Latham & Watkins Interview Preparation
Global leader in finance, M&A, and complex transactions
4,500+
Applications
7-10%
Offer rate
$225k
Starting salary
Latham & Watkins — HireVue Practice
Your question
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Application process
How to get into Latham & Watkins — step by step
Resume & Cover Letter
Year-roundEmphasize finance, M&A, and capital markets experience. Highlight multi-jurisdictional work if applicable.
OCI Interview
September-NovemberPrepare for global finance and transaction scenarios. Know L&W's major clients and recent transactions.
Callback Round
October-DecemberMeet 6-7 lawyers across practice groups. Discuss cross-border deals and complex financing structures.
Summer Associate Program
June-AugustL&W offers summers to talented 1Ls. Work on real capital markets and M&A transactions.
Full-Time Offer
AugustStrong summer performance typically leads to conversion offers.
Interview questions
Latham & Watkins interview questions by round
Questions change at every stage. Know what to expect.
- 1Explain the key components of a leveraged buyout financing structure.
- 2What is the role of underwriters in an IPO process?
- 3Describe the difference between syndicated lending and bilateral loans.
What they value
What Latham & Watkins looks for in candidates
Financial Markets Knowledge
Latham is a capital markets powerhouse. Show understanding of IPOs, debt financing, derivatives, and banking regulations.
Cross-Border Expertise
L&W has major offices globally. Demonstrate awareness of international transaction structures and multi-jurisdictional issues.
Relationship Building
Latham works with Fortune 500s and major financial institutions. Show you can develop and maintain client relationships.
Technical Excellence
Complex financing agreements and transaction documents require precision. Demonstrate attention to detail and analytical depth.
Global Perspective
L&W values lawyers who understand global markets and can advise on international transactions.
Compensation
Latham & Watkins salary & benefits
Graduate
$225,000
Intern
$3,850/week (summer associate, prorated ~$190k)
Bonus
$35k-$50k+ (varies by market and seniority)
Perks & benefits
Culture & work style
What it's actually like to work at Latham & Watkins
Insider tips
How to stand out at Latham & Watkins
Research and discuss 3-5 recent Latham transactions in your target practice area. Reference specifics in interviews.
Demonstrate familiarity with global capital markets: SEC regulations, FINRA rules, foreign securities laws.
Show business acumen: Understand client economics, deal structure drivers, and how legal strategy impacts returns.
Highlight any international experience or language skills. L&W values global competence.
Express interest in specific practice areas (e.g., Project Finance, Derivatives, Energy) to show focused career planning.
Compare
Latham & Watkins vs competitors
| Firm | Salary | Hours | Culture | Exit opps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latham & Watkins | $225,000 | —/week | Global integration: Work on transactions... | — |
| Cravath, Swaine & Moore | $225k | 2,000-2,200/year | Elite litigation and corporate. NYC-centric. Highly selective. | Federal courts, in-house counsel, partnership. |
| Davis Polk & Wardwell | $225k | 2,000-2,100/year | Financial sector focus. Strong in capital markets. White-shoe tradition. | Finance in-house, asset managers, banking counsel. |
| Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton | $225k | 2,000-2,200/year | International transactions and M&A. Elite, multinational. | VC/PE funds, corporate development, in-house counsel. |
| Paul Hastings | $225k | 2,000-2,150/year | Capital markets and corporate. West Coast strength. | Tech company in-house, VC/PE, corporate counsel. |
FAQ
Latham & Watkins FAQs
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