September 2025: That's a wrap on our three 2024-2025 vacation schemes! We asked future trainees Jacob Blumfeld, Arya Ghassemi and Allie Peters to tell us about their experiences on our two-week vacation schemes, including how they got to know the Firm before applying, and the unexpected aspects of their experience.
Before your vacation scheme, tell us about how you first got to know the Firm.
Jacob Blumfeld: I attended a White & Case careers dinner, an insightful experience that led me to the First Year Insight Scheme. I attended open days and insight events at other firms to compare cultures and approaches—which only reinforced that White & Case's combination of international reach and close-knit teams felt like the right fit for me.
Throughout, I made a point of acting on feedback from earlier applications, refining how I presented my experiences and what I had learned from my interactions. By the time I applied for the vacation scheme, my connection with White & Case was grounded in genuine conversations, consistent engagement and a clear understanding of why the Firm was the right choice for me.
Allie Peters: I explored the Firm's online resources, joined virtual workshops and attended my university's career fair. In a way, I treated the process like getting to know a person: finding common ground and figuring out how we could work well together—as odd as that might sound.
When preparing my application, I focused on aligning my interests and strengths with the Firm's work and culture. I researched recent deals in practice areas that excited me, and explored initiatives such as the Women's Network to see how the Firm actively values different perspectives and fosters an inclusive environment—values that matter greatly to me.
What aspects of your experiences and interests do you think makes you a good fit for White & Case?
Arya Ghassemi: I believe my multicultural background, which has led to my interest in pursuing an international career, makes me a good fit for White & Case. Being half-Iranian and half-Slovakian, I have learnt to appreciate and respect different cultures growing up. It has also instilled in me an appreciation for diversity of thought, and a willingness to connect with people from different backgrounds.
AP: I believe three aspects of my experience make me a strong fit for White & Case.
First, I have had the privilege of studying at an international school, living in five countries and learning four languages. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the power of diverse perspectives in solving complex problems.
Second, my legal and non-legal roles have shown me the pivotal role teamwork plays in tackling complex projects. Whether as a legal intern in the Energy & Infrastructure department of a Dutch law firm or working at an equine rescue centre, I have witnessed first-hand how collaboration produces the most tailored, innovative and client-focused solutions.
Lastly, I believe a curious and perseverant mindset is essential at White & Case. The workstreams are challenging, and the learning curves steep, so being unafraid to ask questions and actively deepen your understanding is crucial.
Tell us about your impressions from your first day at the Firm.
JB: The Early Careers team created a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and I was part of a diverse cohort representing all corners of the world, whose enthusiasm and talent were immediately evident. Meeting them was a real highlight of the first day, and I knew straight away they would make the scheme even more enjoyable. Hearing that there was a training contract for everyone in the room, provided we earned it, set a collaborative tone that encouraged us to focus on producing our best work while supporting one another. Together with the talented people around me, it made for a first day that left me excited for the weeks ahead.
AG: I was very appreciative of how people I spoke with were highly approachable and very supportive in light of their very busy schedules, emphasising the Firm's collegiate and supportive culture. For instance, both my trainee buddy and supervisor took the time to assist me with settling into the Firm, introduce me to others in the department, answer my questions and provide insight into life at the Firm, which I was very grateful for.
AP: In the afternoon of my first day, I joined the M&A team and was encouraged to hit the ground running. By lunchtime, I was copied into emails, invited to team meetings and met with genuine support. The sense of inclusion extended beyond the work: My trainee buddy and associate supervisor had already carved out time for coffee catch-ups and a team lunch, allowing me to learn more about the practice group, the life of a trainee, and the Firm's culture.
By the end of the day, I was at my desk with a coffee in hand from the famous BSK, preparing for an upcoming Finance Carousel and a monthly M&A roundtable.
What aspects of the vacation scheme were unexpected or surprising?
JB: How quickly I was trusted with real responsibility. I'd expected to spend the first few days observing, but instead I was contributing to live matters straight away, which gave me a real sense of being part of the Private Equity team. I also hadn't anticipated how valuable the informal moments would be, such as coffee chats, lunches and walks with colleagues.
AP: I was struck by the level of responsibility and independence we were given in approaching tasks within our practice groups. From day one, we were encouraged to reach out and ask for work, and once entrusted with it, given the space to figure things out ourselves—mirroring the autonomy the Firm expects of a trainee.
It's early days, but from what you've seen so far, what areas of the law are you interested in working in during your trainee rotations?
JB: I would love the chance to return to the Private Equity team—I enjoyed the fast pace, the complexity of the deals, and how willing the team were to involve me in substantive work. I was also drawn to the EIPAF team after speaking with them during the 'department carousel.'
AG: I would like to build on my time in the Firm's International Arbitration department. I enjoyed the contentious nature of this practice area, the globality of this type of work, and the variety of clients the Firm advises, including both sovereigns and multi-national organisations.
Similarly, during the scheme, I learnt more about the Firm's highly reputable transactional work in emerging markets, especially in its Capital Markets and Project Finance practice areas, which drive the global economy.
AP: I have long been interested in M&A, so I would be very keen to rotate through the Corporate/M&A team. I am fascinated by White & Case's commitment to driving innovation in this practice area, exemplified by initiatives like the M&A Explorer platform and the Global Antitrust Merger StatPak. Debt Finance is another area I am eager to explore, and I am curious to explore a contentious area, such as White Collar/Investigations.
