About Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins is a prestigious global law firm, founded in 1934 in Los Angeles, California. With more than 30 offices across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, the firm is renowned for its expertise in various practice areas, such as corporate law, finance, litigation, intellectual property, and real estate.
Latham & Watkins (LW) is committed to providing high-quality legal services to its clients, ranging from multinational corporations and financial institutions to governments and non-profit organizations.
Embarking on a career at Latham & Watkins means joining a collaborative and diverse team of professionals dedicated to excellence, innovation, and client service. The firm is known for its inclusive and supportive work environment, which fosters professional growth and development.
Latham & Watkins invests in its employees, offering comprehensive training programs, mentorship opportunities, and resources for continuous learning. Additionally, the firm encourages a strong work-life balance, providing flexible work arrangements and promoting employee well-being.
With its global presence, diverse practice areas, and reputation for excellence, Latham & Watkins presents an exciting and rewarding career path for legal professionals seeking to make a lasting impact in the industry.
Latham & Watkins Application Process
Latham & Watkins Online Application
LW's online application is an important first-step in the recruitment process to apply to the law firm - it's your first opportunity to make a strong impression. You will be required to upload personal details like your contact information, work experience, education and a copy of your resume and cover letter.
It's important when applying, to ensure you tailor your resume to the firm and job specification the company is advertising. This will help you stand out and increase your chances of being shortlisted.
Pay particular attention to detail for errors before submitting and try to make sure your resume and cover letter reflects some of the core values needed at the firm.
Latham & Watkins Aptitude Tests
Once you have submitted your application, you will be invited to complete a series of online assessments.
LW situational judgment
The situational judgment test measures a candidate's ability to handle work-related scenarios and make effective decisions, especially in a legal context.
This test assesses how well candidates can respond to challenges, navigate complex situations, and exercise sound judgment in the fast-paced and demanding environment of a law firm.
To excel in this test, candidates should practice analyzing different hypothetical situations, particularly those related to the legal profession, and evaluate the effectiveness of various responses, keeping in mind ethical considerations and professional conduct.
LW verbal reasoning
A verbal reasoning test assesses a candidate's ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret written information, which is crucial for lawyers who must deal with complex legal documents and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
To succeed in this assessment, candidates should practice reading and analyzing dense texts, as well as develop skills in identifying relationships between words and ideas, drawing inferences, and constructing logical arguments.
LW personality
The personality test evaluates a candidate's personality traits and behavioral tendencies in relation to the job role and the firm's culture.
LW uses this test to gain insights into a candidate's work style, interpersonal skills, motivation, and adaptability, which can help predict job performance and fit within the organization.
To excel in this assessment, candidates should approach the test with honesty and self-awareness, providing genuine responses that accurately reflect their personality.
LW logical reasoning
The logical reasoning assessmentmeasures a candidate's ability to think logically, analytically, and critically, which is essential for legal professionals who must evaluate evidence, identify patterns, and draw reasonable conclusions.
To succeed in this test, candidates should practice solving problems that require logical thinking, identifying patterns, and making deductions based on the information provided.
LW numerical reasoning
The numerical reasoning assessment evaluates a candidate's ability to work with numerical data and solve problems, which is particularly relevant for lawyers working on cases involving financial matters or complex transactions.
To perform well in this test, candidates should review basic mathematical concepts and develop problem-solving strategies applicable to real-world situations involving numbers.
LW Video interview
Successful candidates will then be invited for a 15-minute pre-recorded video interview. This involves answering 5 interview questions. You should make the most of this opportunity by showcasing your soft skills and interest in the firm.
Common video interview questions include:
- Tell us about yourself
- What interests you about this position?
- How do you handle stress or pressure?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Assessment Day
If you are successful at the video interview stage, you'll be invited for an assessment day. For vacation scheme and contract training candidates, the assessment day may involve an interview, group activities and tasks.
Written task
Candidates can expect a scenario-based exercise during the Latham & Watkins written task, which is designed to assess their legal knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to communicate effectively in writing.
To do well in this task, candidates should focus on structure, clarity, and attention to detail. Reading up on the firm's practice areas and recent news will help provide context for potential topics.
The written task may require candidates to draft a memo, letter, or opinion based on a hypothetical legal issue, so it is essential to familiarize oneself with these formats and practice writing concise, persuasive arguments.
Presentation / group exercise
This portion of the assessment process involves candidates working in teams to analyze a case study or legal problem and present their findings to a panel of assessors. The presentation and group exercise are designed to evaluate a candidate's teamwork, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability under pressure.
To excel in this exercise, candidates should actively listen to their teammates, contribute their insights, and work collaboratively to develop a well-structured and persuasive presentation. Moreover, it is crucial to remain professional, articulate, and focused on the task at hand, as assessors will be observing interpersonal dynamics and overall performance.
Interviews
The interview stage at Latham & Watkins typically consists of two parts: competency-based and case study interviews. The competency-based interview will assess a candidate's motivation, commercial awareness, and fit within the firm's culture.
To prepare, candidates should familiarize themselves with Latham & Watkins' values and key practice areas, as well as recent news and developments in the legal industry. In the case study interview, candidates will discuss a legal scenario or business problem with the interviewer, which will evaluate their analytical and problem-solving skills.
It is essential to think critically, ask clarifying questions, and provide a structured response that demonstrates a clear understanding of the issues at hand.
