Summer Program and Application Information

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 summer program will open on November 3, 2025. Sign up to be notified when 2026 1L and 2027 2L applications open.

• All of the opportunities below are part of our Summer Program.
  • 1L & 2L Unassigned Summer Associate (Austin & Houston): Experience all the benefits of Latham’s Unassigned Summer Program in our Texas offices. 
  • 2L Unassigned Summer Associate (All US Offices): Experience all the benefits of Latham’s Unassigned Summer Program.
  • 2L IP Litigation Summer Associate (Select US Offices): Experience all the benefits of Latham’s Unassigned Summer Program, but with a dedicated focus on IP Litigation. Applications are accepted in our Austin, Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Washington, D.C. offices.
    • If you have any questions about the IP Litigation Summer Program, please reach out to AssociateRecruiting.Global@lw.com.    

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 first and second-year 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
• 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)