July 2023: Finding a firm that's the right fit for the next stage of your career is key for associates considering a lateral move to White & Case. But aside from the work, what makes this Firm different? Associates from our Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York offices tell us about the unexpected upsides about life at White & Case.
You're encouraged to be in the driving seat of your own career
"In a growing office, you can create your own practice inside the Firm. You can be entrepreneurial; new clients, new work, new ways of doing things." Nate Bascom, Houston
"If you want to get great work on top-level international finance deals, then this is a Firm where you can really take your career to the next level. What really sets it apart is the fact that the people are supportive, the culture is open and the international network means that you feel connected to colleagues around the world." Elizabeth Mitreski, New York
There's a culture of transparency and openness
"There's a culture of transparency that is really refreshing. Every month in our section meetings, we discuss the financials of our group and the wider Firm. There's information to hand out about average billing, comparisons to the previous year, etc. That's on top of regular town halls, Q&As and other communications." Alexander Liebers, New York
Diversity and inclusion is not just a box-ticking exercise
"The affinity networks were a pleasant surprise; there's a lot of activities, events and engagement. As well as the social side, the networking events have been a great way to expand my own network at the Firm," Elizabeth Mitreski, New York
"I'm Black and Hispanic, so people want to know if I feel respected, do I feel valued? And my answer is yes. Most important for me, I feel like whenever I walk into a room or get on a VC, my competence is assumed." Alexus Payton, Los Angeles
The work is as good as you could hope for
"Being able to pick up the phone and get the highest-caliber legal advice from someone in another White & Case office anywhere in the world is pretty amazing. I like the fact that you get an insight into different cultures through working together." Alexander Liebers, New York
"There were partners in the Miami office that took me under their wing day one and staffed me on important matters that made me feel immediately part of the team. I remember being given the opportunity to travel to a significant meeting within my first couple of weeks being at the firm." Amanda Parra Criste, Miami
"My client secondment has been challenging and rewarding, and will make me a better, more well-rounded litigator." Thomas Cull, Chicago
Ask frank questions to find the firm that's right for you
"I knew someone in the team that I would be joining and had a frank conversation about the workplace culture, about career progression, whether other associates felt like they were getting good work. This really reassured me that I was making the right choice and the reality of the support and camaraderie at White & Case has lived up to my hopes." Elizabeth Mitreski, New York
