International

Training Contract at White & Case

Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.

45 trainees/year
£55,000 trainee salary
Deadline: 31 July 2026
Funds SQE

The Firm

About White & Case

White & Case is one of the most international law firms in the world - genuinely global rather than US-headquartered with outposts. The firm operates across 43 offices and is particularly strong in projects, emerging markets, and cross-border finance.

White & Case has a diverse and international culture. The firm attracts candidates with languages and international backgrounds. Trainees often participate in international secondments and cross-office transactions from early in the TC.

Corporate/M&AFinanceDisputesCapital MarketsProjects & InfrastructureRestructuring

Key Numbers

Training contract at a glance

Annual intake
45
trainees
Seat rotations
4
seats over 2 years
Trainee salary
£55,000
per year
NQ salary
£140,000
on qualification
Min. degree
2:1 (or equivalent)
required
Deadline
31 July 2026
application closes
Once you secure your TC, you still need to pass the SQE

White & Case funds SQE preparation — White & Case funds SQE1 and SQE2 preparation for London trainees in full, covering course fees and SRA exam registration fees. Use our SQE Cost Calculator to understand what you may still need to cover.

Preferred provider: BPP University Law School

Selection Criteria

What White & Case looks for

Academic requirements

2:1 or above in any subject. Languages and international backgrounds are a genuine positive.

Core values they screen for

International perspectiveCommercial driveCultural adaptabilityTeamworkCommercial curiosity

Experience & background

International experience, languages, or emerging market knowledge are valued. Finance or transactional backgrounds are helpful.

The Process

Application timeline

Applications openJanuary 2026

Vacation scheme applications are the primary pipeline.

Online testsFebruary 2026

Psychometric and situational judgement tests.

Vacation schemeJune 2026

2-week scheme with TC offers typically given at the end.

How to Win

Application tips for White & Case

1

Emphasise international ambition and any language skills - this is one of the most important differentiators at White & Case.

2

Research emerging markets transactions - the firm is active in Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

SQE tip: Some firms view positively candidates already preparing for SQE1 — it signals commitment to qualification. SQE explained →

Assessment

Interview & assessment format

Process stages

  1. 1Online application
  2. 2Online assessments
  3. 3Video interview
  4. 4Assessment centre

Interview tips

  • —Be specific about international experience.
  • —Show awareness of cross-border projects and finance work.

Insider Knowledge

Insider tips

Observations from those who know the firm well.

Languages genuinely open doors at this firm.

International secondments to Dubai, Hong Kong, and European offices are genuinely available.

Qualification Costs

SQE funding at White & Case

White & Case funds SQE preparation

White & Case funds SQE1 and SQE2 preparation for London trainees in full, covering course fees and SRA exam registration fees. A maintenance grant is provided during the study period.

Preferred SQE provider: BPP University Law School

SQE Cost Calculator →Compare SQE providers

The Full Picture

The full qualification journey

TC + SQE — here's the complete path from application to the roll.

1
TC Application
Apply to firms
2
TC Offer
Secure your place

SQE1 and SQE2 steps link to live pass rate data. Full SQE explained →

Next Step

Got your TC? Now plan your SQE.

Your firm covers a lot — but you still need to pass SQE1 and SQE2. Here's where to start.

Compare SQE Providers →SQE Pass RatesTrack QWE

FAQ

White & Case — frequently asked questions

How many trainees does White & Case take per year?
White & Case takes approximately 45 trainees per year across 4 seat rotations over two years.
What is the White & Case training contract salary?
The trainee salary at White & Case is £55,000. Newly qualified (NQ) solicitors earn £140,000.
Does White & Case fund SQE preparation?
White & Case funds SQE1 and SQE2 preparation for London trainees in full, covering course fees and SRA exam registration fees. A maintenance grant is provided during the study period. Preferred SQE provider: BPP University Law School.
What is the White & Case training contract application deadline?
The White & Case training contract application deadline is 31 July 2026. Applications are submitted directly via the firm's graduate recruitment portal.
What does White & Case look for in training contract applications?
White & Case requires a minimum 2:1 (or equivalent) degree. The firm values International perspective, Commercial drive, Cultural adaptability, Teamwork, Commercial curiosity. 2:1 or above in any subject. Languages and international backgrounds are a genuine positive.
What is the White & Case assessment centre format?
The selection process involves: Online application; Online assessments; Video interview; Assessment centre.

Ready to apply?

Applications go directly to White & Case's official graduate recruitment portal.

Apply at White & Case

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