2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER White & Case

• “I appreciated that the work assignments were, for the most part, actual client-billable work instead of made-up assignments. It gave me a good overview of what life as an actual associate would look like.”
• “Work assignments and training were substantive. While there is a pool system, summer associates who were able to foster better relationships with associates and partners were able to get more substantive work.”
• “White & Case provided a well-rounded training for summers in that summers were able to participate in any matter in any practice group which interested them. White & Case even ensured we had formally assigned mentors in our practice areas of interest (both associates and partners), further ensuring we received the experience we sought from the summer associate program.”
• “The corporate pool assignment is extremely conducive to people trying work in different practice areas and helpful for associates to get the proper exposure before placement selection down the road. We bring people onto substantive client work and allocate meaningful work to the summers.”

• “The firm provides an extensive summer associate social program, which includes events from the firm's affinity groups and partner dinners, as well as larger all-firm events.”
• “White & Case made sure that we made the most of our summer program through networking lunches, floor/practice group-wide happy hours, and through team building activities.”
• “The social events during the summer program were diverse and well-planned. Alcohol was available but not actively encouraged. This was important because it fostered participation among all summers and members of the associate and partner ranks.”
• “We had lots of great events, on average one event a week. Some events were held in the office, some were off-site. Events ranged from indoor-themed mini golfing, a boat cruise, and others. The camaraderie among the summer associates was great. It was not a competitive atmosphere; everyone was very friendly. All my interactions with the firm attorneys were great as well. Everyone was very genuine and sincere about their experiences at the firm.”

• “The pool program gives first years the opportunity to continue to explore different practice areas after starting if they want to. Some first years have picked back up on assignments they worked on during the summer. The workload as a first year has been a little lighter than during the summer.”
• “I work with more offices than I realized I would, so at least half of my work is with the team in my office, but half is with teams from our many other offices. It's not a bad thing; it's actually nice getting to learn from such a diverse group.”
• “The teams are truly more collaborative and respectful than what I would have expected coming in. It's a great firm to work at, and it's easy to find a sense of community here. There are a lot of mentorships being offered, so the environment is welcoming for providing support to juniors.”
• “My experience at the firm has, if anything, exceeded my expectations as a summer associate. I have gotten to work in exactly the practice areas I'd hoped to, and the work has been more interesting, substantive, and relevant.”

• “My favorite summer event was the final reception, held on the roof of a hotel. You could look out on the New York skyline and reflect on the experiences from the summer with other members of the program.”
• “Attending a Halsey concert; learning how to properly make a charcuterie board; going on a speakeasy tour of downtown LA; attending a walking tour of Wynwood, Miami (I spent two weeks working out of the Miami office).”
• “My favorite summer event was called ‘Associate Cribs.’ This event provided access to the apartments and homes of associates at various levels of experience within the firm. It was also an opportunity to explore Houston neighborhoods and consider a variety of living arrangements once joining the firm on a full-time basis.”
• “Bus tour throughout Chicago trying out legit Mexican food in more out-of-the-way places. Guarantee other firms didn't get to do that.”

We pride ourselves on giving summer associates real work for real clients with real deadlines. During week one, the entire class is invited to the New York office where summer associates across the U.S. will have the opportunity to network with their peers and learn more about the firm, our people, and our culture. Programming includes a session on wellness, business skills training, a seminar on law firm economics, and an off-site team-building activity as well as an overview of our Global Citizenship and Diversity initiatives. We include a full curriculum of training programs following week one in addition to hands-on training working side-by-side with our lawyers. Our Staffing Manager ensures that each summer associate is exposed to a variety of work, including pro bono matters. Summer associates are assigned mentors to provide career guidance and ensure a smooth transition to the firm. A variety of social events are available to help foster internal connections. At the end of the program, our summer associates will have a thorough understanding of what it is like to be a junior associate at White & Case.