Thyl Hassler has recently joined the Firm as a local partner in our Düsseldorf office. He shares his first impressions of the Firm and explains why he decided to join White & Case.
"I chose White & Case since the Firm is a leading global law firm and has a strong brand in my field of Corporate M&A. I was impressed by the people I met during the recruiting process and by the entrepreneurial spirit that the Firm strongly encourages—for example, in the development of one's personal profile."
He adds that the strong internal spirit helped him integrate quickly into the Düsseldorf and into the other offices. "White & Case has a very open-minded culture and welcomes people with open arms. I joined in March 2019, but I feel like I have been part of the Firm for much longer. My new colleagues—whether in the German or in the international offices—contributed to my very quick integration. The working atmosphere is very energetic."
“Hardly any matter that I am involved with is a purely domestic one.”
So how does Thyl experience our global network in his work?
"Currently, I am involved on a large international transaction in the chemical sector involving many different jurisdictions and many White & Case offices around the globe. Hardly any matter that I am involved with is a purely domestic one."
He adds that, "I can say that every project I have been working on is a truly global project with many international offices and practice groups. We work with very international clients from a variety of sectors and with different cultural backgrounds, which makes the daily work truly international and diverse."
Advice for students and future lawyers
If a student is interested in a career at White & Case, what's your advice about how they can get to know the Firm?
"Our careers website is where students can obtain a first overview and get key information about the opportunities we offer. Furthermore, we regularly organize training sessions, workshops and social events, where students have the opportunity to gain inside views on the daily business of an international law firm, and also get to know our lawyers. This is, in my opinion, the most interesting and efficient opportunity to connect with the Firm."
What about the application and selection process?
"After we receive an application, our HR colleagues forward it to the relevant practice groups. In general, we do one interview for internships and trainees with different lawyers. For associate positions, the interview rounds are more comprehensive and the applicant gets to know the entire team—and also colleagues from other practice groups. This happens in formal interviews but also at a lunch or dinner."
Finally, where does Thyl want his career to take him?
"White & Case offers me the opportunity to develop my personal and professional skills. I would like to develop as much as possible and contribute to the Firm's global success."
