Diversity, Equity
& Inclusion

At Latham & Watkins, you belong as you are. We are on a mission to strengthen DEI as a distinguishing feature of our culture, advancing DEI in our profession and communities.

As a global law firm, Latham & Watkins is uniquely positioned to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in our profession and in our communities. We value all of our colleagues and their perspectives, we fight for social justice, and we educate ourselves to be better allies for each other. We recruit talent representing a diversity of perspectives and strengthen our organization by investing in, developing and promoting talent. At Latham, the responsibility to advance DEI is shared by all of our colleagues, from our leadership to our most junior attorneys to our staff.

Latham’s Diversity Leadership Committee (DLC) and Staff Diversity and Inclusion Department spearhead our DEI strategy and work to strengthen and promote Latham as a workplace where the best and brightest professionals — including those underrepresented in the legal industry — excel and find support to become firm and industry leaders. Our Women Enriching Business (WEB) Committee serves as a network for growth, opportunity, and advancement of women within the firm and the profession, with a particular emphasis on business development and facilitating connections with Latham lawyers and clients.

We have a distinct responsibility as legal advocates to combat ingrained, institutional racism and other inequities. This includes looking inward and strengthening our inclusive culture through concrete actions, allyship, and collective learning. It also includes using our skills and knowledge as one of the largest providers of pro bono legal services to work on matters aimed at advancing racial equality, promoting equal opportunity, and supporting those most affected by systemic inequities.

"Strengthening DEI among our lawyers and staff has long been a strategic imperative."
Kem Ihenacho, Chair, Diversity Leadership Committee

"My unique life experience is valued and celebrated by my colleagues."
Zoë Hutchinson, Associate

"Latham feels like home to me. I have laughed, cried, vacationed, and experienced hundreds of other connections with my colleagues. They have been a part of several of my life's milestones and I value each one individually."
Brenda Alvarez, Attorney Support Coordinator

"DEI is embedded in our DNA. This brings us together, sets us apart, and makes us Latham."
Samantha Si, Associate

"I am a member of a tight-knit global community at Latham."
Monica White, Partner

"What stands out to me about Latham is the level of engagement, authenticity, and community. I belong here as I am today and have the comfort of knowing whatever happens tomorrow I have a community that supports me."
Arnold Austria, Director of Global Staff Compensation

"What Latham does well is listen. Though we are a large global firm of many different cultures, I feel seen, heard, and valued while working with my team and the attorneys we support. The senses of collegiality, culture, and collaboration ring true."
Angela Lee, Business Development Manager

"Latham empowers me to lead and to practice at the top of my field."
Jay Sadanandan, Partner

"During my interviews I could tell I would not be limited to one vertical of growth within Latham. From my first day, the onboarding experience was tailored just for me and the connections I made with my colleagues globally helped position me for success. To this day I still work on projects and initiatives with colleagues I met when I first walked in the doors."
Pete Screnci, Senior Manager, Workplace Experience

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Global Affinity Groups, Networks & Coalitions

Our affinity groups for lawyers and staff are critical to building a sense of community and belonging at the firm.

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Pathways Program: 1L and 2L Diversity Scholars

Our Pathways Program supports students through law school, giving them insight into the legal profession and 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.

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Allies@Latham

Our firmwide Allies@Latham initiative provides colleagues with practical tools and information to serve as better allies for each other.

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Melange Gavin at Diversity Leadership Academy 2019

Diversity Leadership Academies

We host two annual Diversity Leadership Academies — one for US law students and one for Latham associates. These award-winning programs provide tailored professional development training and invaluable opportunities for mentorship and community building.

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Women’s Leadership Academies

Our celebrated Women’s Leadership Academies are annual programs for Latham associates and partners. Attendees participate in workshops on leadership, executive presence, and business development, and leave with stronger networks.

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Pipeline Programs

Our commitment to DEI includes expanding access to the legal profession and investing in the next generation of lawyers and leaders.

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Contacts

Kem Ihenacho

Partner

Chair of the Diversity Leadership Committee

London kem.ihenacho@lw.com +44.20.7710.4560

Robin M. Hulshizer

Partner

Vice Chair of the Diversity Leadership Committee

Chicago robin.hulshizer@lw.com +1.312.876.7620

Daniel J. Dominguez

Partner

Vice Chair of the Diversity Leadership Committee

Washington, D.C. daniel.dominguez@lw.com +1.202.637.2225

Lauren Y. Clairicia

Director of Global Attorney Diversity & Inclusion

Orange County lauren.clairicia@lw.com +1.714.755.8240

Kerri G. Mesiah

Director of Staff Diversity and Inclusion

Washington, D.C. kerri.mesiah@lw.com +1.202.350.5079

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October 3, 2022 Event

Black History Month – In Conversation with Eric Collins

On Thursday 13th October 2022, as part of our annual Black History Month celebrations, the Black Lawyers Group will be joined by Eric Collins, CEO and Founding Member of Impact X – a venture capital firm founded to support underrepresented entrepreneurs across Europe.

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May 12, 2022 Press Release

Diversity, Equity
& Inclusion

At Latham & Watkins, you belong as you are. We are on a mission to strengthen DEI as a distinguishing feature of our culture, advancing DEI in our profession and communities.

Belong As You Are

Global Affinity Groups, Networks & Coalitions