Summer Associates

Our summer program offers a genuine glimpse into the life of a junior associate at Latham & Watkins.

As a summer associate, you will actively contribute through our Unassigned Program, which empowers you to explore our market-leading practices and award-winning industry groups that drive the global economy, as well as participate in pro bono work. We encourage you to pursue your interests and gain valuable experience by collaborating with leading lawyers across disciplines.

Assigned mentors will be available to answer questions and guide you throughout the summer. You will engage in substantive matters and receive real-time feedback, just like a firm associate.

At Summer Academy — a highlight of our summer program — you will join summer associates from across the firm and immerse yourself in Latham culture through training seminars and social events.

Networking and relationship-building with Latham professionals are essential to your summer experience — and to your career. You will attend practice group presentations and substantive training programs as well as enjoy casual lunches and social gatherings with Latham lawyers.

We offer opportunities for law students at ABA-accredited schools to learn from some of the best in the profession, refine their skills, and develop their talents.

US Opportunities

Applications for our 2028 2L summer program and our joint 2027 1L & 2028 2L summer program (Texas only) will open on November 1 and close on January 29.

Students who accept an offer through one of the programs below are eligible for a US$50,000 signing bonus. Additional terms and conditions apply.

• Latham 1L & 2L summer program (Texas only): Join one of our Texas offices for our ten-week summer program in 2027 and in 2028.
• Latham 2L summer program (all other US offices, Hong Kong, London, and Singapore): Pursue an opportunity outside private-sector employment during your 1L summer in 2027, then join Latham for our ten-week 2L summer program in 2028.

View this infographic for more information on our hiring process.

For any questions, please reach out to one of our US hiring contacts.

International Opportunities

Learn more about opportunities for US law students in Hong Kong, London, and Singapore.

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.

Latham’s Recruiting Committee will evaluate all applications and consider the following factors:

• Academic and leadership achievements
• Life experiences that have shaped values and professional goals
• Relevant experience (academic, clinical, externship, and/or employment)
• A desire to practice at a global law firm and in the selected office long-term
• If applying to an IP Litigation Program: relevant technical background (engineering, computer science, chemistry, biology, or physics)

Application Requirements

A complete application package must include the following items:

• Completed Online Application
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Law School Transcript
• Undergraduate School Transcript (if applying to an IP Litigation Program)