Law · ~5-6% acceptance rate

Latham & Watkins Interview Preparation

The highest-paying law firm in London — US powerhouse with the most aggressive NQ salary

~8,000+

Applications

~5-6%

Offer rate

£52,000 (TC)

Graduate salary

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HireVue Practice

Latham & Watkins — HireVue Practice

Your question

30s preparation 2 min recording Camera + mic

Application process

How to get into Latham & Watkins — step by step

Online Application

Vac scheme: Sep-Dec.

Latham pays the highest NQ salary. Show you want the work intensity that comes with it.

Online Assessment

1-2 weeks

Verbal and situational judgement. Standard format.

Interviews

November-February

Typically 2-3 interviews rather than full AC. More conversational. Very commercial.

Offer

1-2 weeks

Top NQ salary in London — ~£150K+.

Interview questions

Latham & Watkins interview questions by round

Questions change at every stage. Know what to expect.

1Why Latham?
2Why a US firm over Magic Circle?
3Tell me about a commercial development.
4What practice area interests you?
5Describe a time you showed leadership.

What they value

What Latham & Watkins looks for in candidates

Drive and ambition

US firm culture rewards ambition. They want people who push boundaries.

Commercial awareness

Know current deals, market trends, and Latham's recent matters.

Resilience

US firm hours (55-70/week) are demanding. Show sustained effort under pressure.

Analytical excellence

Complex cross-border deals require precision and analytical depth.

Team orientation

Large deal teams. Collaboration is essential.

Cultural fit

US firm culture in London is distinct. Show you understand and embrace it.

Compensation

Latham & Watkins salary & benefits

Graduate

£52,000 (first year TC)

Intern

~£500/week

Bonus

NQ salary ~£150,000+ (highest in London)

Perks & benefits

Full SQE/LPC fundingHealth insurance25 days holidayGym membershipUS-style benefitsPro bono programme

Culture & work style

What it's actually like to work at Latham & Watkins

Highest NQ salary in London (~£150K+)

55-70 hours/week — demanding

US firm culture — results-driven, meritocratic

Strong in private equity, capital markets, and M&A

Fleet Street office

Smaller London TC intake than MC

Direct partner exposure

Growing London office

Insider tips

How to stand out at Latham & Watkins

Latham pays the most. Show you want it for the work quality, not just compensation.

Know their PE practice — Latham is the go-to for PE sponsors globally.

US firm culture is different. Show you understand the higher intensity and embrace it.

Smaller TC intake means more competition but also more partner attention.

Reference a specific Latham deal — they advise on the largest PE transactions.

Compare

Latham & Watkins vs competitors

Firm	Salary	Hours	Culture	Exit opps
Latham & Watkins	£52,000 (first year TC)	55-70/week	Highest NQ salary in London (~£150K+)...	—
Kirkland & Ellis	£52K TC / ~£150K+ NQ	60-75/week	Also top US firm, PE specialist	Similar
Clifford Chance	£52K TC / ~£125K NQ	50-65/week	MC, lower NQ but broader	Similar
White & Case	£52K TC / ~£130K NQ	55-65/week	US firm, strong arbitration	Similar
A&O Shearman	£52K TC / ~£125K NQ	50-65/week	MC+US merged	Similar

FAQ

Latham & Watkins FAQs

~8,000+ people are applying.
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