London

Described as a ‘Game Changer’ by the Financial Times’ 2015 report of the most innovative European law firms, Latham’s award-winning London office is recognised for its work advising some of the world’s leading corporates, financial institutions and private equity firms on their most significant transactions and disputes.

Clients describe the firm’s lawyers as smart, commercial and pragmatic. Latham’s teams use their considerable experience, creativity and drive to get deals across the line and find resolutions to clients' most complex legal issues.

Market-leading Practices

The firm’s leading finance practice in London has earned a reputation in the market for an exceptional ability to transition seamlessly between all forms of senior and subordinated loan, bond, “bank and bond” and hybrid capital structures. The group regularly advises arrangers, lenders, sponsors and/or other borrowers on all types of leveraged and acquisition finance as well as project finance work. The practice also includes leading practitioners in derivatives and other sophisticated financial products.

Latham has market-leading experience in M&A, debt and equity financing, high yield, restructurings, recapitalisations, divestitures, data privacy and cyber security, and outsourcings. The firm offers comprehensive tax and environmental advice for complex multi-jurisdictional transactions and disputes.

The firm’s highly regarded London disputes practice boasts renowned litigators who focus on complex cross-border disputes, international and domestic litigation, civil fraud, banking litigation, international arbitration, public international law, export controls, as well as sanctions and crisis management.

Significant Deals and Disputes

Home to almost 300 lawyers, Latham is one of the top-ranked international firms in London and advises on some of Europe’s most significant deals and disputes, including:

• Advising on more than 160 high yield offerings across Europe with an aggregate deal value of over US$121 billion during 2014/15. Latham continues to be the only firm ranked band 1 by Chambers for both Banking and High Yield
• Representing the London Metal Exchange before the Court of Appeal in the court’s first judicial review of a recognised investment exchange’s consultation process (earning a “commended” in the FT Innovation Awards 2015)  
• Advising on three of the top six European buyouts in 2015 by deal value (Mergermarket), including representing Hellman & Friedman on the acquisition of the entirety of Bain Capital’s interest in Securitas Direct Verisure Group, one of the largest European buyouts in 2015 and the largest deal in Hellman & Friedman’s 30-year history
• Representing clients in more than 10% of all mergers filed with the Competition and Markets Authority in 2015

Latham & Watkins is the business name of Latham & Watkins (London) LLP, a registered limited liability partnership organised under the laws of New York and authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 203820). A list of the names of the partners of Latham & Watkins (London) LLP is open to inspection at its principal place of business, 99 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3XF, and such persons are either solicitors, registered foreign lawyers, European lawyers or managers authorised by the SRA. We are affiliated with the firm Latham & Watkins LLP, a limited liability partnership organised under the laws of Delaware.

A summary of the UK diversity data is available here.

The London office continues to provide pro bono advice to various individuals and organizations amounting. While participation in the firm's pro bono program is not mandatory, all firm personnel are strongly encouraged to participate in pro bono matters to the extent their skills can be utilized to serve the interests of our pro bono clients. Time spent on pro bono matters is credited to lawyers and paralegals to the same extent time is credited for any other client matter.

As the London office continues to grow, so too does its commitment to pro bono and community service, providing much-needed support to the community. Recent examples of projects in the community include:

• Assisting the Junior League of London - The Junior League of London, a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, is a non-profit organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community. 

• Continuing the Relationship with Learning for Life - Learning for Life is a UK registered charity working with local South Asian partners to increase the quality and provision of education to the most marginalized communities - in particular girls, refugees and the disabled.

• Representing The Roundhouse - The Roundhouse is an internationally renowned arts venue in North London. London lawyers advised The Roundhouse in connection with its fundraising for its redevelopment as a youth performing arts venue through benefactors such as Arts Council England, the Welcome Trust, Heritage Lottery Fund and the London Development Agency.

• Working with Redress Trust - Redress Trust is a UK-based human rights organization that seeks reparation and justice for victims of torture before the International Criminal Court.

• Working with Rosetta Life - Rosetta Life is a charitable organization whose primary objective is to provide palliative care for hospice users through the creation of films, video diaries and other means related to issues affecting their daily lives.

• Member of PRIME - PRIME is an organization that works to ensure fair and equal access to quality work experience for students from less privileged backgrounds. As a member of PRIME, Latham is committed to providing work experience placements for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to learn and gain experience in a variety of capacities in the legal industry. Find out more about PRIME at www.primecommitment.org. 

• Working with Centrepoint - Centerpoint is a charity in the United Kingdom that provides emergency accommodation, support, information and training to homeless young people. Its lawyers and staff provide pro bono support, mentor, carry out volunteer work and raise money for the charity. Find out more about Centrepoint at www.centrepoint.org.uk.

Survey of Pro Bono Practices and Opportunities

A multi-office team of Latham & Watkins lawyers and professional staff from across the firm’s offices globally conducted extensive research to prepare the 2016 edition of the “Survey of Pro Bono Practices and Opportunities” report. Conducted in conjunction with the Pro Bono Institute (PBI), the unique report is an essential resource for local practitioners, in-house teams and non-profits on pro bono practices around the world.

• Download the chapter about pro bono practices and opportunities in England and Wales