Legal Assistant Review

It was a fantastic opportunity to get to know the firm and its culture; there's only so far you can get by reading online. For example, the practice area talks with partners, associates and trainees, were a great opportunity to learn about work in the city and how the work differs at each level and in each department. 9 stars!

I felt very valued during my two weeks. For example, both of my supervisors and mentors emailed me on the morning of my final interview to wish me good luck. We were also openly invited to events the firm was hosting which made everyone feel welcome. However, the best example of this, I think, is the fact that on the final day of the scheme, about an hour before leaving, we were all invited into a meeting room to have a glass of prosecco to celebrate the vac scheme ending! Regardless of whether we received an offer or not, this was a nice touch and made everyone feel that their inputs and efforts had been appreciated. 10 stars!

We received the perfect balance I think! We had enough guidance that we weren't completely left to our own devices and HR were responsive whenever we had questions we needed to bounce off them. However, we were given enough independence to allow us to get on with the work that was given to us and to get to know people in the firm. I also had to take the day off to attend my graduation which the firm was very accommodating about. 10 stars!

I had finished my degree by the time I started the vacation scheme, however, my experience has taught me to always remain confident and to try to offer help and take on work where possible. At my current job, having the confidence to ask for more work and offer a helping hand has allowed my own work to become more diversified and has also allowed me to socialise and meet more people in the firm. 9 stars!

The insight was well structured. We had a good balance between events organised by the firm and independent time for us to get on with our own work. The social events were organised at great times too. For example, we had a dinner on the second last night to celebrate the end of the scheme. 9 stars!

The general atmosphere was great. Everyone in the firm who I spoke to was genuinely happy to take the time to discuss their work with me and answer any questions I might have. For example, I went for a coffee with a couple of partners in litigation to find out more about their work. The other vac schemers were also really friendly and confident which created a positive environment in general. 10 stars!

On our first day, the firm briefed us on how to use the computer systems, including all of the essentials. We were given a tour of the offices by our mentors and shown where all the necessary research material might be on the computers etc. 9 stars!

The vacation scheme was a really good opportunity to learn about what trainee work would be like. For example, beyond the tasks designated to us, people would be willing to get us involved in the real work they were doing. This is exactly what the training contract is like; if you want more work, you can ask for it. If you don't, you needn't bother. 9 stars!

The vacation scheme is, in my view, the best way to get to know the company's culture. It's better than an open day since it's for a longer time period, so you really get the opportunity to spend time at the firm and see what it and its people are like. The social events were another great opportunity to do this since it offered us the chance to speak to people at Latham in a more casual setting. 10 stars!

Fantastic, I managed to get a training contract offer and I'll be starting at Latham after finishing the LPC next year. When I received the phone call, I had no doubts whatsoever about whether I would be taking it. This was because of how much I enjoyed the vacation scheme.

We were reimbursed more than adequately for the scheme at £350 per week.

Through the practice area talks, where we had various trainees, associates and partners talking about their practice areas, we had the opportunity to ask questions and introduce ourselves to people in the firm. The firm also has a range of committees, such as pro bono, diversity and first generation professionals - so there are so many opportunities to get involved in the firm and get to know people!

Yes, there were a few social events on during the time I was there. For example, there was an affinity group drinks and canapés one night. We also had a trainee mentor for the duration of the scheme, so we regularly met up with them and went out to eat with them. We also had a formal dinner on one of the nights with a variety of people from the firm!

The firm really emphasises that people get involved in pro bono work, so a lot of the people I spoke with are heavily involved in pro bono work beyond their client work. It was also refreshing to hear that there is scope for trainees to get involved in this at their own initiative! 9 stars.

Yes, I actually recommended to a friend to apply for the training contract because, in my experience, Latham is a firm that is genuinely different to other city firms I've been to.