Additional Programmes
Beginning Your Legal Career — United Kingdom
2L Opportunities for US Law Students
Latham’s London summer program is designed to give US law students the opportunity to experience life and work as a US-admitted lawyer in London. The program runs for 10 weeks.
Applications for our 2027 2L Summer Associate Program are now closed. Sign up to be notified when future applications open.
The Practice
The London office seeks 2L law students interested in practicing exclusively in the US Capital Markets Practice. (Unlike in our US offices, we do not offer other practice groups in London for US-admitted lawyers).
US-admitted lawyers in the London office focus on high-yield debt and equity capital markets offerings. The practice, which includes approximately 50 lawyers, is fully integrated into the firm’s global Corporate and Finance Departments. Our lawyers work closely with English-law trained colleagues in London, and collaborate frequently with teams in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and across Latham’s global platform.
The Program
London summer associates participate in a variety of workstreams, including:
- Reviewing and drafting of the primary disclosure document in a US capital market’s transaction (the “offering memorandum” or “prospectus”)
- Conducting due diligence, including back-up and data room review
- Supporting the comfort process, such as liaising with auditors to verify the accuracy of financial information in company disclosures
- Preparing legal opinions on matters such as the non-registration of securities under the Securities Act and the enforceability of New York law obligations
- Engaging in additional projects that provide a substantive and realistic representation of the work performed by associates in the London office
The London summer associates also participate in Summer Academy, which brings together the firm’s summer associates from around the world for three days of training, social events, and the opportunity to meet with lawyers and leaders across the firm.
Selection Criteria
The application process is open to all Class of 2029 law students enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school, regardless of race, color, religion, citizenship, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military service, disability, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable law.
In addition to our general selection criteria for Summer Program opportunities, Latham’s Recruiting Committee will evaluate all applications and consider the following factors:
- Desire to practice in the Capital Markets practice group
- Desire to practice in the London office long term
Application Details
Visit our Summer Program opportunities page for application links, dates, and deadlines.
Information on how we process your personal information as part of an application is available in our recruitment privacy policy.
Job Simulations
Complete one of our Job Simulations, hosted on Forage, to better prepare for your application and interview. As a participant, you will complete simulated legal tasks created by our lawyers at Latham — allowing you to build practical legal skills, and learn about life at Latham and the work we do.
Latham Interview Prep
Explore 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.
PRIME
Latham & Watkins is a founding member of PRIME, an organisation formed by various UK law firms committed to improving access to the legal profession. Our work experience programme is designed for Year 12 & 13 students who are interested in a career in law.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to apply for Latham’s PRIME work experience week, you must meet the following qualifying criteria:
You must meet both of the below criteria:
- Year 12 or Year 13 (England & Wales) or S5 (Scotland)
- You’re attending, and have attended from aged 11, a state-funded, non-fee-paying school/college
You must also meet one or more of the following criteria:
- You grew up in a household where no parent or guardian attended university
- You are currently in receipt of, or have previously received, free school meals, Pupil Premium, Education Maintenance Allowance, and/or 16 to 19 Bursary
- You have been, or are currently, in local authority care
- You are, or have been, a full-time or part-time carer
- You came to the UK as a refugee or asylum seeker
- You are attending a state school or college with:
a) below average A-Level or Higher point score and/or
b) low rate of progression to higher education (PRIME Work Experience School Eligibility Criteria) - You grew up in a household where the occupation of the main earner is categorised as a routine or manual occupation. For further details please click here
Application Process
We welcome 20 students onto the programme each year.
2026 applications open on 1 June.
Key Dates
PRIME week: 17 – 21 August 2026
Application window: 1 June – 12 July 2026
Please note, the London office does not offer work experience placements for secondary education students beyond the PRIME programme.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the vacancy or the application process, please contact the Graduate Recruitment team: AssociateRecruiting.Graduate.LO@lw.com.