2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Latham & Watkins

Training & Assignments

• “The firm gave us real substantive work assignments instead of made-up ones, making the transition to a full-time associate easier in hindsight.”
• “I was able to work on real assignments and continue some of that work when I joined the firm full time. I received extensive training, mentorship, and access to partners.”
• “During my summer, work assignments were appropriately substantive and were assignments expected of first years. I did not feel like the assignments were meant to just keep us busy, but were rather calculated preparation for beginning work as an associate the following year.”
• “There was a healthy mix of training and substantive work assignments. While many work assignments were pro bono matters, I was still assigned a few ‘billable’ matters that prepared me for my first year at the firm and allowed me to consider what practice groups I'd like to join.”

Social Opportunities

• “The social events were super well-planned and very well-attended. We had something at least once a week after hours, but there were always ample opportunities otherwise to engage. Our summer lunches were the most fun, of course.”
• “Social events were varied with something for everyone, fostering a real bond among the summer associates and driving meaningful connections between summer associates and the firm's attorneys.”
• “It was one of the best summers of my life. I made a lot of friends and felt that our summer associate class was inclusive and looked out for each other. There was an abundant number of social events between the firm lunches, social outings, and practice group mixers. I was able to get face time with partners and associates alike.”
• “The social events were fun and well rounded, and I never felt pressure to drink if I did not want to. There was good variety in the activities, and each was very well attended by firm attorneys who were excited to speak with us. Our summer class was exceptionally close and would plan our own additional social events outside of the firm to bond even more. Latham did an exceptional job putting together a cohesive class.”

Associate Experience vs. Summer Expectations

• “I've been pleasantly surprised that my summer experience has lined up with my practice so far. If you're able to maintain good working relationships during the summer, it's fairly easy to reach out to those partners/associates when you return and get staffed. The market has impacted the work in some corporate groups, but the groups I'm interested in seem to be buzzing, and there is plenty of work to go around.”
• “I have been pleasantly surprised by how respectful of my time the attorneys at the firm have been. Compared to other first years at other firms, Latham almost feels like a lifestyle firm despite still working me hard, which is what I expected. People want me to have a balanced life, which I greatly appreciate. And the substantive work has been incredible for a first year.”
• “I have been pleasantly surprised with how genuine the attorneys and firm are about wanting to foster relationships and mentorship at the firm. They really stress the importance of having a good community at our office during summer associateship, but it's nice to see that it's actually true and the events and togetherness don't just exist during the summer program.”
• “Things do not differ much. People treat me just as kindly and are just as willing to train and mentor me. The unassigned program gives me the opportunity to try a wide range of practices, as promised. Though this does make it slightly more difficult to get staffed on projects, you just have to be more proactive, which was also explained to me before starting. If anything, I like the job better now than as a summer.”

Favorite Summer Events

• “We went to Denver for ‘Summer Academy,’ which was a total blast, but I also loved the Broadway shows, scavenger hunts, bar reservations, and the like.”
• “Hard to choose. John Mulaney at MSG, two separate Broadway performances (including Hamilton), and a cooking class at the Culinary Institute were definitely some highlights.”
• “One of the last events of the summer is a ‘road rally’ where the summer class is split into teams that complete a scavenger hunt across the city on trolleys. The last clue takes you to a bar where there is a large end-of-the-summer party.”
• “I enjoyed watching Hamilton, the box seat at the Yankees, and playing minigolf at Swingers NoMad.”

Our summer program gives you a sense of life as a junior associate at Latham. As a summer associate, you will meaningfully contribute through our Unassigned Program, which empowers you to explore our 50+ practices and participate in pro bono matters. Demonstrating unparalleled strength across areas of law, Latham has earned 25 Vault Practice Area rankings — more than any other firm in the country. A network of mentors will answer your questions and help guide you through the summer. A highlight of our summer program, Summer Academy, brings you together with summer associates from across the firm to immerse yourselves in Latham’s culture through training seminars and social events. Networking and building relationships with Latham professionals play an essential part of your summer and career. You will have opportunities to join practice group presentations and affinity group events, as well as attend casual lunches with our lawyers.