10 Things Business Professionals Need to Know About Working in a Law Firm

A version of this article was originally published on White & Case's blog.

Have you ever considered joining a law firm but aren't sure if your experience is a match? Well, there's room in this industry for everyone! For example, take White & Case (a global law firm). Here, Finance, HR, IT, Business Development, and other professionals work alongside lawyers — often as part of the same team. And these are just some of the vital roles that are essential to the Firm's success. 

To learn more about working at a law firm when you’re a business professional — not a lawyer — check out these ten top tips from White & Case recruiters at their London office:

1. Your expertise is valued.

You'll be a trusted advisor to our lawyers and leadership teams and have a real impact in helping to shape our Firm. That might be through recruiting the next generation of lawyers and leaders, building client relationships, communicating to our people and stakeholders, marketing, engaging our people, developing business strategies to help grow our business, or creating bespoke tech tools to help us deliver our best work.

2. Everyone gets the same access to training and career development.

Our business professionals get access to high-calibre programmes and opportunities. This includes our Milestone Programme; training and development that helps you grow and develop at every level of your career. Our award-winning coaching office is open to all colleagues, and a regular programme of visiting speakers offers inspiration and fresh ideas.

3. Entrepreneurship and new ideas are welcome.

This is a Firm where new ideas are encouraged, taken seriously, and valued. Our values are pioneering, united, and human; we know that the best way forward is to constantly look for creative ways to collaborate and change. Many of our Business Services roles have been created as a direct result of our teams telling us what they need.

4. Get exposure to world-leading clients, in a culture of excellence.

You'll be delivering great work, in a high-performance yet collegial environment. Whether you're working on matters that make the headlines, helping to shape the future of energy, or looking at how the latest tech can help our Firm, you'll be in a diverse team united by delivering the very best client service. Many of our professionals are recognised as leaders in their field.

5. You'll get the resources and support to set you up for success.

Our busy teams get all the support they need: dedicated teams to help you format and present documents for important pitches and presentations; PA support for manager-level professionals and above; and IT support and access to best-in-class technology and tools. This means that you can concentrate on delivering your best.

6. Grow your professional and personal network.

We place a high value on relationships at White & Case, so we create multiple opportunities for all our people to connect with each other. From Firm-wide events, to departmental ‘Lunch and Learns', affinity network social events, or City professional meet-ups, you'll build a network of contacts and friends that will last a lifetime.

7. This is a Firm that takes well-being seriously.

In the office, we offer regular yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes. There are many sports teams who enjoy meeting for runs, cycles, football, and volleyball. The annual White & Case World Cup sees teams from every office compete in a fun event, held in a different city every year. You can also choose your own preferred ‘time out' activity; everyone receives an annual £500 well-being allowance: Select from exercise equipment, cookery and art classes, music lessons, gym memberships, theatre visits, and more.

8. Make a positive impact.

Our Business Services professionals participate in our pro bono and Global Citizenship efforts alongside our lawyers. There are also many volunteering activities with our charity partners, including London Zoo. Charity auctions, quiz nights, and mentoring opportunities are just some of the other ways you can have a positive impact on both local communities and larger social justice causes.

9. Diversity & Inclusion is a priority for us.

Our culture promotes a respectful, supportive workplace environment, where all people feel accepted for who they are and experience a sense of belonging. Our affinity networks are open to everyone in London and around the world, including allies. You can join and be a member of our EMEA Black Affinity Network, Spectrum LGBTQ+ Network, LINK Multicultural Network, and our ALLiance Women's Network. 

10. Be in the driving seat of your own career.

At White & Case, you'll have opportunities to get involved with other teams, working directly with partners, business leaders and many other inspiring colleagues across our 44-strong global network of offices. It's about building a career, not just your current job. Our transparent development framework means that you'll always know where you stand, and what you need to do to get to the next level.