Latham & Watkins Reviews in New York City, NY Area

Former Employee – worked at Latham & Watkins full-time for more than a year

Pros – Great people and the on the job training is terrific. Global reach and work with the most sophisticated clients.

Cons – It is still Biglaw. The hours can be brutal and just like any other big law firm, you are expected to do the work and not complain

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

Former Employee – worked at Latham & Watkins full-time

Pros – - One of the best-managed, business-focused law firms in the country.
- Firm is relatively transparent; will let you know how you are doing and makes clear how progression is linked to business development.
- If you fit in, firm is a relatively "fun" place to work, with relatively social associates and partners.

Cons – - Powerful partners walk through the hall exuding their power; make sure you are aligned with those who have large books of business or have helped others attain equity.
- Culture is somewhat "fratty"; probably a difficult place to work if you do not fit into this culture.
- Cultural fit and ability to attract business far more important than technical legal acumen.

Advice to Senior Management – - Continue to prioritize certain strategic areas and to centrally manage firm. Centralized focus has allowed firm to grow internationally in a much more coherent way than competitors have grown internationally.
- Consider reigning in strong personalities a bit and acknowledge more that firm is not an "old-school partnership", but quickly evolving into the law firm equivalent of a bank, with industry coverage lawyers, product specialists, etc., each varying in importance based on business generation and retention.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

Former Employee – worked at Latham & Watkins

Pros – The people at Latham were generally great. The firm also focuses a lot of energy on training for new (and more senior) associates. The firm's resources are fantastic.

Cons – While billed as a "lifestyle" firm, it really winds up being like any other NY firm, except with 3 weeks of vacation instead of 4. Also, it is my understanding that the 2009 layoffs were handled extremely poorly by the management of the firm (I had left the firm shortly before that)

Advice to Senior Management – More foresight in hiring decisions is needed to avoid future layoffs on the scale of those of 2009, which tarnish the firm's image.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

Former Employee – worked at Latham & Watkins

Pros – Lots of money, which made the long hours worth it. Peers were all very smart. Cookies on fridays and beer on Thursdays.

Cons – Huge layoffs in 2009 and 2010. Firm really reacted poorly to market conditions and has not been helpful at all to those let go.

Advice to Senior Management – All I can say is that, after what has taken place, it's time to find a way to reinvigorate what is left of your work force and find a way to get competent law students to go to that firm. Reputation has been badly damaged.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend