Diversity

Our Commitment

Our attorneys, paralegals and staff throughout the world comprise a rich mixture of men and women of different races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, cultures and primary languages. We are strengthened enormously by this diversity, and our commitment to diversity and equal opportunity enables Latham & Watkins to draw from a remarkable wealth of talent to recruit and retain the best attorneys and create one of the world's leading law firms.

Achieving Diversity and Equal Opportunity

Latham & Watkins has been a leader in conceiving, promoting and implementing methods that ensure lawyers are hired, trained and promoted fairly and with attention to the goals of equal opportunity and diversity in the practice of law. We have a Diversity Committee that monitors and addresses issues relating to achievement of the firm's equal opportunity and diversity objectives, and includes representatives from the Executive, Recruiting, Associates, Training, Pro Bono and EEO Committees, as well as our Marketing, Attorney Development and Human Resources Departments.

Our commitment to equal opportunity is reflected both in our attorney population and in our management. Lawyers of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds as well as sexual orientations have long been represented on the firm's management committees responsible for promotions to partnership, recruiting and training, among others. This diversity extends to the Executive Committee and to our office managing partners, global department chairs and vice chairs, global and local practice group chairs, and in the leadership of other major committees. Moreover, our chief officers, global directors and practice office administrators bring additional diversity to firm management.

We also work toward our diversity goals through mentoring and career development as well as recruiting. Our Training and Career Enhancement (TACE) Committee provides comprehensive training opportunities for our attorneys in all practice areas, and regularly includes presentations on the firm's equal employment opportunity policies and obligations. TACE also runs our firm-wide Mentoring Program, designed to facilitate the integration of new associates of all backgrounds into the firm by providing them with mentors who can help answer questions about the firm and give career guidance. The Multicultural Promotion & Attainment Coalition (MPAC) in our New York and Washington, D.C. offices is one example of an associate-driven, grassroots initiative that is open to all attorneys and is generally focused on supporting retention and promotion of attorneys with diverse backgrounds through a variety of professional, educational and social activities. Thanks to the homegrown efforts of these associates, MPAC thrives on the engagement and participation of a wide range of attorneys, and is intended to leverage diverse talents to encourage critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. In addition, as an integral part of our Global Recruiting Committee, we have an active Diversity Hiring Sub-Committee consisting of Committee members and professional staff devoted to diversity outreach efforts.

Consistent with our non-discrimination policy and commitment to diversity, all Latham attorneys are welcome to participate in our diversity programs.

Diversity Scholars Program

The Latham & Watkins Diversity Scholars Program is designed to increase the number of diverse law students studying at ABA-accredited law schools who want to pursue a career in a global law firm and intend to practice law in the United States. Since the program was launched in 2005, the firm has selected four Diversity Scholars each year to receive $10,000 scholarships for their third year of law school. Factors considered in choosing the Diversity Scholars include academic and leadership achievements, life experiences and challenges that have shaped values, and a desire to practice at a global law firm and contribute to its diversity objectives.

Click on the following links for information about our most recent Diversity Scholars or for an overview and application.

Diversity Weekend

Our recruiting efforts include several diversity outreach initiatives, the most popular of which is Diversity Weekend. Self-identified US law students of color and openly gay law students who have received offers to join the firm come together with Latham attorneys and firm leaders for a weekend of substantive discussion and social events. (Consistent with our non-discrimination policy and commitment to diversity, all students who have received offers are welcome to participate in this program.) The event, started in 2003, has received a favorable reaction from students and attorneys alike. Previous weekends have been held in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Women's Initiative

In 2006, the firm launched an official women's initiative to help address the business challenges and opportunities unique to women lawyers and to existing and prospective women clients. WEB, or Women Enriching Business, is a two-pronged initiative designed to promote women in business by creating broader networks and productive business relationships and by attracting and investing in the long-term success of women.

An Associate's Story

What the Media Says

"The progressive activity reflects the Latham model of moving ideas off the page and into action."

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Latham & Watkins is an equal opportunity employer. The firm prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable state or federal law. It is also against firm policy to discriminate against any qualified disabled employee or applicant, against a disabled veteran or against a veteran of the Vietnam era. The firm will ensure that applicants and employees are treated in all aspects of employment without unlawful discrimination because of these or any other protected bases. Such aspects of employment include, but are not limited to, recruitment, hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, compensation and training. Additionally, it is the policy of Latham & Watkins that all employees enjoy a work environment free from all forms of unlawful harassment of a sexual or other discriminatory nature. Any conduct contrary to this policy is prohibited.