London Graduate Recruitment — FAQs

Eligibility

Are there any minimum academic grade requirements for applying to your open days/vacation schemes?

Yes. We expect all candidates to have achieved minimum AAB at A-level (or equivalent) and a 2.1 or above in their undergraduate degree.

Do you take mitigating circumstances into account?

Yes, we do consider mitigating circumstances. There is a specific section on our application form where details of mitigating circumstances can be included.

I studied abroad so do not have UK exam results, what should I do?

Please enter your grades into our application system as normal. You do not need to convert your grades, we will do this.

I am an international student, can I still apply?

We hire globally so all students are welcome to apply. Please note that while we are able to sponsor visas for our trainees, we are unable to sponsor visas for vacation scheme attendees so you should only apply to our vacation scheme if you have the right to work in the UK. If you hold a student visa, please check your term times before deciding which vacation scheme to apply to.

Do you accept applications from non-law students?

Yes, approximately 40% of our trainees have completed a non-law degree before starting their training contract. You will be required to complete the PGDL, in addition to the SQE, before your training starts.

I applied in a previous academic cycle but my application was unsuccessful, can I reapply?

Yes, we welcome you to reapply.

I’m completing a four year degree, how does this impact what I can apply for?

All students in their second year and beyond, regardless of degree type or length, should apply for our vacation scheme. All students in their first year, regardless of degree type or length, should apply for our first year scheme.

Application Process

Do you recruit on a rolling basis?

No, applications are reviewed after the deadline closes.

Do you recruit trainees through direct applications?

No, we hire exclusively through our vacation schemes.

Do you do any psychometric testing e.g. Watson glazer?

No, we do not use psychometric testing as part of our assessment process. Our online test involves a pro bono case study, requiring responses to specific scenarios. It has been designed specifically for Latham & Watkins.

I’ve applied for an open day, do I have to complete the online test again as part of my vacation scheme application?

If you successfully apply to, and attend, one of our open days, you won’t have to complete our online test if you submit an application for our vacation scheme in the same academic year. If unsuccessful, you may apply for our vacation scheme but must retake the online test.

Can I apply for more than one open day in the same academic cycle?

No, you can only apply for one open day.

Online Assessment

How can I prepare for the online assessment?

Visit our interview preparation site to guide you through each step of the application process and provide you with helpful resources that will aid you in showcasing your skills and potential.

Is the online assessment timed? 

Our situational judgement test is not timed. There is a short video interview question at the end of the assessment which is timed. If you require any special adjustments e.g. additional time, please email our Graduate Recruitment team.

What is the deadline for completing the test?

You must complete the test within 72 hours of submitting your application form.

Vacation Schemes

When do your vacation schemes take place?

We run two vacation schemes a year, one in spring and one in summer. Exact dates can be found on our careers website.

How many vacation scheme attendees do you recruit each year?

Approximately 30 for each of our two schemes.

Will I be assessed for a training contract during the vacation scheme?

Yes, all vacation scheme attendees are assessed for a training contract. We take into account feedback from supervisors, individual research tasks, and interview feedback.

Do you provide visa sponsorship for a vacation scheme?

While we do provide sponsorship support for those who complete their training contract with us, we are unable to provide sponsorship for those who want to complete a vacation scheme.

If you hold a student visa you should apply for whichever vacation scheme falls outside your term time - typically, this is the summer scheme. You will also need to provide a letter from your university confirming your term dates.