Latham & Watkins |

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born and raised just south of Manchester in Cheshire. After taking one year away from studying, I attended University College London and studied History. Unlike many, I realised that I wanted to pursue a legal career fairly late. Having graduated in September 2021, I completed my applications, attended Latham’s vacation scheme, and was subsequently offered a training contract.

What attracted you to Latham?

The distinctiveness of Latham’s culture drew me in. The firm’s committee approach fosters a meritocratic culture that encourages lawyers of all rank to voice their ideas. Even during the vacation scheme, I attended a practice area group meeting, where, rather than watching from the side-lines, I was invited to speak and introduce myself to the entire team.

I was also impressed by Latham’s sustainable growth in developing its capabilities beyond transactional areas of commercial law, and tackling novel legal work. I was intrigued by how the firm had taken a pioneering role in direct listings; after speaking with several lawyers on the scheme, it became apparent that this was not an anomaly — Latham is a real force for legal innovation.

What did you enjoy the most about your vacation scheme?

I particularly enjoyed seeing how lawyers consider commercial affairs in their work. For example, one meeting I attended featured several topics I had researched before the scheme. I found it rewarding to see how lawyers at the firm carefully considered these issues in the abstract before advising clients on specific matters.

What surprised you the most?

The extent of training available at Latham. Many of my peers at university assumed that US law firms offer no formal training, and instead embrace a strict ‘learn by doing’ culture. As with most things, Latham doesn’t conform to the stereotype. Of course, high levels of responsibility comprise an essential part of training at Latham. Yet this is accompanied by formal training opportunities, such as the international Training & Career Enhancement (TACE) programme, seat-specific training, and training tailored to your career progression.

How would you describe your experience overall?

I had a great time on the vacation scheme. The ability to visit the office made a big difference. I had completed vacation schemes online in the past, which made it much harder to get an impression of the firm.

What is a key takeaway from your experience at Latham?

That Latham is the place I want to work!

Can you briefly outline a typical day during your Vacation Scheme?

The vacation scheme lasted one week, and I was based in the firm’s Structured Finance Practice.

One day began with a research task assigned by my supervisor, which involved preparing a memorandum that outlined the meaning of terms included within a loan facility agreement for a client. After making some progress, I attended a group breakfast with the firm’s Recruitment Committee, where the scheme participants could ask questions. After this, I reached out to a partner in the Structured Finance Practice to discuss their career and the derivatives side of the practice, which I was less familiar with. I was invited to sit in on a call with a client and discuss the meeting afterwards. As the working day drew to a close, my supervisor organised a coffee meeting for me with an associate in the Emerging Companies group, where I learned about Latham’s growth in the area. My day ended with a dinner organised by the Graduate Recruitment Team with other vacation scheme participants and their supervisors.

Do you have any advice for individuals looking to apply for Latham’s vacation scheme?

Do your research. Know what makes Latham stand out. One way you can do this is to read up on different practice areas and the firm more generally before you attend a university event or online Q&A. Alternatively, if you have specific questions about the firm or its work, reach out to someone relevant online. Everyone I encountered at Latham was incredibly generous with their time.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am originally from Budapest, where I lived for the first nine years of my life, then moved to Amsterdam, where I spent most of my teenage years. After attending a Dutch school, and later on an international school, I moved to Berlin for a year, where I graduated in 2020. I came to London that same year to study law at UCL while my family moved to the US. Now, I spend most of my time here in London, studying and working, and fly to the US occasionally to see my family.

What attracted you to Latham?

Having moved often growing up, I wanted to work at a truly international law firm with offices and opportunities across the globe. The chance to complete an international secondment, work on high-profile cross-border deals, and collaborate with colleagues worldwide drew me to Latham. This was reinforced when I experienced the firm’s culture through the first year scheme and the vacation scheme. The firm is enriched by its diversity, and I love working with people from such a wide variety of backgrounds. The firm demonstrated its investment in building our careers from the onset, and dedicated much time and effort to developing our understanding of different practice areas, sectors, and the key elements of the commercial world. Latham’s international culture, capabilities, resources, and commitment to trainee development are truly outstanding.

What did you enjoy the most about your vacation scheme?

Gaining true insight into how Latham operates — experiencing the work in my chosen seat, getting to know everyone at the firm across levels, and spending time with my amazing vac scheme cohort. A particular highlight was when the Corporate Department invited me to their team drinks, and everyone from the trainees to the partners treated me as if I was already part of their team!

What surprised you the most?

How welcoming and friendly everyone was; in that regard, the culture at Latham is certainly unique. I was also surprised by how patient my supervisor was, as he took time to explain details of the deal he was working on, allowed me to sit in on meetings, and assigned me tasks. I felt truly involved in the everyday life of a lawyer at Latham.

Is the office environment different to what you expected?

Yes, the office felt more relaxed than I anticipated. I felt comfortable speaking to trainees and partners alike, further reflecting the welcoming environment of the firm.

How would you describe your experience overall?

Two words come to mind: enjoyable and eye-opening. The vacation scheme is designed to give you the best possible experience at the firm. I was introduced to areas that I couldn’t be exposed to by reading a brochure or browsing the firm’s careers website. I gained invaluable insight into the type of work I would be carrying out as a trainee, the diverse range of personalities that work at Latham, and what life is like as a commercial lawyer at an international firm. I also made some great friends, had incredible food and coffees, and genuinely enjoyed every minute of the scheme.

What is a key takeaway from your experience at Latham?

Both the first year scheme and the vacation scheme showed me that this is the work I want to go into, and that Latham is the place to do it. Applying for these experiences proved so worthwhile, and helped me decide where to spend the next few years of my life.

Can you briefly outline a typical day during your vacation scheme?

The vacation scheme flew by quickly, as we were kept busy with both work and fun! I spent my week sitting in the Corporate Department (with an incredible office view). I would arrive in the morning and grab a coffee, then touch base with my supervisor on the tasks assigned to me. In these meetings, we would discuss whether I could help with anything additional, or sit in on any of his meetings. The rest of the day would mostly be spent meeting lawyers at the firm, attending lunch socials, and working on my assigned tasks. The evenings always featured a fun activity, from team socials to dinners to Puttshack, where I could network with others in my cohort.

Do you have any advice for individuals looking to apply for Latham’s vacation scheme?

As cliché as it may sound, be yourself. Your own interests and personal values need to align well with the firms you apply to. Otherwise, not only is securing a training contract more difficult, you are also less likely to enjoy your time at the firm. Also, keep in mind that Latham can teach you most of the technical things you need to know as a trainee, but the firm cannot teach you passion — that starts with you.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born and raised in Islamabad, Pakistan, and in a somewhat unconventional move, came to the UK for university. I am currently a rising third-year studying law at the University of Oxford.

My initial desire to study law came from witnessing miscarriages of justice and the roles wealth and power play in those miscarriages in Pakistan. I continue to love the structure and order the law imposes onto the world. This, combined with my affinity for global economic and social development, and my need for an intellectually stimulating career, drew me to commercial law.

What attracted you to Latham?

Knowing I wanted an intellectually challenging career at an international law firm motivated my research into Latham. The ‘one firm’ approach appealed to me, as it fosters Latham’s excellence in corporate disciplines and the rare opportunity for challenging work for potential trainees like myself at the early stage of our careers. I quickly learned that the firm’s growth strategy is unparalleled. Researching how the firm expands alongside its clients and opportunities demonstrated that Latham’s entrepreneurial culture positions the firm to succeed, as it grows with the market and does not become complacent. I was also impressed with the consensus-based management style, that is unique to Latham and shows true innovation and transparency.

What did you enjoy the most about your vacation scheme?

The unfiltered insight into my supervisor’s daily responsibilities, which reaffirmed my desire to work at the firm. Corporate socials and meeting others participating in the vacation scheme were also definite highlights.

What surprised you the most?

The diversity! So much so that it is often one of the first points I bring up when someone mentions the firm. Though I had read that Latham was committed to diversity, I had no idea how true I would find this in practice. On a vacation scheme of 9 people, finding a fellow Pakistani and many people who shared my faith was a welcome surprise. I have yet to come across another firm where I time and again saw myself represented, as a woman, as a person of particular faith, and as a person of colour.

Is the office environment different to what you expected?

Having completed a vacation scheme the week before, I had some idea of what to expect going in. However, I was surprised in many instances — at just how welcoming everyone on my floor was, at the fact that just an email would spur even the busiest partner to come welcome you in and share their knowledge, and that I could (and was encouraged to) show up in jeans on Friday.

How would you describe your experience overall?

I can safely say that my heart raced every time I got a call in the week following the vacation scheme. Though I expected to like the firm, I had no idea just how much I would love the environment, the people, and the work that they do. I tend to approach everything I do with passion, and the vacation scheme left me feeling very passionate about pursuing a career with Latham.

What is a key takeaway from your experience at Latham?

Latham is a firm that values every one of its people. We were told this at orientation the first day, and I witnessed how true it was as the scheme progressed. The day I received my offer, I fielded emails from not just my wonderful trainee mentor, but from both my interviewing partners, my associate supervisor, and three of the trainees I met on the scheme. That so many people took the time to tell me I deserved the place, that they were happy to have met me, and that they hoped I chose Latham made me feel more valued than I thought possible at this stage.

Can you briefly outline a typical day during your Vacation Scheme?

We started our days by immersing ourselves in work with our associate supervisors. I sat in the Corporate Department and was given a handful of tasks to do per day. My supervisor explained each task and resource to me before I began, often giving me an overview of the anatomy of a deal to aid my understanding. This made up the majority of my day, with some hours spent on the written exercise upon which we were assessed. In between, I would share coffees with my mentor, and met with associates and partners from different departments I took an interest in. The day was often followed by an activity, such as team drinks, dinner at a wonderful restaurant, or a few matches of crazy golf.

Do you have any advice for individuals looking to apply for Latham’s vacation scheme?

Research the firm, explore the deals and matters it works on, and learn what sets it apart - because there is so much that does. Attend law fairs, go to open days, reach out to people on LinkedIn. Put in the work! If you are truly passionate about the firm and about a legal career, it will shine through.