2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Latham & Watkins

Our Survey Says

 VAULT'S VERDICT:

If you can meet the stringent academic standards and make it through the competitive hiring process, Latham offers a warm culture where you perform world-class legal work. Associates rate the firm highly for the way partners treat associates and consider it transparent about nearly all firm affairs, from financial performance to promotions. The firm pays market-scale base salaries and offers discretionary bonuses on the basis of work quality and for work over the baseline 1,900-hour requirement for bonus eligibility. The firm technology offers a seamless hybrid work experience and includes an in-house AI tool to assist with legal services. Latham associates enjoy a variety of wellness benefits, including on-site wellness centers for both mental and physical health services. Associates are paired with a more-senior attorney mentor and provided a budget for a monthly meeting, and the firm offers regular formal training programs, including specialized offerings such as the Basic and Advanced Trial Advocacy Programs and Deposition Skills Program. The path to partnership is transparent but competitive; that said, counsel roles are attainable, and the exit opportunities are excellent and firm-supported. The firm allows unlimited pro bono hours that are equivalent to billable hours for client work. Early career associates, in particular, gain extensive experience from the pro bono opportunities offered by the firm.