September 2024: Victoria Landsbert started her career in the law on the White & Case vacation scheme in 2001. She's been with the Firm since, moving through the two-year graduate training programme to her current position as a partner and London Training Principal. Here's her advice to anyone considering applying for an open day, insight scheme or vacation scheme.
Lots has changed here since I started—but it's also the same Firm
What first attracted me to White & Case was how international it was, as well as the Firm's outstanding Debt Finance Practice. We've grown exponentially since then—we're probably six or seven times bigger—but the work and the people are still international, and the entrepreneurial spirit is stronger than ever.
This is not a Firm for people who want to slot into the status quo
We really want and value people who are prepared to go out and grow client relationships and win new business. It's not a place for anyone who wants to just serve their time in a traditional, hierarchical environment. Along with united and human, pioneering is one of our three Firm values. There's a real challenger mentality here.
"Laddering" is how we approach business development at every level
Your peers—in your training scheme cohort or your counterparts at other firms or in the City—are your future clients, colleagues and friends. You're all on the first rung of the ladder and you'll grow up together, so start building your network from day one. I still have very close relationships with my own trainee cohort, which includes two fellow partners here in London.
We teach our lawyers to understand the business of law
Our trainees and associates are actively encouraged to really understand their clients' world, their commercial challenges, their long-term success. The technical legal advice is only part of what we do for them. Understanding their world, and how we can grow our Firm to serve their needs is so important. It drives how we can inspire the next generation of entrepreneurial, globally minded Firm leaders.
What do I look for in a potential trainee?
Someone with a real, genuine interest in the commercial world. Someone who's curious about what's driving the global economy. For example, what opportunities or challenges does AI bring? I don't expect anyone to have the answers—we have dedicated industry groups looking for solutions for our clients—but I do want to see that hunger to learn, that curiosity about the changes shaping global economies.
Being a team player is essential
We want people who are dedicated, hard working, ambitious and determined. Above all, people who really want to become integrated quickly within our teams and play their part while learning as much as they can.
We'll give you all the training and development you need to become a great lawyer
The two-year training contract at White & Case is a really fantastic opportunity to equip yourself with the skills and experience you need to become a global lawyer. You get to try out four different practices, spend six months overseas, and you'll get extensive formal and informal training. And, of course, you'll learn on the job, doing real work for our clients. It's a very personalised programme too—if you want to build up your skills in a certain area, or get exposure to a new area, we'll make it happen for you.
You have to enjoy coming to work to succeed
This is a demanding job, no doubt. We all work hard and we are all driven, self-motivated people. But I can also tell you that you'll make some of your best friends here, and there's a lot to enjoy here outside of work too—we have a very active social committee. I've led the London choir since I came here—our annual carol service is a very special event! Whether you're into badminton, live music, running, football or theatre, there's a club or group for you.
