and adaptability. The Winter Vacation Scheme at [redacted] LLP exposed me to transactional work in the Financial Restructuring, Leveraged Finance, and Finance & Real Estate departments. I was tasked with conducting in-depth research, drafting board minutes, and assisting on a loan facility agreement. One of the key highlights of the scheme was participating in a “pitch to the client” exercise, which tested my ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and persuasively. In addition to technical legal tasks, I contributed to pro bono efforts such as assisting children with citizenship applications, reinforcing my belief in the importance of using legal expertise to make a positive impact on society. This experience not only strengthened my commercial awareness but also demonstrated my tenacity and determination to succeed in a high-pressure environment.
In my role as a [redacted] Campus Ambassador at the University of [redacted], I represented the firm and promoted its career opportunities to students, while also building relationships with prospective applicants. Managing [redacted] Instagram account, I promoted the firm’s events and recruitment processes. Similarly, as a Brand Ambassador for the Commercial Law Academy, I promoted resources and courses related to commercial law, which further developed my understanding of the sector. Both of these roles required me to engage with a wide range of students, demonstrating my ability to foster strong relationships, communicate effectively, and build networks. They also deepened my commercial awareness, as I learned how firms market themselves and engage with the legal community. These roles also taught me to take initiative and handle responsibility, providing a valuable foundation for my future career in law.
In my role as a [redacted] at [redacted], I am responsible for organising property viewings, coordinating schedules, and guiding clients through properties. This role hones my time management and negotiation skills and requires me to consistently deliver excellent service, securing multiple 5-star reviews in one day. The ability to work under pressure and respond quickly to client needs reinforces my tenacity and determination. Similarly, during my hospitality work in Australia, I developed interpersonal skills by engaging with clients from diverse backgrounds. These roles have taught me how to balance competing demands while maintaining a high standard of professionalism.
In conclusion, my experiences in both legal and client-facing roles have helped me develop key qualities such as commercial awareness, tenacity, and a global mindset. These attributes will allow me to thrive in the dynamic, fast-paced environment at White & Case, and I am confident that I can contribute meaningfully to the firm’s success while continuing to grow and develop as a commercial lawyer.
Please give details of any interests and extra-curricular activities, including any positions of responsibility or achievements. Tell us what skills and competencies you have developed in the activities you have undertaken and how you developed these. (350 words)
Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I am passionate about mentoring, promoting social mobility, and fostering a sense of community. I currently serve as a mentor for Zero Gravity and the University of [redacted] School of Law, where I guide aspiring law students, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. I have helped two of my mentees secure interviews with Oxford University, and I am eagerly awaiting their results. In addition to providing guidance on personal statements, interview preparation, and career development, I also support them in developing critical thinking skills and a strategic approach to their studies. This experience has not only developed my communication, leadership, and mentoring skills, but also reinforced my belief in supporting others in reaching their potential.
I have developed strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills through my roles in hospitality, especially during my time in Australia. Working in various establishments, including a fine-dining restaurant, has sharpened my ability to manage high-pressure situations, anticipate client needs, and build meaningful relationships with diverse individuals. These experiences have also strengthened my adaptability and resilience, qualities that are essential in both client-facing roles and in law. Whether working under tight deadlines or handling difficult situations, I have learned to maintain professionalism and composure, which aligns with the high standards of client service at White & Case.
Outside of work, I have a deep interest in hiking and mountain climbing. I have scaled over 60 peaks, including Fansipan, the highest mountain on the Indochina peninsula. These adventures have taught me perseverance, strategic planning, and the importance of maintaining focus when faced with challenges. The mental and physical endurance required for scaling peaks parallels the determination needed in law, where resilience and a methodical approach to complex problems are crucial.
Finally, I am an avid reader of books on a wide range of topics, from economics to history, which broadens my perspective and helps me maintain a well-rounded, global mindset. This intellectual curiosity complements my drive to continually learn and adapt, skills that I believe will serve me well in an international law firm like White & Case.
2024
Cover Letter (no official word count)
I am attracted to a career at White & Case because of the internationalism inherent in the firm’s DNA. During a law fair, I spoke to a trainee called X and was impressed to learn how the firm is relatively unique in guaranteeing an international secondment as part of its training contract. I understand the value of working internationally as I completed an internship at a consultancy firm in India. The experience taught me the importance of adapting your working style to cater to cultural norms, for example, the importance of seniority was more keenly felt to me as opposed to the UK. Moreover, the fact that White & Case operates through a one-partnership structure with a single profit pool reinforced how structurally international the firm is. This ensures that international collaboration does not end abruptly with a secondment, but incentivises solicitors to utilise their global network consistently throughout their career. I wish to develop such a global mindset further and the firm’s emphasis on this appeals to me.
Another element that drew me to White & Case is the firm’s eminence in international arbitration as evidenced by its Band 1 Chambers Ranking. I attended a talk on alternative dispute resolution at my university and was interested to learn how there’s more room for flexibility and strategy in arbitration, for example, parties can choose an arbitrator with particular legal leanings by analysing their speeches. During my experience participating in team debate, I found it rewarding to use strategy for example by pre-empting our rebuttals in advance. The ability to undertake a seat in this practice area appeals to me, given that this is not something offered by many firms.
What drew me to commercial law is the ability to constantly work in a team. During my first year at university, I explored the possibility of attending the Bar, but upon learning how barristers mainly work independently I realised that I valued teamwork in my career. In my experience, the best solutions require multiple inputs. For example, when I participated in a group project for my Legal Shakespeare module I noticed how individuals offered ideas that were informed by their experiences studying literature in diverse countries of origin and that this made for a more nuanced presentation overall. Commercial law offers abundant opportunities for collaborative teamwork and the generation of innovative group solutions.
Commercial law also appeals to me because I find it enjoyable to break down complex information in a creative way. Lawyers will have to break down commercial information by clients for example by creating infographics to explain complex corporate structures. I found this rewarding personally when I worked as a freelance English Tutor and created bite-sized podcasts for my aural learners to better explain Shakespeare’s Macbeth to them. This resulted in them achieving As and A*s in their GCSEs as they could better digest the otherwise intricate text. Commercial law will allow me to expand on this capability.
I have the skills to succeed as a trainee solicitor because I consistently pay attention to detail, a skill I honed during my internship at X. I had to proofread a template contract and ensure that the relevant elements had been altered. I noticed that a dispute resolution clause was still generic and flagged this up to my supervisor. I was struck by how my attention to detail on this seemingly minor task changed the entire document and saved my supervisor and the customer time and effort. A trainee will frequently deal with similarly detail-orientated work, for example in examining many due diligence documents. My awareness of the importance of the work within the larger framework will allow me to remain concentrated during such tasks.
I also bring resilience to the role. During my first year of university, I applied for the role of Community Outreach Officer for the Writer’s Society but failed to win. I was deflated but realised that my campaign had not been engaging enough. Next year I created a clear manifesto and a drop-in stall to present my pitch to society members. I won as I allowed my personality to shine through my detailed plan of action; thus when voting the society members had a connection with me and I was able to win the position. It is natural that during one’s training contract, one will not achieve perfection consistently, but by viewing setbacks and adopting a growth mindset, one can transform one’s skills immensely and qualify successfully.
2022
Dear Graduate Recruitment Team,
I am writing to apply for the White & Case Winter Vacation Scheme. I attended your open day on the 25th September, hosted by [Grad Rec name] and Aspiring Solicitors.
I am committed to pursuing a career in commercial law, as I am dedicated to the law, enjoy intellectual challenge, and know that I would be a successful, motivated and stand out trainee and subsequent associate. I am inquisitive and love keeping up to date with current business trends and deals (listening to business podcasts and reading White & Case ‘Insights’), political changes and areas of controversy, as well as how we can utilise the constantly changing law to help clients. Working within commercial law is the best
way to understand what our society is all about, how it runs, what its rules are and how our business clients are affected by that. My 21st Century Business project which I completed as part of the [university programme name] has ignited my passion for problem solving, teamwork and design thinking creativity. I am driven and detail orientated. For example, I have developed a keen attention to detail during contract/ agreement review in my part time job as a paralegal. I enjoy dealing with a variety of people at work and have the client readiness and the maturity to deal confidentially with high profile cases and clients. As commercial law is a client facing industry, I am able to utilise this skill through liaising with colleagues, clients and third parties. Though I enjoyed my internship with [inhouse legal team] I wished to have more client contact like I had with [private practice firm], having dealt with a variety of clients daily. This attracts me to private practice and White & Case in particular.
I have chosen to apply to White & Case for a number of reasons. Firstly, my future career aspiration is to secure a partnership role with a large, global international firm. White & Case offers such prospects, through having established 44 offices in 30 countries; enabling me as a bilingual lawyer (I can speak Mandarin at an intermediate proficiency) to offer a seamless global service to the firm’s major clients- such as Facebook, Nestlé and Bupa. It is impressive that the firm has been ranked Number 1 in the Global 20 for the third consecutive year. Additionally, White & Case is unusual, in that all of the firm’s global offices are ‘White & Case,’ not affiliate firms (unlike many other law firms that I have researched, such as …). Further, I appreciate that White & Case is one single, unified firm. I find it attractive that revenue is combined together into one total amongst all of the offices and split between partners. I like that this encourages staff to work together across the international offices to build the business together, rather than focusing on personal interests.
I am applying to White & Case not only because of the high 84% trainee retention rate, but also because the training contract offers a guaranteed overseas seat in offices such as Beijing. This is rather unique- in most firms, you must apply for this opportunity. I would love to experience an overseas seat and know that I would thrive in an international office, as I already have a fantastic sense of cultural awareness and an international mindset. Having spoken to [name], Bank Finance Partner who trained with the firm and spent his overseas seas in Hong Kong, I am excited at the chance to expand upon my existing cultural awareness, language skills as well as experience diverse office etiquette. I have a passion for volunteering and have managed 100 hours of volunteering each year alongside my studies. I am enthusiastic at the opportunity to train with a firm who has one of the largest pro- bono practices, having been established for over 100 years. Over the past two years, I have been involved with the [university programme], AMICUS (offering legal advice to US death row inmates) and UNICEF (whom White & Case also supports), and would therefore be capable of completing my 20 hours of mandatory pro bono work (and know I would genuinely enjoy it!) The chance to contribute towards the 120,000 hours of pro bono work that White & Case has already completed worldwide excites me.
Thank you for taking the time to read my cover letter and application. I look forward to hearing from you.
2022
Dear Graduate Recruitment,
As a penultimate-year student at [redacted Russell Group] University, I am writing to apply for a place on the Spring Vacation Scheme.
I undertook an internship at a local law firm in [Asian city] before university, in which I shadowed attorneys to both client meetings and court. The insight I received regarding the role of lawyers in both deals and disputes solidified my interest in commercial law. I want to help clients navigate complex legal matters, negotiate the terms of a contract, and resolve disputes that disrupt the daily operations of a company. I am more intrigued by the legal side of transactions rather than the financial advisory role of investment banks, as I believe well-drafted contracts lay the groundwork for a transaction to proceed seamlessly, dividing the risks and aligning the interests of the parties. A multi-jurisdictional competition law case study at Freshfields gave me insight into the work that international firms do. I prefer the work of international firms because their clients are larger multinational firms, and they engage in work involving multiple countries. The multi-jurisdictional element fascinates me as it adds complexity to a deal: lawyers need to co-operate with local counsel and ensure that their clients comply with the various regulations from different regions. Hence, I aspired to become a commercial lawyer at an international firm.
White & Case's distinct international element fully caters to my ambition to become a commercial lawyer, working on cross-border deals. The guaranteed international secondment would enable me to experience transactions in a different country. Having completed internships in four cities, I have experienced how people from different cultures undertake business activities. An international secondment would enable me to fully immerse myself in the business practices of another jurisdiction for an extended period of time, allowing me to build on my experiences and work better with overseas counsel. I am also interested in White & Case's emerging markets establishment from a business perspective. I spoke to corporate partner Ashley Ballard at the [redacted Russell Group] Careers Dinner and he informed me of an ongoing deal that involved the privatization of a department in the Saudi Arabian state. My business acumen, developed by my role as a strategic advisor to a start-up, allows me to appreciate the firm's advantage in the Middle East. With sovereign states in the region looking to privatize and divest its investments, the emerging markets practice will provide a good source of international work for the firm, elevating the international opportunities at White & Case that I want to be involved in as a trainee.
After my internship at a brokerage which gave me experience in equities trading, I became intrigued by the way in which companies raise funds through offerings in the equity and debt markets, developing an interest in capital markets. White & Case was awarded “Best Law Firm for Equity Capital Markets” in the EMEA region by GlobalCapital in 2020. Training at White & Case would enable me to work with investment bank underwriters on the biggest IPOs, taking full advantage of the firm's strategic expansion of its equity capital markets capabilities over the last few years. I also developed an interest in private equity after an internship at a technology company backed by growth capital. A seat in private equity would allow me to explore my interest in depth. I spoke to Fergus Langstaff at the [redacted
Russell Group university] Law Fair regarding his seat in private equity, who told me that supervisors allocate as much responsibility as possible to trainees there. This would enable me to further my fascination for the industry, using my enthusiasm to learn through responsibility.
Taking on additional responsibility as a trainee requires time management skills, on top of the organizational skills needed to liaise with overseas counsel and complete deal checklists. This year, I became a legal and strategic advisor to a start-up, while continuing my part-time job in a coffee shop. Occasionally, the deadlines I have to meet regarding my drafting tasks for the start-up clashes with my academic and work commitments. My organizational and time management skills have allowed me to balance my responsibilities, ensuring that I complete my work on time and to the best of my ability.
Another piece of insight from Fergus, who had experience working with Saudi Arabian clients, is that these clients have strict expectations and accept only the best work. My experience in customer services, in which I calmly dealt with client complaints while directing matters out of my expertise to more experienced colleagues, would allow me to work effectively with both clients and lawyers. As a senior member of my tennis team in high school, I had the responsibility to integrate the younger members of our team and foster a system of support conducive to the mental development of these youngsters. Communicating and working with them on and off the court, I was able to bring my team to a third-place finish in an overseas tournament, which was a massive achievement for a young team. I plan to bring these skills to my legal career and build lasting relationships with both clients and colleagues.
The inclusive culture I experienced at the [redacted Russell Group university] Careers Dinner is one that I would like to be a part of. I was surprised when Patrick Burrows, a trainee I briefly spoke to at the Bright Network Careers Fair, remembered my name a few months later at the dinner, given that he spoke to so many other eager aspiring lawyers at the fair. My ability to connect with others, enhanced by my part-time job at a coffee shop in which I socialize with the student customers while serving their orders, would complement the inclusive culture at White & Case.
With my interest in the firm's practices, training system, and culture, coupled with the skills I can bring as a trainee, I would like to be considered for a place on the Spring Vacation Scheme.
Yours sincerely,
2021
Being a corporate lawyer involves an equal focus on the provision of unparalleled legal services, as well as corporate and business sustainability, although recently there has been an increased focus on the latter due to the changing business environment. My interest in corporate law started in 2016 during my international legal internship with White & Case in Abu Dhabi, which gave me an insight into the fast-paced, complex and multi-faceted nature of corporate law. Working alongside Partners developed my interest in international and issue-related cases involving areas such as energy and infrastructure. Assisting on project finance cases, where researching local laws, strategising dispute claims and meeting client needs highlighted the multidimensional and innovative nature of corporate law. My daily tasks during my internship involved researching and drafting documents and keeping up to-date with the ever-evolving nature of law and the climate it operates under. I was also attracted to the multi-jurisdictional work of the Abu Dhabi team, and the use of Shari'ah-compliant techniques when advising clients in Islamic finance. Due to the partner-led nature of teams at White & Case, I was able to gain a direct insight into high-value legal work where I employed my research skills to further understand client ambitions. Being an expert and highly experienced is vital for a corporate lawyer, thus my History degree has prepared me for the research-heavy role of a corporate lawyer. The innovative drive of corporate law firms, often places them as pioneers in their filed, and White & Case has exceedingly proven this by being leaders in not only many practice areas, but also in diversity - epitomised by White & Case being the first major international firm to have appointed an Emirati lawyer to its global partnership.
My recent visit to White & Case, as part of the Rare Articles Development Programme, allowed me to gain an insight into the ambitious and entrepreneurial side of White & Case. Partner Haley Denvinl highlighted how the firm prides itself in providing ‘full-serviced teams’ where all client needs are met, especially because of White & Case’s ‘geographical depth’. White & Case is home to exceptional award-winning lawyers who focus on complex and technical issues in areas such as financial markets, international arbitration and disputes, many who have been recognised by the ‘Who's Who Legal – Future Leaders’ awards. Thus White & Cases’s ability to create leaders and entrepreneurs in legal practise areas is appealing mirrors my own desire for greater responsibility and leadership. Having been elected Head Girl of both my secondary school and sixth form, I am looking forward to taking on roles of such responsibility as a lawyer at White and Case. Finally, White & Case’s delivery of expertise and professionalism ensures that long-lasting clients are made, as well as new techniques are developed to give the firm a competitive edge. The firms ‘2020 Growth Strategy” which aims to nurture growth in four key areas of financial institutions, private equity, technology and oil & gas will propel the firm as a truly elite global law firm. White & Case has already taken steps towards this, as highlighted by Associate Gabriel Onagoruwa during the Rare Articles Development Sessions (September 2017) thus White & Case’s ambition and growing strength in emerging markets makes it an ideal law firm for a vacation scheme, training contract and a long-term legal career.
My passion for corporate law and the subsequent pursuit for a career at White & Case was greatly developed by my various legal and non-legal work experiences. Moreover, my positions of responsibility such as being Secretary of UCL Human Rights Society in 2017, and being re-elected as the Vice-president in 2018, highlights my desire to attain greater responsibility and contribute in executive decision-making. My role often involved presenting to students and staff members, where I learned to vocalise various issues in a succinct and professional matter - an attribute which is vital for lawyers. Additionally, my History and Politics degree has developed my research skills, and I am able to successfully deal with extensive readings and meet deadlines simultaneously. This is key for a law firm such as White & Case who pride themselves on providing exceptional client service from due-diligence tasks to final executions of contracts. I am currently volunteering as a legal intern at the Afghan and Central Asia Association (ACAA) - a charity which aims to legally empower refugees in the UK. My role has taught me resilience and patience, as well as taking initiative by learning areas of law that are outside my area of interest. I am very interested in pro bono work due to my interest in both law and humanitarian issues. I was drawn to White & Case’s Global probing practise and it was refreshing to see that in 2017 White & Case lawyers billed more than 108,000 hours of pro bono work. Thus, as a future lawyer at White and Case, I am to contribute significantly to White & Case probing initiative.
Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to hearing from you.