Firm Summary  

White & Case is an elite global law firm serving leading companies, financial institutions and governments worldwide. Our long history as an international firm means we are perfectly placed to help our clients resolve their most complex legal challenges wherever they may be.

With lawyers operating from more than 40 locations, working in virtually every country of the world, we have invested heavily in building a high-quality full-service practice competing at the top of the market. We are distinguished by our on-the-ground presence in the world’s key financial markets and our strengths in handling complex cross-border work.

It’s not just about our global network of offices; it’s the global interconnectedness of the Firm that our people, and our clients, value most. We work well together across geographic and practice boundaries. It’s one of the reasons we attract and retain cross-border work. And why we attract a diverse group of people.

Our lawyers are globally minded, enterprising, collaborative and committed to excellence. Diversity is a core value of our Firm and it has been recognized with numerous awards and top rankings around the world. Our people represent 90 nationalities and speak 80 languages.

Position Summary  

The role holder will manage the Trainee Development (HR) function for the London office, reporting to the Head of Graduate Resourcing & Development, EMEA. Team members include the Graduate Development (GD) Advisor and Graduate Resourcing & Development (GRD) Assistant.

The recruitment side of the function is managed by the Graduate Resourcing (GR) Manager. The GR Manager is supported by a GR Advisor and the GRD Assistant.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the learning and development of trainees

• Manage all trainee-related employee relations matters;
• Build strong relationships with trainee partners and supervisors to ensure an active role is played in headcount management and trainee performance-related matters;
• Manage the seat rotation process for trainee solicitors every six months;
• Manage the qualification process for trainee solicitors every six months;
• Promote and develop the evaluation process for trainee solicitors including mid and end of seat reviews;
• Review all evaluations and follow up with supervisors, trainees and trainee partners as necessary
• Communicate any trainee performance concerns to GR Manager for recruitment purposes;
• Manage the use of ‘Unity: trainee’ and oversee the GD Advisor’s provision of monthly reporting;
• Oversee GRD Assistant’s organisation of the trainee lunch & learn programme;
• Oversee the GRD Assistant’s provision of financial assistance for future trainees at law school;
• Oversee the GD Advisor’s coordination of the Professional Skills Course (PSC) and Training Litigation Programme (TLP), ensuring all trainees are compliant prior to their overseas seat/qualification; and
• Liaise with the Solicitors Regulation Authority on matters relating to trainee solicitors and ensure the Firm is meeting its regulatory obligations

Manage the trainee overseas seat programme

• With the Global Mobility Manager, manage the trainee overseas seat programme, including working with HR Managers in local offices regarding practice group availability and the terms and conditions of the placements;
• Liaising regularly with trainee partners and overseas HR Managers to ensure successful integration and successful implementation of the overseas seat policy;
• Manage the performance management process of overseas trainees; and
• Oversee the GD Advisor and GRD Assistant’s coordination of language lessons, health insurance, tax and visas.

Future Trainees

• Manage all future trainee-related employee relations matters;
• Maintain regular contact with future trainees;
• Monitor performance during GDL, LPC and SQE programmes;
• Oversee organisation of the new trainee induction programme organised by the GD Advisor and GRD Assistant;
• Organise work permits for new trainees as required; and
• Co-chair LPC welcome events

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain a strong working relationship with the Firm’s Training Principal, keeping them regularly updated on trainee development matters;
• Oversee the GD Advisor’s production of monthly utilisation reports for the Training Principal and follow up with individual trainees as necessary;
• Conduct individual catch-up meetings withs trainees and communicate feedback to the trainee partners;
• Provide trainee development updates to London Graduate Resourcing Partner Committee;
• Oversee the GD Advisor and GRD Assistant’s coordination of the future trainee parties;
• Oversee the GD Advisor’s and GRD Assistant’s coordination of payroll paperwork for current trainees and new joiners;
• Present sessions on the training programme during open days, vacation schemes and the new trainee induction;
• Conduct vacation scheme interviews when additional resource is required;
• On occasion, attend university law fairs, presentations and skills sessions when additional resource is required;
• Conduct cohort meetings to brief trainees on relevant processes and obtain feedback on the training programme;
• Meet with trainee reps on a quarterly basis;
• Write new policies as and when required; and
• Undertake any project work as and when required

Supervisory/Management

• Responsible for the day to day management of the GD Advisor and GRD Assistant in relation to trainee development activities;
• Develop the GD Advisor’s and GRD Assistant’s knowledge of trainee development matters and oversee their development in the running of processes within seat rotation, overseas seats, the new trainee induction and utilisation reporting, for example; and
• Conduct the GD Advisor’s annual performance review and co-conduct the GRD Assistant’s annual performance review with the GR Manager

Education/Qualifications

• Educated to degree level;
• CIPD qualification desirable, with good HR knowledge.

Essential Job Requirements

Skills/Experience

• Experience and good knowledge of graduate recruitment & development;
• Knowledge of a professional services environment, ideally a law firm;
• Excellent communication skills with a mature approach to sensitive issues;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Excellent organisational skills;
• Attention to detail and accuracy;
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines;
• Team oriented with a willingness to roll up sleeves and help out whenever necessary; and
• Ability to multi-task

Personal Qualities

• Professional;
• Diligent;
• Customer and service orientated;
• Positive and proactive; and
• Integrity

Location and Reporting  

• This is a role based in London
• Our standard office hours are 09:30-18:00
• This role reports to Head of Graduate Resourcing & Development, EMEA.

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion.

1The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.