January 2025: Did you know that we have seven different US virtual learning programs on the Forage platform? Forage is the bridge between education and career success, and our programs cover everything from the reality of working on cross-border transactions and other practice area simulations to business communication skills. They are great ways to get to know our Firm and what we do before applying for our 1L and 2L opportunities.

1. Discover different areas of the law
Do you want to be an IP or antitrust litigator or a transactional lawyer focusing on debt finance or global M&A? Early Careers Legal Recruitment Manager, Oscar Sanchez, Jr., says that virtual learning programs are a chance to experience different areas of the law from a practicing lawyer's point of view. "Law school teaches you the theory, but not the practice of law. Our virtual learning programs give you real insight into the work that our lawyers do on a daily basis."

2. Complete each program in your own time
There's no deadline, so you can work through each task and program in your own time and to fit your schedule. You won't be graded; the programs are designed purely as a learning tool for your benefit.

3. Learn what cross-border work really means
"We're a global firm, so our lawyers often work with teams and with clients across multiple jurisdictions," explains Oscar. "We have a dedicated Cross-Border program that simulates realistic tasks that our lawyers do – from negotiating an investment in a foreign energy business on behalf of a multiple investors to summarizing international IP issues relating to the acquisition of a foreign company."

4. Compare your work to model answers
Our practice-specific modules include the chance to draft emails, memos and more. Compare your version to a draft written by a White & Case lawyer; see where there are areas for development and where your work was on the right track.

5. See how lawyers prioritize their time
As a White & Case associate, you'll manage deadlines and tasks for various stakeholders, such as multiple investors in an international company and senior lawyers from different White & Case offices and teams. Gain insight into negotiating and succeeding in this fast-paced yet rewarding work environment by completing our simulations – they're as close to the real experience as you can get.

6. Show recruiters that you're interested in the Firm
"We appreciate and notice it when candidates demonstrate their genuine interest in our Firm by investing their time in completing our virtual programs," says Oscar. "It also means that they have more to talk about during the application and interview process. Although there's no expectation that law students should know exactly what area of the law they are interested from day one, getting advance insight into different practice areas means that they can make informed requests about getting exposure to a particular area."

7. Get to know our people
Our programs include several tasks, each of which is introduced by a Firm employee. They share their enthusiasm and provide tips on how to succeed in each task. "These could be your future colleagues – and friends!" says Oscar.

8. Find out what our lawyers actually do every day
Our virtual learning programs are designed by our lawyers. They include typical summer or junior associate tasks, realistic client deadlines and typical scenarios. Lift the veil on what different legal specialties really mean and see what you can expect to do on a day-to-day basis.

9. Develop useful business skills
"Our Time Management and Business Communication Skills program is relevant to anyone interested in a career in Big Law," says Oscar. "This is a fast-paced environment where you'll work with various stakeholders, including clients and colleagues from different teams." For aspiring lawyers, mastering deadlines and clear communication is especially important and one of the most common pieces of feedback summer associates receive.

10. Ace your applications
Add your certificates of completion to your resume to showcase your achievements and demonstrate your interest in the Firm. "Virtual learning programs are a chance to really step into the shoes of our lawyers and experience firsthand the work that they do," says Oscar. "They're a way to make your application stand out and will give you the confidence to shine as a standout candidate for recruiters."

Discover more about our US virtual learning programs and how to get started here.