Pathways Program
Increasing pathways to build a more diverse legal community
At Latham, you belong as you are. Our firm comprises talented people from around the world, reflecting a rich mixture of racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, religions, cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and primary languages. Our people are our greatest asset.
We are seeking the best and brightest students with fresh perspectives on how to best serve our clients and deepen our culture of inclusion and allyship for one another.
Latham’s Pathways Program is intended to help students through law school while also relieving some of the financial pressure as they begin to practice in a way that’s meaningful and impactful to clients, society, and our firm.
1L Diversity Scholars Program
Our 1L Diversity Scholars Program offers a unique opportunity to students of all backgrounds who have just finished their first year of law school (class of 2026) at an ABA-accredited school. The 10-week program includes:
- In-depth legal training, mentoring, and real-world experience at one of Latham’s US offices and a secondment to the legal department of one of our clients. 1L Diversity Scholars will work alongside the 2025 summer associates.
- An invitation to Latham’s Diversity Leadership Academy, a multi-day program focused on developing and empowering the legal industry’s future leaders.
- A variety of opportunities offered through the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) for 1L Scholars at LCLD Member organizations including:
- An invitation to the 1L LCLD Scholars Summit, a three-day professional development conference that focuses on leadership, relationship building, and career development strategies
2L Diversity Scholars Program
Our 2L Diversity Scholars Program offers a unique opportunity to students of all backgrounds who have just finished their second year of law school (class of 2026) at an ABA-accredited school. The 10-week program includes:
In-depth legal training, mentoring, and real-world experience at one of Latham’s US or London offices. 2L Diversity Scholars will work alongside the 2025 summer associates.
2L Diversity Scholars will receive:
- A weekly salary throughout the 10-week program, plus eligibility for a scholarship up to US$50,000.
- An opportunity to participate in our Client Mentorship Program
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Latham's Pathways Program
Selection Criteria
The application process is open to all 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.
2L Diversity Scholars must spend the first 10 weeks of the summer program with Latham.
Latham’s Recruiting Committee will evaluate all applications and consider the following factors:
- Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in their communities and/or in the legal profession
- Academic and leadership achievements
- Obstacles or challenges (financial or otherwise) encountered in advancing career objectives
- Life experiences that have shaped values (including a commitment to DEI) and professional goals
- A desire to practice at a global law firm
Application Requirements
A complete application package must include the following items:
- Completed online application
- Resume
- Unofficial or official law school transcript
- In your application confirmation email, you will find a link to submit your transcript. Please ensure that you submit your transcript only after all your semester/quarter grades have been finalized. Your application will only be considered complete once we have received your transcript.
- Personal statement (500 to 1,000 words) addressing one or more of the following:
- Your resilience and tenacity
- How you will contribute to Latham’s inclusive culture and diverse community
- Experiences that have shaped your commitment to DEI in the legal profession
Eligibility
- Enrolled full time in a JD program at an ABA-accredited law school with an anticipated graduation date of 2026 (2L Diversity Scholars) or 2026 (1L Diversity Scholars) at the time of application.
- Must participate in Latham’s full 10-week 2024 Summer Program, starting in May 2024. Exceptions to this start date will only be made due to conflicts with academic calendars.
- Demonstrate a commitment to promoting DEI within the legal community and/or more broadly.
Dates and Deadlines
2024 Pathways Program: 1L Diversity Scholars applications are closed.
Sign up to be notified when applications open for our 2L Pathways Program positions. The 2025 Pathways Program: 2L Diversity Scholars will open on June 10, 2024. View this recruiting timeline to better understand the key dates for the JD class of 2026.
Learn More
At Latham you are encouraged to bring your own unique perspective, because our diversity fuels understanding and innovation. Learn more about Latham’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, including our world-class programs, affinity groups, and accolades. To speak to a recruiter directly, contact Recruit.Global@lw.com.