Trainee Solicitor Review
at Latham & Watkins
Graduate Job
Corporate Law
London
Review Submitted: September 2025
Overall Rating
3.8 /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!
4.3/5
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Overview of the Role
3.8/5
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Experience & Company Culture
4/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Latham & Watkins?
I have enjoyed my time so far, the people are great and the work is very complex and international. However, the job is very demanding - long working hours and unpredictable.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
I am on a rotation:
- Banking - legal opinions, CP checklists, managing deals etc
- Litigation - white collar investigations, summarising key updates and new guidance etc
- Banking - legal opinions, CP checklists, managing deals etc
- Litigation - white collar investigations, summarising key updates and new guidance etc
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
4/5
Sometimes it is difficult for a trainee to get involved as we are not always kept in the loop. However, smaller tasks that feed into the bigger picture, such as research points, prove valuable in the grand scheme.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
3/5
Salary is very similar to other city law firms but longer working hours here. Other benefits could be improved (eg food, gym). Good medical and dental insurance.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
Really great training provided at the start of each seat which is specific to trainee work. Training throughout the seat for trainees and associates to continue development.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
Very good training.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
Formal mentors 2 years above are very helpful, and graduate recruitment often check in if timesheets seem high. Large focus on mentoring and have affinity groups where you can seek out mentors similar to your background and niches.
How is your work-life balance?
2/5
It depends on the department and time of year, but often working late into the night.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
Depends on which team you are in but generally the people are nice and social. Trainees have a 4 day in office policy, which is helpful if other members of the team are in.
How would you rate Latham & Watkins initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
4/5
Lots of affinity groups which encourage diversity.
How would you rate Latham & Watkins CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
4/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Latham & Watkins to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Great firm culture, great people overall, great training and future development, and wide exposure to complex and internatonal deals.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
4/5
Exactly how it is advertised and super rigorous process to ensure there is talent in the cohort.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Latham & Watkins?
Be specific to why Latham and try to speak to people in the firm.
