2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Latham & Watkins

Our Survey Says

 VAULT'S VERDICT:

Associates describe the culture at Latham as very social and collaborative, with mutually kind and respectful relationships established between partners and associates. To maintain its friendly atmosphere, the firm looks for associates with strong interpersonal skills. The firm extends offers to candidates from T14 and from non-T14 schools who graduate on top of their class. A billable hour requirement of 1,900 is said to be reasonable, and associates appreciate the flexibility of the three-day in-office requirement and the market compensation, which includes matching bonuses at the end of the year. Meaningful work is available to associates right away, which means that hires are expected to keep up a rigorous pace. The degree that work is distributed evenly varies by practice group. Each associate is assigned both an associate and a partner mentor, and informal mentorships form. The firm offers on-demand training materials, CLE classes, workshops, and academies. Associates say Latham makes the tech experience smooth by offering top-of-the-line equipment, 24/7 tech support, and AI programmed for legal work. In describing wellness offerings, associates are very enthusiastic about Latham’s on-site clinic. Promotion to equity partner is realistic but very competitive, and several good alternatives are available to senior associates as well. Pro bono work counts as billable with no cap. Perks include free meals; comfortable lounges; and access to a counselor, physical therapist, and nurse.