Over the past 100 years, we’ve built an unrivaled network of 44 offices in 30 countries. That investment is the foundation for White & Case’s client work in 180 countries today.
Many White & Case clients are multinational organisations with complex needs that require the involvement of multiple Firm offices. You will work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with colleagues across the global network on multijurisdictional matters, and experience the operational realities of cross-border law. We believe global exposure is an integral part of becoming a great lawyer, and our graduates are encouraged to take up international secondment opportunities, either as a part of their program, or early in their career.
Our teams in Melbourne and Sydney work with clients in every state of Australia and across the globe on all aspects of the energy, infrastructure and mining & metals sectors and on corporate M&A transactions. We offer clients legal services throughout the full life cycle of their projects, including environment and planning, project structuring, project development, project finance, corporate advice, M&A, litigation and arbitration.
There is no such thing as a typical White & Case graduate. We recruit people from all walks of life, from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Even so, there are a few key qualities we always look for. We’re looking for high achievers who want to be part of a dynamic, growing global business. It goes without saying that we expect intelligence and academic excellence, and your interest in us suggests you have the ambition, drive and determination to become a successful global lawyer.
Next, the way you think is crucial. You’ll enjoy the intellectual challenge of analysing how the law works and being creative, yet commercial, in how you interpret it. Your clients will come to depend on your lateral thinking, your focus on detail and your ability to resolve complex issues or structure international transactions.
You’re a team player, on whom clients and colleagues can rely to perform tasks accurately, efficiently and meet deadlines. You’re expected to ask questions about your work or seek feedback on your performance—that’s why we have an informal open-door policy.
If you’re up to the challenge, then this is the place to be.
We offer a summer and winter vacation clerkship in our Melbourne office and a winter clerkship in our Sydney office. Regionally, we offer summer and winter internship opportunities in our Hong Kong office for law students with fluency in mandarin and an interest in qualifying in Hong Kong.
These programs offer law students a practical insight into life as a White & Case graduate or trainee. You’ll be welcomed into a team where you’ll undertake meaningful tasks, including but not limited to, drafting contracts and memoranda, researching, interpreting legislation and case law, preparing client alerts, and engaging in document review and due diligence work.
Above all, the clerkship is as much a process about our Firm finding out who you are as it is about you finding out who we are. As such, Clerks are encouraged to ask questions and get involved in the program.
We encourage you to be yourself and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the work and willingness to get involved in Firm life.
We structure our Graduate Program to meet both your short-term career goals and long-term career aspirations. You will work through three six-month rotations, taking into account your preferences, to fully equip you with the necessary skills to become a skilled, global commercial lawyer.
From day one, you will work on fast-paced cutting-edge and complex multijurisdictional projects, experiencing the operational realities of cross-border law. You will gain client exposure early on, as you handle substantive matters with first-rate guidance and supervision from leaders in their field.
As a truly global Firm, we provide our Graduates with unique opportunities to work on international matters — both commercial and pro bono—with our large global network of offices. We develop associates with a global mentality and international skillset. As part of this, we also offer international opportunities as a key part of the Graduate Program