Legal Trainee, EU Competition, Trade Practice (October 2026)

Our Brussels office offers ambitious Blue Book trainees and LLM students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and training with an international law firm through our trainee program. By collaborating closely with senior 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 spans twelve months, starting each year in March and September.

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.

Candidates interested in a position as a Legal Trainee:

• Must have completed their academic qualifications, including modules on EU or WTO law.
• Relevant legal experience, ideally within a European institution.
• Completion of an LL.M. at a university in the UK or US is an asset.
• Must 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 social skills, and a high degree of commitment to the job.
• Must be fluent in English; knowledge of another language is desirable.
• Should possess very good analytical skills.
• Must 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.
• Should have very good computer skills.

We offer an excellent compensation package that recognize and reward 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, allowing you to expand your knowledge and skills. You will gain hands-on experience with top leading cases, enhancing your practical skills and legal acumen. Additionally, you will be part of a team that supports your growth and success, offering opportunities to work on high-profile and influential cases.

• 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.

Equal Opportunities

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.