Learn about the groundbreaking work that Latham & Watkins is famed for across the world’s major global financial centres, as well the firm’s comprehensive training and mentoring in an open and collaborative environment that will both inspire and challenge you.
WHEN YOU JOIN LATHAM & WATKINS
INTRODUCTION
Train with us and you’ll enjoy real responsibility on global matters. You’ll also have a thrilling and enjoyable experience, which I think will really surprise you. Through this short brochure you will gain a sense of the incredible experience Latham offers, but if you are interested in joining one of the world’s leading law firms, working with the best and brightest people in a collegiate and accessible atmosphere, I want you to come and experience it for yourself.
As an elite global law firm, Latham & Watkins works across the world’s major global financial centres on groundbreaking, complex work. The firm also provides comprehensive training and mentoring in an open and collaborative environment that will both inspire and challenge you. Among the most compelling factors in my decision to join Latham were the value the team placed on me, even as a junior lawyer, and the firm’s entrepreneurial and ambitious spirit. Very quickly I understood that here at Latham, my strengths would be harnessed, nourished, and celebrated. I was encouraged to confront any challenges in a supportive, non-hierarchical environment, and provided with bespoke training to help me grow and develop — not just as a lawyer, but as an individual.
Deborah Kirk Partner, Head of IP
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AT LATHAM & WATKINS
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Though we may be one of the largest in the world, we’re not your typical law firm. What sets us apart? We asked our people — our trainees, associates, and partners — to discover what they love the most about working at Latham. We’re Meritocratic We’re an open and supportive community, where people come first and where every opinion is valued. Working in small, collaborative teams alongside senior lawyers on global projects, you’ll learn from the best, with no end to your growth and responsibility. “ Our Associates Committee helps run Latham. It has a say on lateral hires, internal promotions and oversees associate performance reviews, bonus allocations, and evaluations”
“ There's no ceiling when it comes to responsibility, given the small teams and nature of the work”
We’re Ambitious We need keen, creative thinkers as we continue to break new ground with our clients. Our clients trust us to solve their problems with creativity and a unique approach to each matter. “We work on the best and biggest market-shaping deals”
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WHEN YOU’RE TRUSTED TO MAKE CHANGE
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Some of our networks you can join: • Diversity Leadership Committee • Women Enriching Business
International Law Firm of the Year, British Legal Awards 2018
• Black Lawyers Group • LGBTQ Lawyers Group • Parent Lawyers Group • First Generation Professional Group • Multicultural Promotion & Attainment Coalition
Best Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, UK Diversity Legal Awards 2018
We’re Inclusive At Latham, nobody is held back from fulfilling their potential. We value people with
different interests and from different backgrounds. We’re interested in getting to know you — both as a lawyer and as a person.
“Our diversity translates into diversity of thought, background, and voice ” “We care about people — not just about their work” We’re Invested in You We value energy and positivity. Through open feedback and mutual respect, you’ll have all the resources you need to be the best lawyer you can be.
“You get the feeling that everyone at Latham is rooting for your success, that they're invested in and support you ”
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Training When you begin your legal career at Latham, we’ll help you to build a strong foundation that will support you throughout your journey here. Pre-qualification: • An initial three-week induction • Rotation-specific training at the start of each seat Career Development We have an open feedback culture and an honest and transparent review process, which plays an integral role in the progression of all our lawyers. With the right support, there’s no limit to what our lawyers can do. We operate a culture of ongoing feedback, not just one, end-of-year review. You’ll receive regular feedback from supervisors and partners to help with your development. You’ll receive comprehensive feedback after each seat – guidance that you can take into your next seat.
Skills training
> Contract drafting > English grammar > Financial statements > Business Development Academy > LinkedIn
> Understanding accounts > Equality and diversity > Compliance courses
> Networking skills > Presentation skills
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
+ Life assurance + Private health insurance + Private dental insurance + Pension scheme + Season ticket loan for transport + Cycle-to-work scheme + On-site subsidised restaurant Your benefits include:
+ Discounted gym membership + CareConnect counselling services
+ Vision allowance + Comprehensive
wellness programme + Financial and legal services + Work-life resources and referrals
Support Once you receive your training contract offer, if you haven’t completed your GDL or LPC, we’ll help you enrol at the BPP. We’ll support you financially during your studies, pay your fees, and support you with a maintenance grant while you’re studying for one or both qualifications. If you’ve already completed the GDL and/or LPC, your fees will be reimbursed in full. If you achieve or have achieved a distinction in your LPC, you’ll also receive a bonus. In the year before you join the firm, you’ll be paired with a trainee mentor. We’ll hold a number of social events before you start, to help you transition into life at Latham.
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We hold three vacation schemes throughout the year. Our winter vacation scheme runs for one week in one practice area. The spring and summer vacation schemes run for two weeks across two practice areas. Our vacation schemes are a great opportunity for us to get to know each other before you graduate. You’ll have the chance to be involved with real client-facing work, giving you a taste of life as a trainee lawyer at Latham. You’ll also meet a range of people through a number of social activities. You’ll sit in a designated practice area, prioritised according to your preferences. Who will I work with? You’ll share an office with an associate or partner, while working closely with your supervisor. You’ll also have the support of a trainee mentor and the graduate recruitment team. What will my day look like? Depending on the team you sit with, you may be involved with client calls, court visits, Q&As, research and training, group work, and last but certainly not least, socials. Once you’ve had the chance to experience life at Latham, you’ll have the opportunity to interview for a training contract.
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Winter application process
VACATION SCHEME You should be in the penultimate year of your law degree, your final year of a non-law degree, or beyond.
ONLINE APPLICATION September to October You’ll fill out your work experience history, grades and a few long response questions.
VIDEO INTERVIEW October You can complete the interview on your PC or smartphone in around 15 minutes.
ASSESSMENT DAY October to November You’ll take part in a written task and two interviews, one of which includes a presentation.
VACATION SCHEME December You’ll have the option to be assessed for a training contract during your vacation scheme.
Spring and summer application process
VACATION SCHEME You should be in the penultimate year of your law degree, your final year of a non-law degree, or beyond.
VIDEO INTERVIEW January You can complete the interview on your PC or smartphone in around 15 minutes.
ASSESSMENT DAY January to February You’ll take part in a written task and two interviews, one of which includes a presentation.
VACATION SCHEME April or July You’ll have the option to be assessed for a training contract during your vacation scheme.
ONLINE APPLICATION September to January You’ll fill out your work experience history, grades and a few long response questions.
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TRAINING CONTRACT
“We believe there is no such thing as a typical trainee task. Once you build trust with your colleagues, the responsibility can quickly reach associate level. The opportunities here are unlimited ” “The level of responsibility is high , and I’m treated more like a junior associate than a trainee”
Which departments will I be a part of?
You will rotate in four seats for a duration of six months each, two of which will be Corporate and Finance. Towards the end of each seat, you will submit your preferences for your next seat. The Graduate Recruitment and Development Team will ensure you’re exposed to a broad range of practice areas and that you work on projects that interest you.
This is your chance to work on projects that can make a real impact in the market.
Training contract application process
TRAINING CONTRACT You should be in the penultimate year of your law degree, or final year of a non-law degree, or beyond.
ONLINE APPLICATION April to July You’ll fill out your work experience history, grades and a few long response questions.
VIDEO INTERVIEW July You can complete the interview on your PC or smartphone in around 15 minutes.
ASSESSMENT DAY July to August You’ll take part in a written task and two interviews, one of which includes a presentation.
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What type of work will I do? The work is fast-paced, varied, impactful, and international. Whichever department you choose to work in, you’ll be given real responsibility and the chance to make your mark. Will I have the opportunity to go on secondments and work internationally? Client and international secondment opportunities are based on business needs and availability. Previous international secondments include our Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Los Angeles, New York, Madrid, Brussels, and Paris offices. On secondment, you really get to make the most of our global platform. You will have the opportunity to apply in your third or fourth seat.
Who will support me along the way?
• Your trainee mentor — who you’ll meet prior to joining the firm — will provide support and guidance throughout your training contract, offering advice from their own recent experiences. • Your associate mentor will also guide you during your training contract, and will be integral to helping you navigate your career and your development into a successful lawyer. • A supervisor , at associate or partner level, will be part of your day-to-day team, giving you regular feedback and guidance. • The Graduate Recruitment and
Development Team will support you throughout your training programme.
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After attending an open day at Latham, I was immediately attracted to the vacation scheme. Having done four vacation schemes at various firms, Latham appealed the most for its entrepreneurial attitude . The open day and vacation scheme gave me a strong flavour of what life at Latham would be like, so I was excited to return as a trainee. There were great opportunities for me to get to know my fellow trainees upon joining, and three seats in, we’re a solid unit. It’s been great to be part of a close and supportive cohort . Mentoring is a priority at Latham, and I’ve never been stuck for support. My mentors have helped to set realistic expectations and I felt guided through every process and milestone. I recommend all students take part in a vacation scheme! It gives you great insight into the work lawyers do and the culture of a firm. It will also help determine if law is right for you. I have a lot of responsibility, and have learned a lot too. I know I've made an impactful contribution .
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ABOUT US
US$ 1.6 billion in free legal services provided since 2000, equivalent to 3.5 million pro bono hours. We’re serious about pro bono work. Over 400 lawyers in London (including over 90 partners, 280 associates, and 48 trainees) We are one of the largest law firms in the world. 29 Latham offices located in 14 countries
Over 70% of the firm’s
Over 2,700 lawyers globally
transactions involve five or more offices
We work with a variety of clients across multiple industries.
NIVAURA
THE CARLYLE GROUP
SOHO HOUSE
GLAXOSMITHKLINE
INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
THOMAS COOK
WARNER BROS.
LEGAL & GENERAL
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WHEN YOU JOIN LATHAM & WATKINS
@lathamwatkins
facebook.com/lathamwatkins
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