Skip to content

White & Case keeps 13 out of 16 spring NQs

Avatar photo

By Thomas Connelly on

Demand for English-qualified lawyers continues to grow, says US titan

The London office of White & Case has announced a solid spring 2018 retention score of 81%.

From a March-qualifying cohort of 16, the New York-headquartered behemoth confirmed 13 rookies were offered and had accepted permanent positions at the firm. White & Case’s newest recruits will be spread across several of the firm’s practice areas including: banking, capital markets, commercial litigation, international arbitration, and mergers & acquisitions. Two soon-to-be associates will join the firm’s Dubai office.

Justin Benson, head of White & Case’s trainee solicitor programme in London, said:

“Our demand for English law qualified lawyers continues to grow in London and across our offices globally and is an ongoing business need.”

White & Case, a 43-office outfit, is traditionally a strong retention performer. Last year it posted results of 83% (15 out of 18) and 88% (15 out of 17).

The 2018 Firms Most List

Legal Cheek’s Firms Most List shows newly qualified (NQ) lawyers at White & Case receive magic circle-busting salaries of £105,000. Trainee remuneration currently stands at £46,000, rising to £50,000 in year two.

Cold hard cash aside, the firm — which offers around 50 London-based training contracts annually — performed well in our Trainee and Junior Lawyer Survey. It bagged an A* for perks, as well as As for training, quality of work, office and social life.

Returning to retention rates and yesterday Macfarlanes revealed a perfect spring retention score of 100%. The firm — which is part of a band of top firms known as the ‘silver circle’ — confirmed that all six of its rookies had put pen to paper on permanent deals.

For all the latest commercial awareness info, and advance notification of Legal Cheek's careers events:

Sign up to the Legal Cheek Hub

Related Stories

Why you should care about trainee retention rates

The Legal Cheek Podcast explains why this often overlooked stat matters for aspiring lawyers

Apr 7 2026 8:46am
1

Bonds, borders and boarding passes: What life as a capital markets lawyer actually looks like

White & Case associate Jack Adachi on the international draw of global finance law and life on the deal

Mar 30 2026 8:38am

White & Case employee claims he was photographed naked while unconscious at firm retreat

Firm says it will 'vigorously' defend 'baseless' claims

Mar 26 2026 3:53pm
1