Training Contract at Latham & Watkins
Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.
The Firm
About Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins is consistently among the world's top five law firms by revenue. The London office is a major hub for PE, capital markets, and finance work and takes a meaningful annual intake of London trainees.
Latham is known for a relatively collegiate culture among US firms. It operates a global one-firm model and invests significantly in associate development. Hours are demanding but the firm has a reputation for treating people well relative to some New York-model competitors.
Key Numbers
Training contract at a glance
Latham & Watkins funds SQE preparation — Latham & Watkins funds SQE1 and SQE2 preparation in full for London trainees. Use our SQE Cost Calculator to understand what you may still need to cover.
Preferred provider: BPP University Law School
Selection Criteria
What Latham & Watkins looks for
Academic requirements
2:1 or above; firsts strongly preferred. Clear commercial understanding is as important as academic achievement.
Core values they screen for
Experience & background
Commercial or transactional experience is valued. Vacation scheme through Latham's own programme is the primary route.
The Process
Application timeline
Apply for Latham's vacation scheme first.
Verbal reasoning and situational judgement.
2-week scheme with TC offers at the end.
How to Win
Application tips for Latham & Watkins
Demonstrate awareness of cross-border transactions - Latham's global one-firm model is central to its identity.
Show interest in multiple practice areas - the firm values flexibility across transactional work.
Research recent Latham deals in the legal press to demonstrate genuine engagement.
SQE tip: Some firms view positively candidates already preparing for SQE1 — it signals commitment to qualification. SQE explained →
Assessment
Interview & assessment format
Process stages
- 1Online application
- 2Psychometric testing
- 3Video interview
- 4Assessment centre (vacation scheme or direct)
Interview tips
- —Be specific about deal knowledge.
- —Latham interviews tend to be conversational - show personality as well as intellect.
Insider Knowledge
Insider tips
Observations from those who know the firm well.
Latham has a reputation for genuine partner accessibility.
The global secondment programme is a real feature - candidates with language skills benefit.
Qualification Costs
SQE funding at Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins funds SQE1 and SQE2 preparation in full for London trainees. The firm covers course fees and SRA exam registration fees and provides a maintenance grant during the study period. Latham uses BPP University Law School for SQE preparation.
Preferred SQE provider: BPP University Law School
The Full Picture
The full qualification journey
TC + SQE — here's the complete path from application to the roll.
SQE1 and SQE2 steps link to live pass rate data. Full SQE explained →
Got your TC? Now plan your SQE.
Your firm covers a lot — but you still need to pass SQE1 and SQE2. Here's where to start.
FAQ
Latham & Watkins — frequently asked questions
How many trainees does Latham & Watkins take per year?
What is the Latham & Watkins training contract salary?
Does Latham & Watkins fund SQE preparation?
What is the Latham & Watkins training contract application deadline?
What does Latham & Watkins look for in training contract applications?
What is the Latham & Watkins assessment centre format?
Ready to apply?
Applications go directly to Latham & Watkins's official graduate recruitment portal.
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