October 2023: Julius Kiss began as an intern in our Frankfurt office, then returned as a Referendar. He also spent the winter with the Firm in New York. Now an associate back in Frankfurt, he reflects on what he has learned along the way.

White & Case is truly global
I have worked on cases from the US for various US partners and, as a German legal specialist, I have often taken on the German-legal issues. These projects always transcended countries and, in many cases, continents.

Bridging the gap between the law classroom and law firm
Law in the workplace requires not only the legal skills taught in the classroom, but above all the ability to find pragmatic solutions for clients that are satisfactory to all parties involved. Especially in cross-border transactions, there are several jurisdictions and different national and international laws to be considered. This can only be learned in practice from experienced fellow lawyers.

I quickly familiarized myself with a foreign team in a foreign jurisdiction
I got very good insight into the working methods of the American M&A team, as well as the individual differences and similarities of the jurisdictions and the associated differences and similarities in approach. In addition to the legal training, my level of English has also improved significantly, both in everyday language use and in the legal field.

The workplace culture at White & Case is very warm, friendly and welcoming
As I already knew from Germany, White & Case has an open-door policy throughout. I was always able to consult all colleagues at all levels with any concerns or questions, whether of a professional or personal nature. 

The learning curve is huge
Combined with helpful colleagues, I've built a rapidly growing knowledge of foreign legal systems. Since day one, as a junior you are put on various matters with manifold legal issues to be addressed. There is not a single day where you don't learn something new. This makes the job exciting.

Successful work requires breaking out of one's comfort zone
This is the point where you can get the most out of yourself. The Firm will continuously train you. You are involved in the client work from day one and everyone's opinion and expertise counts. Not many firms offer that at a high client level.

If you are looking for high-level work of a truly global nature, but prefer to work with a team that is always on an equal footing and is prepared to solve the most complex problems pragmatically and creatively, you should apply to White & Case.