November 2025: At White & Case, professional development goes beyond traditional training programs. The Firm's award-winning Coaching Office provides a personalized, hands-on approach to career growth, helping lawyers and business services professionals navigate the challenges of their evolving roles.

Jennifer Rakstad, Senior Manager, Learning & Development, is proud of the initiative's reach so far. "Since we launched in January 2022, over 700 individuals from 45 offices globally have had at least one coaching session. We have done over 400 coaching sessions this year alone."

Open to both lawyers and business services professionals, the virtual Coaching Office is staffed by trained coaches across all three regions, who provide confidential coaching to anyone who wants it.

The Coaching Office supports a broad range of career development needs, from maximizing summer associates' experiences to guiding mid-level associates through critical career transitions. Coaches also work with individuals to help them prepare for challenging conversations or to achieve their professional goals.

Tailored support across key career stages

Jennifer explains how the Coaching Office supports White & Case people at different career stages. "A summer associate might want support in selecting practice areas, making the most of their assignments, and navigating new environments. Our coaches help them reflect on their experiences and identify actionable steps to maximize their time at the Firm."

Next, it's rising mid-level associates. "Along with our Momentum program, coaches often work with associates at this stage on delegation, communication, feedback and work-life balance. Coaching helps associates navigate new responsibilities, manage teams effectively and progress strategically within the Firm."

Unlike many other firms, the Coaching Office is open to all, including business services professionals. Jennifer: "They can access coaching tailored to their unique challenges, including team dynamics, internal progression and effective communication."

"What we do is coaching, not problem-solving"

Jennifer points out that it's not about providing answers or mentoring: "What we do is coaching, not problem-solving. We're thinking partners; we help people clarify their goals and figure out for themselves how best to get there. We help them explore options and develop strategies, without prescribing solutions."

This model allows coachees to gain fresh perspectives on topics like performance reviews, potential secondments or team interactions, while retaining ownership of their decisions.

Accessible, self-service and flexible

Sessions can range from a single meeting to multiple session engagements, with more than 40 percent of participants returning for additional coaching. Jennifer explains how it works: "Our internal platform allows users to easily browse coaches' availability, book sessions and engage at their own pace." This flexible, self-service model empowers professionals to seek guidance proactively or when they need it most.

"Our tools include using powerful questions and inviting self-reflection to bring forth challenges, thought processes and new solutions. The next step is to help develop competencies, skills and behaviors," she explains.

Looking ahead

The Coaching Office continues to evolve, with plans to expand long-term engagements, offer new trainings and integrate advanced coaching certifications. By aligning coaching with larger programs like Momentum, the office ensures that professional development extends beyond structured training, fostering sustained growth and high performance across the Firm.

At White & Case, coaching is more than guidance—it's a partnership designed to unlock potential, develop leaders and support every professional in achieving their career goals.