Legal Trainee, Trade

White & Case LLP; Brussel; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

White & Case LLP in Brussels offers hands-on experience and training at an international law firm through our twelve-month trainee program. You will advise clients on EU competition law and international trade, including trade defence, customs, sanctions, and digital regulation such as the DMA and DSA, collaborating closely with associates and partners.

The program lasts twelve months, with September 2027 intake.

Qualifications

• Completion of academic qualifications with EU or WTO law modules.
• European Bar qualification or on track to qualify within one year.
• At least one year of experience in EC, international law firm, or junior associate.
• Outgoing and resilient with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluent in English; knowledge of another language is desirable.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Diligent, detail-oriented, professional, eager to learn, and able to work in a fast-paced team.

Skills

Fluent English

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Diligence & attention to detail

Teamwork

Adaptability to fast-paced environment

Ambition & independence

Education

European Bar qualification or on track to qualify within 1 year

Academic background with EU or WTO law modules

Job description

Our Brussels office offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and receive training at an international law firm through our trainee program. By collaborating closely with associates and partners, depending on your areas of expertise, you will be involved in advising clients on a broad spectrum of EU competition law questions, with a strong emphasis on EU and international trade law, including trade defence, customs, and sanctions, as well as digital regulations such as the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the Digital Service Act (DSA), and other trade and digital regulatory matters. This role also includes involvement in trade defence investigations conducted by the European Commission, litigation before the EU Courts, and other critical EU regulatory matters.

Our trainee program lasts twelve months, with the next intake scheduled for September 2027. Trainees work on a full-time basis, with many receiving offers to continue with us as associates.

If you are ambitious, hardworking, independent, creative, and detail-oriented, this is a unique opportunity to engage in complex international transactions and become a valued member of our dynamic team. Join us to shape the future of digital and regulatory law while advancing your legal career with one of the leading international law firms.

Qualifications

Candidates interested in a position as a Legal Trainee:

• Must have completed their academic qualifications, including modules on EU or WTO law.
• Hold a European Bar qualification or be on track to qualify within one year.
• Should have at least one year of experience, such as a traineeship at the European Commission, a traineeship at an international law firm, or a junior associate position at a national law firm.
• Need to be outgoing and resilient, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a high level of dedication to the role.
• Must be fluent in English; knowledge of another language is desirable.
• Should possess strong analytical skills.
• Demonstrate diligence, attention to detail, professionalism, a strong eagerness to learn, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and as part of a team.

What we offer

We offer an excellent compensation package that recognizes and rewards your expertise and dedication. You will be working in a fast-paced and stimulating environment where each day brings new challenges and opportunities.

Our firm is committed to continuous learning and professional development, enabling you to expand your knowledge and skills. You will gain hands-on experience on leading cases, strengthening your practical skills and legal acumen. You will be part of a team that supports your growth and success, with opportunities to work on high-profile and influential matters.

Location and Reporting

• This is a temporary role based in our Brussels office, with potential for permanent role.
• This role reports to the Partners of the Brussels office.

White & Case is committed to creating a fair workplace. It is our Firm's policy to recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.

If you require assistance and/or adjustment to participate in our application and/or interview process, please email us. We will be happy to work with you.

The Firm may modify and amend any job description at any time in its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

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

Note to Recruitment Agencies

Our internal Recruitment team manages all aspects of lateral hiring. All agencies must have signed terms of business—specific to the relevant office—before submitting any candidates. CVs or applications sent directly to White & Case partners or employees will also not be considered formal introductions. If you have questions, please contact the relevant Recruitment team. We work with our preferred suppliers when engaging agencies.