Case Study: Director of Finance & Accounting at White & Case

​Client Overview

White & Case LLP, a prominent U.S. law firm, have had a presence in London for many years and their London office is among the largest law firms in the UK in terms of headcount and revenue. The firm has a large business services function including a robust finance and accounting team.

Ambition has had a long-standing relationship with White & Case, particularly in the finance and accounting division, where we’ve supported their recruitment needs for over a decade.

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The Role

White & Case engaged Associate Director, Olivia Kelly, who specialises in senior legal finance recruitment, to help appoint a new Director of Finance & Accounting, a senior role that would cover not only the London office but also the firm’s extensive EMEA network across 28 offices.

This position required a high level of strategic and operational oversight, with responsibilities including managing a sizable, geographically diverse team and delivering financial guidance across multiple jurisdictions.

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Our Approach

Our first step was a detailed consultation with White & Case to clarify the specific requirements, challenges, and nuances of the role. Key priorities included finding a candidate with extensive experience in a global firm with multiple offices and a proven track record in managing and mentoring large teams across international locations. 

Although White & Case was open to candidates from outside the legal sector, the complexity of law firm financial structures meant we focused on candidates who were familiar with the unique demands of legal finance.

Drawing on our extensive network and deep understanding of White & Case’s specific needs, we initiated a targeted search. Olivia performed a precise market mapping to identify senior finance professionals from top-tier law firms, targeting individuals in either the #1 or #2 finance positions in their current firms.

Due to the role’s prestige and scope, there was significant interest from several high-calibre candidates, allowing us to compile a shortlist of nine exceptional senior finance professionals, each with impressive credentials from prominent firms.

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The Selection Process

White & Case was highly engaged throughout the process, interviewing all nine shortlisted candidates. This level of commitment facilitated a smooth recruitment experience and underscored the true partnership and trust built between Ambition and White & Case.

Our deep understanding of White & Case’s needs and firm culture enabled us to present highly relevant candidates, resulting in an efficient and seamless process. Ultimately, White & Case extended an offer to one of our shortlisted candidates, who accepted the position.

The Outcome

This successful placement marked another chapter in our productive partnership with White & Case, enhancing their finance leadership with a skilled professional who aligns with the firm’s strategic goals and international reach. The smooth process and successful outcome were a testament to our expertise in senior legal finance recruitment, further strengthening our client relationship.

Candidate Testimonial

“I would not hesitate to recommend Olivia to my colleagues both as a client and as a candidate. She has excellent legal finance market knowledge and matches what the client 'really' wants with her candidate network.

Olivia is has an excellent knowledge of the key players in legal Finance. I was kept up to speed every step of the way in my most recent process and felt well-prepared going in to see the client at interview. Olivia handled discussions and closing negotiations well, managing expectations and achieving an outcome that was a win-win for client and candidate!”

​Mike Colby, Director of Finance & Accounting at White & Case