Vacation Scheme Student Review
at Latham & Watkins
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: July 2022
Overall Rating
4.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Experience
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
-
Company Culture
5/5
-
Overall Experience
5/5
-
Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
I worked in two practice areas over two weeks, one week in each. I had a good range of work. I had to complete an assessed research task for each seat, for each supervisor. I also reached out to get involved in client work from my supervisors on each seat. Tasks included - research memorandums for supervisors and clients, company review tasks, CP checklists, CP letters, pro bono tasks.
On top of the work, I attended a range of practice area insight lunches throughout the week. These were really insightful.
On top of the work, I attended a range of practice area insight lunches throughout the week. These were really insightful.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
There was only one role available for my scheme. The route was clear - I would complete the LPC once I received my training contract offer, and then begin training in September after completion. It was clear that I would then be asked to complete 4 seats, 6 months each.
I gained a much more in depth understanding of the business, especially in the practice areas that I was involved in. I got to understand how they attract clients, and how work is distributed amongst its lawyers.
I gained a much more in depth understanding of the business, especially in the practice areas that I was involved in. I got to understand how they attract clients, and how work is distributed amongst its lawyers.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
I have learnt new skills in terms of legal research on practical law platforms and lexis. This was crucial for my research tasks, and were previously unexplored during my law degree.
I have also honed my communication skills, especially in relation to communicating with my supervisors and other members of the firm. A balance had to be made between asking for help where necessary and figuring out the task by myself. Between working with two supervisors, I also learnt to tailor my communication to the supervisor.
I have also honed my communication skills, especially in relation to communicating with my supervisors and other members of the firm. A balance had to be made between asking for help where necessary and figuring out the task by myself. Between working with two supervisors, I also learnt to tailor my communication to the supervisor.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
5/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
4/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Incredibly friendly. Everyone was very happy to speak to us as vacations schemers, even if they were busy. Trainees got together often for both firm-organised and self-organised events. They seem to make a real effort to improve diversity and inclusion within the firm, through their diversity committees which are run mostly by associates. Associate representation in decision-making platforms were also incredible.
The firm encourages pro bono work - there is no cap for billing pro bono hours, unlike with others. My supervisor had worked on a lot of pro bono cases.
The firm encourages pro bono work - there is no cap for billing pro bono hours, unlike with others. My supervisor had worked on a lot of pro bono cases.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I enjoyed my insight event a lot because it gave me a good flavour of the culture within the firm. The graduate recruitment team was proactive in organising get together events with the vacation scheme students, and would also host events with trainees, associates, and even partners.
Within the team, I felt valued, even though I was only there for a week each. I felt included. If given the opportunity, I would definitely return to the firm and train there.
Within the team, I felt valued, even though I was only there for a week each. I felt included. If given the opportunity, I would definitely return to the firm and train there.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at Latham & Watkins
5/5
Would you recommend Latham & Watkins to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Latham & Watkins
Application process: know the firm, tailor your answers on the application form to the values that Latham holds. Bring in previous experiences you had with the firm, and don't be afraid to reach out for chats!
Video interview: stay calm, and realise that they understand that the format of the interview may make some people uncomfortable. Speak slowly and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the firm!
Assessment centre: there were two parts, a presentation and interview with partners. There wasn't much grilling, because the partners just wanted to get to know you! Learn your CV, and be prepared to speak on any experiences mentioned!
Video interview: stay calm, and realise that they understand that the format of the interview may make some people uncomfortable. Speak slowly and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the firm!
Assessment centre: there were two parts, a presentation and interview with partners. There wasn't much grilling, because the partners just wanted to get to know you! Learn your CV, and be prepared to speak on any experiences mentioned!
