2022 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Latham & Watkins

Our Survey Says

 VAULT'S VERDICT:

Latham looms large in many ways, with more than 3,000 lawyers and a stellar reputation for quality work. The hiring process is competitive, with emphasis placed on law school attended, grades, journal work, clerkships, work experience, diversity, personality, and professionalism. People are collegial and supportive, and they enjoy social time together while respecting others who want family time. Conscious efforts are made to orient and welcome laterals. Partners treat associates well and as equals, while the firm emphasizes communication and transparency. Associates enjoy great opportunities for professional development through the first-year academy, ongoing CLEs, multiple mentors, and real-world experience. Lean teams mean that associates often do work above and below their experience level, and there is support for doing more substantive work. Associates have a reasonable 1,900-hour billable requirement that is not overwhelming and allows them to still have personal lives. Salaries are top of the market and lockstep, and bonuses match or exceed the industry standards. Firm tech is solid, and tech staff and support efficiently resolve issues. Associates appreciate the many wellness initiatives that Latham offers, though workloads can make it difficult to take full advantage of them. The firm strongly supports pro bono work and doesn’t cap the number of pro bono hours that can be applied toward the billable hour target. Diversity is advanced through affinity groups, programming, and recruiting efforts, with time spent on these credited toward bonus-eligible hours. Opportunities abound to make partner, become counsel, or transition to external work in-house or with the government.