White & Case: A Global Law Firm Committed to Globalization and Inclusion

Founded in the early 20th century in New York City, White & Case has grown into a truly global law firm with a strong emphasis on internationalization and inclusivity. Today, the firm operates 46 offices across 31 countries, including eight in the United States, and is widely recognized for its expertise in handling complex cross-border and multi-jurisdictional matters. Most recently, White & Case reinforced its footprint in the Middle East by establishing a regional headquarters in Riyadh.

A Vision for Globalization

White & Case was established in 1901 by Justin DuPratt White and George B. Case, who invested their own savings to open a law office in downtown Manhattan. Their close relationship with Henry P. Davison, a senior partner at J.P. Morgan & Company, helped the firm gain prominence early on. White & Case also provided legal counsel to White’s alma mater, Cornell University. In 1926, the firm opened its first international office in Paris, marking the beginning of its enduring global expansion.

Today, White & Case holds a leading position in international legal markets, with deep experience in areas such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), finance, antitrust, arbitration, and financial restructuring. Its client base includes 75% of the Fortune Global 100, 25% of the Fortune 500, numerous startups, governments, sovereign institutions, and state-owned enterprises.

The firm offers legal services across more than 20 practice areas—from antitrust and project finance to white-collar defense—spanning industries like consumer goods, financial services, manufacturing, media, mining, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, energy, private equity, real estate, and technology.

As a pioneer of the international law firm model, White & Case has long focused on emerging markets, contributing to legal system development and legislative processes in many jurisdictions. Thanks to its cross-border capabilities and collaborative teams of locally qualified, U.S., and U.K. lawyers, the firm serves top-tier banks, corporations, startups, and industry disruptors around the globe.

White & Case’s global outlook extends to talent development. Lawyers are encouraged to explore international work opportunities through short-term overseas rotations, client secondments, and long-term assignments in foreign offices.

M&A Expansion in China

At a time when many international firms are scaling back in China, White & Case is moving in the opposite direction. In March 2024, the firm welcomed Alan Bao as a partner in its M&A practice in the Beijing office, strengthening its global M&A capabilities.

According to a press release on the firm’s website, Bao’s appointment follows several other high-profile additions to its global M&A team in 2024, including Taurie Zeitzer (New York), Patrick Sarch (London), John Cahill (New York/Hong Kong), and Sten Olsson (Helsinki).

Oliver Brettle, Partner and Vice Chair at White & Case, commented:
“China is the world’s largest economy by purchasing power parity and the second-largest by GDP, making it a vital market for us. Alan’s arrival enhances our M&A capabilities in China and aligns with our global M&A growth strategy. He will work closely with our integrated M&A, private equity, capital markets, disputes, and investment funds teams across China and globally. His track record complements our reputation for handling complex, high-stakes transactions in sectors like energy transition, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and industrial services.”

White & Case has 10 offices in the Asia-Pacific region, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong in Greater China. The Beijing office now includes four partners (including Bao), one local partner, one of counsel, four associates, and one senior legal consultant.

Financial Performance and Compensation

While size alone doesn’t guarantee success, it often reflects substantial financial momentum—and White & Case is no exception. In 2022, the firm ranked 7th in The American Lawyer’s Am Law 200 and 8th in the Global 200 list by revenue. In 2023, global revenue rose by 4.3% to $2.95 billion, edging close to the $3 billion mark.

Profit per equity partner (PEP) surged by 12.7%, reaching $3.6 million, up from $2.8 million the previous year. Net income climbed to $1.19 billion, a 9% year-on-year increase, and revenue per lawyer rose by 6.7% to $1.153 million.

The firm’s compensation structure includes a base salary and annual bonuses for eligible lawyers who meet a billable target of 2,000 hours, including a portion allocated to pro bono and DEI activities. Those who significantly exceed targets may qualify for a “super bonus.”

On average, White & Case lawyers work 47 hours per week, though some report heavier workloads.

Career Development for Junior Lawyers

In offices such as Houston and New York, new associates join a “pool system” for corporate or litigation practices, choosing a major and minor focus area before eventually joining specific groups. Elsewhere, new hires are directly assigned to practice areas.

This flexible approach helps young lawyers explore diverse workstreams. One associate noted, “Coming from a non-legal background, this structure helped me understand the practice better.” A litigation associate added, “It allowed me to grow naturally into the role.”

Antitrust is a popular litigation focus, with clients in retail, pharma, and finance. Although the team spans several U.S. offices, most matters are domestic. New lawyers are involved in core legal tasks such as reviewing documents and conducting research. “I didn’t expect to take on this much responsibility in my first year,” said one associate.

New hires undergo the “Foundational Milestone Program,” which provides onboarding, legal skills training, and cultural integration. Each associate is paired with a mentor for guidance and informal support. Weekly training emails cover topics from emotional intelligence to legal writing, and associates can join industry interest groups to stay up to date with trends.

White & Case offers a clear career path with multiple advancement options:

• Partnership Track: High performers may be promoted to partner, with the firm steadily increasing partner headcount.
• International Mobility: The firm’s global reach offers associates chances to work on cross-border cases and pursue international rotations.
• Internal Advancement: Some lawyers transition to in-house roles or other firms, but White & Case’s training provides a strong market advantage.

Work-Life Balance and Pro Bono Culture

White & Case encourages pro bono work in areas like human rights, immigration, prisoner advocacy, and racial justice. Lawyers can count up to 200 hours of pro bono toward their annual billable targets. Partners also participate actively, creating a culture that integrates social responsibility into early career development.

In a 2024 survey, the firm was recognized as an “Excellent Performer in Quality of Life.” Despite the firm’s “Big Law” intensity, associates reported relatively good work-life balance. “I still get to enjoy New York life—I don’t have to give up my personal time completely,” shared one lawyer.

The firm follows a hybrid work model, requiring lawyers to be in the office at least three days per week, typically Tuesday through Thursday. While some outside New York noted this could impact social interaction, internal communication channels—like the firm’s effective email system—help bridge gaps.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

White & Case is consistently ranked among the most diverse firms by Vault and holds the Mansfield Certification Plus, reflecting at least 30% diverse representation in leadership roles and committees.

In the U.S., the firm supports eight active affinity groups:

Alliance Women’s Network
Asian Affinity Network
Beyond Barriers (Disability & Neurodiversity)
Black Affinity Network
Hispanic American Network – Alianza
Jewish Affinity Network
Spectrum LGBTQ+ Network
Middle Eastern and North African Network
Up to 50 hours of DEI-related activities can count toward billable targets.

Many associates praised the firm’s inclusive hiring approach: “White & Case does a great job attracting lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds.” Still, some noted challenges in retention and support: “Diverse lawyers may struggle early on due to lack of mentorship.” Yet others highlighted progress: “The number of female partners has grown significantly, and there are many communities to engage with.”