{"id":14646,"date":"2026-08-19T10:21:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T10:21:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/?post_type=profiles&#038;p=14646"},"modified":"2026-10-23T06:31:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T06:31:00","slug":"latham-watkins","status":"publish","type":"profiles","link":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/profiles\/latham-watkins\/","title":{"rendered":"Latham &amp; Watkins"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","jurisdictions":[],"countries":[],"cities":[],"firms_companies":[],"universities_colleges":[],"lex_survey_questions":[],"publications":[828],"tc_location":[],"class_list":["post-14646","profiles","type-profiles","status-publish","hentry","publications-future-lawyers-2026-27"],"acf":[],"featured_image_urls":{},"appp_media":null,"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"lex-profile-list-intro\"><div class=\"letterhead\">\n            \n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"styled\">Latham &amp; Watkins<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/09\/latham-watkins.jpg\" alt=\"Latham &amp; Watkins law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/09\/latham-watkins.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> One Leadenhall, 1 Leadenhall St, London EC3V 1AA, United Kingdom<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.lw.com\/\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: AssociateRecruiting.Graduate.LO@lw.com?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"phone contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-phone\"><\/i> 020 7710 1000<\/div><div class=\"twitter contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-twitter\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-twitter\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/lathamwatkins\">Twitter<\/a><\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/latham-&amp;-watkins\/mycompany\/\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div><div class=\"facebook contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-facebook\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-facebook\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lathamwatkins\/\">Facebook<\/a><\/div><div class=\"instagram contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-instagram\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-instagram\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lathamwatkins\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Latham &amp; Watkins is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 5 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-firm-honours-your-preferred-seat-allocations\/' target='_blank'> Seat allocation<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-are-given-good-quality-work\/' target='_blank'> Work quality<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/my-experience-with-pro-bono-and-or-csr-opportunities-at-the-firm-has-been-valuable\/' target='_blank'> Pro bono<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/your-firm-is-committed-to-creating-a-diverse-and-inclusive-workplace\/' target='_blank'> Inclusiveness<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/if-you-did-the-vac-scheme-at-your-firm-would-you-recommend-it\/' target='_blank'> Vac scheme<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"apply-buttons\">\n<div class=\"grad_web\"><button class=\"grad-rec\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-grad-site\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lwcareers.com\/en\/beginning-your-legal-career\/united-kingdom\">Visit Graduate Recruitment Site<\/a><\/button><\/div><div class=\"apply_link\"><button class=\"apply-now\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-apply-link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/uk-earlyassociatecareers-lw.icims.com\/jobs\/\">Apply Now<\/a><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\n                    \n        <\/div><span class=\"profile-link\">View Profile<\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"below_title":"<div class=\"letterhead\"><div class=\"letterhead\">\n            \n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"styled\">Latham &amp; Watkins<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/09\/latham-watkins.jpg\" alt=\"Latham &amp; Watkins law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/09\/latham-watkins.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> One Leadenhall, 1 Leadenhall St, London EC3V 1AA, United Kingdom<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.lw.com\/\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: AssociateRecruiting.Graduate.LO@lw.com?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"phone contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-phone\"><\/i> 020 7710 1000<\/div><div class=\"twitter contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-twitter\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-twitter\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/lathamwatkins\">Twitter<\/a><\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/latham-&amp;-watkins\/mycompany\/\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div><div class=\"facebook contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-facebook\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-facebook\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lathamwatkins\/\">Facebook<\/a><\/div><div class=\"instagram contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-instagram\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-instagram\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lathamwatkins\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Latham &amp; Watkins is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 5 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-firm-honours-your-preferred-seat-allocations\/' target='_blank'> Seat allocation<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-are-given-good-quality-work\/' target='_blank'> Work quality<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/my-experience-with-pro-bono-and-or-csr-opportunities-at-the-firm-has-been-valuable\/' target='_blank'> Pro bono<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/your-firm-is-committed-to-creating-a-diverse-and-inclusive-workplace\/' target='_blank'> Inclusiveness<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/if-you-did-the-vac-scheme-at-your-firm-would-you-recommend-it\/' target='_blank'> Vac scheme<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"apply-buttons\">\n<div class=\"grad_web\"><button class=\"grad-rec\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-grad-site\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lwcareers.com\/en\/beginning-your-legal-career\/united-kingdom\">Visit Graduate Recruitment Site<\/a><\/button><\/div><div class=\"apply_link\"><button class=\"apply-now\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-apply-link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/uk-earlyassociatecareers-lw.icims.com\/jobs\/\">Apply Now<\/a><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\n                    \n        <\/div><\/div><div class=\"survey-scores\"><h2 style=\"color: #111;\">Trainee Feedback<\/h2>\r\n<ul style=\"list-type:none; color: #111;\">\r\n<li style=\"width:91.0%\">91.0<span class=\"score-title\">Work quality<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:84.3%\">84.3<span class=\"score-title\">Client contact<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:%\">92.9<span class=\"score-title\">Vac. Scheme<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:86.4%\">86.4<span class=\"score-title\">Inclusiveness<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:84.8%\">84.8<span class=\"score-title\">Approachability<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"profile-content-1\"> \n<article id=\"post-14646\" class=\"post-14646 profiles type-profiles status-publish hentry publications-future-lawyers-2026-27\">\n\t\n\t<header class=\"entry-header\">\n\t\t\n\t<\/header><!-- .entry-header -->\n\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n<div class=\"survey-results tab-listing\">  \n   \n        \n<h2>Survey Results - Trainee feedback on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Latham &amp; Watkins<\/span><\/h2>\n\n           <style>\n#chartdiv {\n  width: 100%;\n  height: 800px;\n}\n\n<\/style>\n            \n  <!-- Resources -->\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/core.js\"><\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/charts.js\"><\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/themes\/animated.js\"><\/script>\n            \n<!-- HTML -->\n<div id=\"chartdiv\"><\/div>\n        \n<!-- Chart code -->\n<script>\n\/\/ Themes begin\nam4core.useTheme(am4themes_animated);\n\/\/ Themes end\n\n\/\/ Create chart instance\nvar chart = am4core.create(\"chartdiv\", am4charts.XYChart3D);\n\n\/\/ Add data\nchart.data = [{\n  \"question\": \"Satisfaction\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate your overall job satisfaction?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Expectations\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How far has the firm lived up to your expectations?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Work quality\",\n  \"result\": \"91.0\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the quality of work you are given?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Client contact\",\n  \"result\": \"84.3\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate your amount of client contact?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Work\/life\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How happy are you with your work\/life balance?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Social life\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How good is your firm\u2019s social life?\" \n},\n\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Vac. Scheme\",\n  \"result\": \"92.9\",\n  \"explanation\": \"If you did a vacation scheme with your firm, how would you rate it?\" \n},\n\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Confidence\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How confident are you that you will be kept on at the end of your training contract?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Remuneration\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How satisfied are you with your financial remuneration?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Inclusiveness\",\n  \"result\": \"86.4\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the inclusiveness of your workplace environment?\" \n},\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Approachability\",\n  \"result\": \"84.8\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How approachable are your supervisors?\" \n}];\n\n\/\/ Create axes\nvar categoryAxis = chart.yAxes.push(new am4charts.CategoryAxis());\ncategoryAxis.dataFields.category = \"question\";\ncategoryAxis.numberFormatter.numberFormat = \"#\";\ncategoryAxis.renderer.inversed = true;\n\nvar valueAxis = chart.xAxes.push(new am4charts.ValueAxis()); \n\nvalueAxis.title.text = \"Survey Score (\/100)\";\nvalueAxis.min = 0;\nvalueAxis.max = 100;\n\n\/\/ Create series\nvar series = chart.series.push(new am4charts.ColumnSeries3D());\nseries.dataFields.valueX = \"result\";\nseries.dataFields.categoryY = \"question\";\nseries.name = \"Income\";\nseries.columns.template.propertyFields.fill = \"color\";\nseries.columns.template.tooltipText = \"{explanation} {valueX}\";\nseries.columns.template.column3D.stroke = am4core.color(\"#fff\");\nseries.columns.template.column3D.strokeOpacity = 0.2;\n<\/script>\n\n\n<\/div>        \n        \n           \n\t\t\n\t\t    <h2 class=\"tab-listing\">The lowdown - Trainees (in their own words) on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Latham &amp; Watkins<\/span><\/h2>\n        <p><p><strong>Why did you choose to join this firm?\u00a0<\/strong>\u2018Good training, good job prospects, good quality work, international exposure, good salary\u2019, primarily, the culture; the firm&#8217;s commitment to creating a diverse workplace and the excellence of work\u2019, \u2018I liked the people when I did my vac scheme and was excited by the quality of work\u2019, \u2018the corporate practice; culture and personality of lawyers&#8217;, &#8216;the compensation and prestige\u2019, \u2018best of both US and UK firm traits; mid-sized cohort, lean teams, good range of practice areas\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is the best thing about the firm?\u00a0<\/strong>\u2018Learning and working with some of the best lawyers in the market\u2019, \u2018the quality of work\u2019, \u2018the salary\u2019, \u2018the mentoring budgets\u2019, \u2018the people are at the top of their game and are highly-dedicated to their craft, which I find infectious\u2019, \u2018the work and culture\u2019, \u2018ability to take responsibility across different levels\u2019, \u2018the compensation\u2019, \u2018the other trainees in my cohort\u2019, \u2018the market-leading work and the positive culture\u2019, \u2018working with some of the best lawyers in the market!\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>What could the firm do to improve?\u00a0<\/strong>\u2018Better work-life balance\u2019, \u2018increase the annual leave offering and pension contributions\u2019, \u2018improve work-life balance across all levels, better distribution of work, clarify expectations of trainees in advance of the training contract\u2019, \u2018our current office isn&#8217;t the best, but we are moving very soon!\u2019, \u2018have a barber in the new office!\u2019, \u2018better staffing in some departments\u2019, \u2018improve diversity in some teams\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>What has been the best moment of your training?\u00a0<\/strong>\u2018Being thanked by name (alongside the four other deal team members) by the head of legal of the client after the largest ever equity financing of a UK company\u2019, \u2018leading matters and working solely with a partner\u2019, \u2018completing deals\u2019, \u2018receiving very good feedback from a partner\u2019, the first time I took responsibility of a workstream and felt like I was progressing in confidence\u2019, \u2018having direct contact with clients and receiving positive feedback from them directly\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>What has been the most challenging moment of your training?\u00a0<\/strong>\u2018Balancing the competing demands at work\u2019, \u2018working consistently late hours\u2019, \u2018being staffed on a matter within the first week and working unprecedented hours whilst also having to be in the office the next day for training sessions\u2019, \u2018a pro bono matter with sensitive subject matter\u2019, \u2018there was a very intense period where two large deals on compressed timelines coincided\u2019, \u2018two months when I was working very long hours due to a challenging deal\u2019<\/p>\n<\/p>\n                \n               \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"verdict\">The Lex 100 verdict on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Latham &amp; Watkins<\/span><\/h2>\n       \n        \n      \n             \n        <p>    \n\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With world-renowned strengths across corporate and finance, plus a host of notable specialist teams, Latham &amp; Watkins appeals to trainees seeking \u2018high-level transactional work\u2019, \u2018international deals\u2019 and lawyers \u2018at the top of their game\u2019. Recruits are drawn by the US firm\u2019s \u2018quality of work\u2019, <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Legal 500<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> rankings and \u2018proactivity-driven training\u00a0contract\u2019\u00a0in lean teams where responsibility comes early.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For many, the best thing about Latham is the combination of market-leading work and strong people culture. Trainees praise the \u2018high-level\u00a0clients\u2019, the \u2018never-ending amounts of good work to\u00a0do\u2019, and the firm&#8217;s \u2018collaborative and dynamic\u00a0culture\u2019. One adds that \u2018everyone is very nice and supportive of\u00a0juniors\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The work is meaningful, too. Highlights include \u2018drafting submissions that were ultimately used as arguments\u2019, taking on \u2018high levels of responsibility on a cutting-edge AI M&amp;A deal\u2019, and enjoying \u2018the amount of autonomy I am given to run with things\u2019. Another respondent described their time in the litigation &amp; trial team as \u2018one of the best experiences of my life\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Latham&#8217;s intensity is not ignored by juniors. Work-life balance is the recurring challenge, with endless calls for \u2018better work-life balance\u2019 and \u2018better distribution of work\u2019 throughout the feedback. One trainee pointed to \u2018two 80-85 hour consecutive weeks\u2019 as a low point; others cited \u2018working five days straight on a signing\u2019 or being staffed on matters \u2018without as much guidance\u2019 as they would have liked. Benefits, pension contributions, annual leave, diversity in some teams and seat allocation transparency also attract varying levels of criticism.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The overall picture is of a firm that asks a lot of trainees because it gives them a lot in return: &#8216;serious work, serious clients and serious responsibility&#8217;, within a culture many find supportive, ambitious and energising. If that sounds like an environment in which you&#8217;d thrive, research Latham &amp; Watkins.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n        \n             \n                \n        \t\t<p>        \n              \n\n\n           \n        \n         \t\t \n\t\t <h2 id=\"ditl\">Q&amp;A with...  Emma Bunting, Associate<\/h2>\n\t\t <p>\t\t          \n\t\t         \n\t\t     <\/p>  \n\t\t <p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What first attracted you to Latham?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I was initially attracted to the firm\u2019s strong sense of community, which I experienced first-hand when I attended a graduate open day. Everyone was warm and welcoming, and I learned that Latham\u2019s many affinity groups provide support and help to foster a culture of inclusivity. This sense of community, combined with the firm\u2019s deep expertise across my areas of interest, solidified that Latham would offer the perfect environment for personal and professional growth.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What have you enjoyed most about your training contract?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I have particularly enjoyed the international nature of all the work I have done at Latham, and the fact that I get to work in diverse teams and take on great responsibility. For example, I helped to co-ordinate teams in several European jurisdictions as part of a large cross-border private equity transaction, and more recently, I was part of the team that prepared for an international arbitration hearing at the International Dispute Resolution Centre. I find the work both challenging and highly rewarding.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I have also enjoyed all the moments shared with my cohort, from casual chats and snack breaks in the office, to karaoke nights and birthday parties. I really value that we\u2019re such a close group.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What has surprised you most about your training contract?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I have been surprised by the range of impactful pro bono projects that I have had the opportunity to work on. For example, I am assisting an individual in applying to the government\u2019s compensation scheme, as part of the firm\u2019s participation in a coalition of UK law firms helping Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit to support people impacted by the Windrush Scandal. Latham lawyers value giving back, so there are a number of opportunities to become involved in meaningful initiatives. I am thrilled to use my legal skills in the service of people in need in our community.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What advice would you give to students applying to Latham\u2019s vacation scheme?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I would encourage students to attend Latham\u2019s in-person graduate events, which are always really engaging and informative. For instance, last year the firm hosted a student event in collaboration with PureGym. Events like these provide great insight into the firm and the life of a trainee. They\u2019re also a great way to connect with Latham lawyers in person, which could potentially lead to natural mentoring relationships further down the line.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I would also recommend taking some time to reflect on your true motivations for becoming a lawyer. When you have clarity on the reasons you want to enter the profession, and learn how to communicate those reasons in a concise way, it becomes easier to feel confident throughout the application process and allow your authentic self to shine through. Training with Latham &amp; Watkins opens up a world of opportunity. Follow London trainee Emma Bunting on her training contract journey.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t \n        \n                <h2 id=\"about\">About the firm<\/h2>\n        <p><p><strong>The firm<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p>Latham &amp; Watkins is one of the world&#8217;s leading global law firms, advising the businesses and institutions that drive the economy. We are the market leaders in major financial and business centres globally. With top-tier teams and a track record of advising on landmark deals and high-profile trials, we help clients seize opportunities, navigate challenges, and stay ahead of market shifts.<\/p>\n<p>Our integrated global platform offers unmatched expertise and resources to build an incredible career. Our investment in people, commitment to innovation, and focus on our clients and the future underpin our success \u2013 and ensure we remain at the forefront of practice. We empower our lawyers to pursue their vision, become market leaders, and engage in community-serving pro bono work.<\/p>\n<p>Our approach supports your growth \u2013 we prioritise excellence over ego to encourage input from all levels and foster early responsibility. Success through collaboration and the pursuit of excellence will shape your career here.<\/p>\n<p>Our commitment to excellence means you&#8217;ll work on clients&#8217; most complex and challenging matters. We invest in your future through comprehensive training and career development including mentoring, coaching, and our signature academies to help you grow from an intellectually curious self-starter into an exceptional lawyer. If you aspire to be the best, this is where you belong.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Senior partner<\/strong>: <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW192047526 BCX8\">Richard <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW192047526 BCX8\">Trobman<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Managing partner<\/strong>:\u00a0 <span class=\"TextRun SCXW260928701 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW260928701 BCX8\">Edward Barnett<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Other offices<\/strong>: Austin, Beijing, Boston, Brussels, Century City, Chicago, Dubai, D\u00fcsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Houston, Los Angeles, Madrid, Milan, Munich, New York, Orange County, Paris, Riyadh, San Diego, San Francisco, Seoul, Silicon Valley, Singapore, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who we are<\/strong>: Latham &amp; Watkins is one of the world&#8217;s leading global law firms, with operations spanning 14 countries and a majority of transactions involving cross-office collaboration. We are governed by an open, inclusive, and consensus-building management style \u2013 we have no head office and no dominant practice. We prioritize excellence over ego, with teams structured to encourage initiative and input from all levels, promoting early responsibility and open discussion. Reviews, bonuses, and promotions are decided by our Associates Committee, comprised equally of associates and partners.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What we do<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p>Latham&#8217;s London office \u2014 nearly 500 lawyers strong \u2014 consistently ranks among the City&#8217;s elite law firms across practices and industries.<\/p>\n<p>We offer sophisticated counsel and representation to emerging and global companies, financial institutions, and private investors on groundbreaking transactions, disputes, and regulatory matters. Mirroring the City&#8217;s status as a nexus for global finance and trade, our London lawyers combine our culture of collaboration and creativity with a pragmatic drive to deliver results and to connect clients with opportunities across the Atlantic, throughout Europe, across Asia, and beyond.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What we&#8217;re looking for<\/strong>: We look for curious, ambitious people with the potential to become exceptional lawyers. You&#8217;re analytical, able to get to the heart of complex issues, and you communicate in a way that inspires confidence and trust, on paper and in conversation. Detail matters to you, and you take pride in work of the highest quality. You thrive in a team, own your work and act with integrity in everything you do. When decisions matter, you weigh the bigger picture. When things get tough, you stay resilient and bounce back. And you&#8217;re driven to keep growing: pushing yourself, welcoming feedback and looking for every opportunity to learn.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll do<\/strong>: We look for curious, ambitious people with the potential to become exceptional lawyers. You&#8217;re analytical, able to get to the heart of complex issues, and you communicate in a way that inspires confidence and trust, on paper and in conversation. Detail matters to you, and you take pride in work of the highest quality. You thrive in a team, own your work and act with integrity in everything you do. When decisions matter, you weigh the bigger picture. When things get tough, you stay resilient and bounce back. And you&#8217;re driven to keep growing: pushing yourself, welcoming feedback and looking for every opportunity to learn.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Perks<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Life insurance<\/li>\n<li>Private health and dental insurance; vision allowance<\/li>\n<li>Health care provider referrals<\/li>\n<li>Annual health assessments<\/li>\n<li>Hormonal health support<\/li>\n<li>Cancer care resources<\/li>\n<li>Ergonomics assessments<\/li>\n<li>Fitness initiatives<\/li>\n<li>Mental well-being counselling and coaching<\/li>\n<li>Mindfulness and resilience resources<\/li>\n<li>Pension scheme<\/li>\n<li>Financial well-being resources<\/li>\n<li>Family building and fertility support<\/li>\n<li>Child, adult, and elder caregiving resources<\/li>\n<li>Business travel insurance<\/li>\n<li>Medical and travel assistance<\/li>\n<li>Onsite resources (Health Centre, fitness spaces, music rooms, restaurants)<\/li>\n<li>Season ticket loan for transport<\/li>\n<li>Cycle to work scheme<\/li>\n<li>Discounted gym membership<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p>         \n              \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"other\"><\/h2>\n\t  \n      <div id=\"diversity\"><\/div>\n\n            \n      \n            \n                 \n            \n              \n       \n                 \n        \t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-## --><\/div><div class=\"profile-content-2\">   \r\n\r\n<div id=\"profile-contents\">\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">Contents<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"contents\">\r\n<li><a href=\"#verdict\">The verdict<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#ditl\">Q&amp;A with... <\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#about\">About us<\/a><\/li>            \r\n<li><a href=\"#facts\">Facts and figures<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\r\n        \r\n<\/div> \r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"application-process\">\r\n \r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">Application process for Latham &amp; Watkins<\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>How<\/strong>: We only recruit London trainees through our vacation schemes. Apply online at <a href=\"https:\/\/uk-earlyassociatecareers-lw.icims.com\/jobs\/\">www.lwcareers.com\/en\/offices\/united-kingdom\/london-graduate-opportunities\/index.html.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>What&#8217;s involved in application<\/strong>: Online application form, online assessment and in-person assessment day (consists of an interview, presentation and written task).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Person in charge of recruitment<\/strong>: Leila Moghadam, Associate Director of EME Associate Recruiting<\/p>\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n <div id=\"vacation-schemes\">\r\n  \r\n <h2 class=\"widget-title\">Vacation schemes at Latham &amp; Watkins<\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>Spring:<\/strong> 5-16 April 2027 (apply by 6 December 2026)<\/p>\r\n  <p><strong>Summer:<\/strong> 21 June-2 July 2027 (apply by 6 December 2026)<\/p>\r\n  \r\n    \r\n    \r\n<div id=\"salary\"> \r\n \r\n  <h2 class=\"widget-title\">Salary at Latham &amp; Watkins<\/h2>\r\n  <p><strong>First year salary:<\/strong> \u00a370,000 <\/p>  <p><strong>Second year salary:<\/strong> \u00a375,000<\/p>  <p><strong>Newly qualified salary:<\/strong> $225,000<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n <div id=\"facts-figures\">\r\n \r\n  <h2 id=\"facts\" class=\"widget-title\">Facts and figures<\/h2>\r\n  <p><p><strong>Total partners<\/strong>: <span class=\"TextRun SCXW161227531 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW161227531 BCX8\">144<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Other fee-earners<\/strong>: <span class=\"TextRun SCXW50335768 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW50335768 BCX8\">551<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Total trainees<\/strong>: <span class=\"TextRun SCXW213867194 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW213867194 BCX8\">64<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Trainee places available for 2029<\/strong>:\u00a0 32<\/p>\n<p><strong>Applications received pa<\/strong>:\u00a0 <span class=\"TextRun SCXW69282891 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW69282891 BCX8\">2,000+<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/p>\r\n  \r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n      \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<!--\t  \r\n\r\n    \r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">If  were a fictional character it would be\u2026<\/h2>\r\n        \t\t\r\n<br><\/br>\r\n<br><\/br> -->\r\n\r\n   \r\n\r\n<div id=\"videos\">\r\n\r\n       \r\n\r\n        \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<!-- <div id=\"twitter-feed\">\r\n<a class=\"twitter-timeline\" data-height=\"550\" data-theme=\"light\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/lathamwatkins\"><\/a><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\r\n<\/div>  -->\r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n\t\r\n<\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profiles\/14646","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profiles"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/profiles"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14646"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"jurisdictions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/jurisdictions?post=14646"},{"taxonomy":"countries","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/countries?post=14646"},{"taxonomy":"cities","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cities?post=14646"},{"taxonomy":"firms_companies","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/firms_companies?post=14646"},{"taxonomy":"universities_colleges","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/universities_colleges?post=14646"},{"taxonomy":"lex_survey_questions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/lex_survey_questions?post=14646"},{"taxonomy":"publications","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/publications?post=14646"},{"taxonomy":"tc_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tc_location?post=14646"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}