2022 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Latham & Watkins

Training & Assignments

• “I was given substantive assignments throughout my summer associate program. In addition, training opportunities were bountiful. Latham's training staff are highly qualified experts in their given areas.”
• “I have felt completely engaged substantively in my work, but never felt underwater or that anything was above my head, given that the firm focuses on specific trainings in each area and my supervisors have always made sure that assignments are clear.”
• “I worked on real assignments and felt I provided real value to the deal team, all while learning a ton and feeling no pressure to be perfect.”
• “The firm did a stellar job of providing support, encouragement, positive interactions, and meaningful work. I often reflect on my summer training when figuring out how to move forward with actual work assignments.”

Social Opportunities

• “[My] summer was a weird one. Everyone was still figuring out how to interact in the midst of the pandemic. I appreciated as the summer progressed, Latham had more in-person events for those who were in the city. I went to a handful of fantastic dinners.”
• “I felt like the firm had a lot of events to help us get to know attorneys on a personal level. There were a lot of small group dinner events, especially for the practice groups we were most interested in. We also had small group dinners at associates' houses.”
• “Despite COVID limiting us to virtual events, Latham really tried to give us frequent opportunities to meet and interact with the firm attorneys and the other summer associates. We had frequent virtual lunches, social events, and swag sent to us. Attorneys made a real effort to attend the events and do their best to get to know us, even over Zoom.”
• “The social aspects of Latham are amazing. The people are beyond supportive and are willing to sit down with you to explain any questions or provide valuable feedback. The summer associate class got along very well, notwithstanding the fact that most of the summer experience was virtual. The firm dedicated a lot of resources to make sure that the class could build relationships with the other summer associates as well as the attorneys at the firm.”

Associate Experience vs. Summer Expectations

• “The workload is definitely more, but that makes sense as the firm wants the summer to be a balance between fun and learning. I've been able to remain unassigned as I was told I would be. Overall, the promises were consistent with the outcome.”
• “All our work as summer associates was staffed through the centralized staffing system. As a full-time associate, that has not necessarily been the case.”
• “My experience practicing has only exceeded my expectations as a summer. I feel as a practicing attorney, I have even more access to mentorship and camaraderie now that I know folks better. All promises were delivered upon.”
• “Other than getting more substantive work, I've felt like my attorney experience was very consistent with my summer experience. Obviously, there are fewer social events, but I never felt like I was disillusioned about the amount of work or given any promises that were not realistic. I've honestly been pleasantly surprised by how much the atmosphere I felt as a summer has carried over to being an actual associate.”

Favorite Summer Events

• “I enjoyed the Yankees game and an event where different associates hosted themed dinners at their apartments, which were catered by the firm, and you had the opportunity to get to know associates in their apartments (and not the super extravagant partner apartments).”
• “The managing partner of our office hosted an event at his house, featuring a band of associates and partners. He invited the entire office and the turnout was wonderful. Even associates who couldn't make it were able to attend virtually. It was really cool to see that all of the attorneys could be regular people outside of work.”
• “Remote: tea and chocolate tasting. In person: the end-of-summer offer night at the firm's office. Independently class facilitated: DC river cruise up the Potomac.”

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 allows you to explore our 50+ practices and participate in pro bono matters. Demonstrating unparalleled strength across diverse areas of law, Latham has earned 25 Vault Practice area rankings—more than any other firm in the country. An assigned mentor will answer your questions and help guide you through the summer. At Summer Academy—a highlight of our summer program—you will join summer associates from across the firm and will be immersed in Latham’s culture through training seminars and social events. Networking and building relationships with Latham professionals are an essential part of your summer and career. You will have opportunities to join practice group presentations, participate in affinity group events, as well as attend casual lunches with our lawyers.