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LAWCROSSING FEATURED EMPLOYER OF THE WEEK
Latham & Watkins [Jefferson Byrd] More than just the largest law firm in California, Latham & Watkins bounced back from the recession to become a powerful international firm.
After a fateful coin toss in 1934 determined
capital punishment appeal, a trial which
firm offers flexible part time work options for
which name would appear first on the mast-
represented an indictment of Texas’ death
parents and participates in events, such as
head, Latham and Watkins founded their
row. In a first-of-its-kind landmark lawsuit,
the Latham-sponsored National Conference
two-man firm. The tiny firm established itself
Latham represented Tosco Corp., a Hawaiian
for Minority Lawyers, to introduce minorities
in the 1980s by taking on high-profile corpo-
oil refiner accusing a Japanese company of
to Latham and increase the firm’s diver-
rate clients. The prosperity turned around,
conspiring to manipulate crude oil prices il-
sity. Although associates have praised the
albeit temporarily, as the economic reces-
legally in 2001. Another groundbreaking case
friendliness of partners and claim partners treat them as equals, the prospects for mak-
sion of the 90s brought hardship for Latham.
handled by Latham’s attorneys came in 2000,
Major clients went bankrupt, forcing Latham
when the House of Representatives took the
ing partner are not quite so appealing. The
to announce massive layoffs.
Clinton administration to court over census
qualifications for partnership include more
data. Former Deputy Solicitor General and
than tenure. Proven leadership abilities are
The Los Angeles-based firm was seen as an
Latham partner Maureen Mahoney served
a must. Despite the reputation as a relaxed
outsider until it established a higher profile
as the House’s lead counsel before the Su-
firm, Latham puts great significance on bill-
and aggressively sought new clients. By
preme Court.
able hour requirements. On average, Latham
2000, Latham’s annual revenue was $642
attorneys will bill between 40 and 55 hours a
million, while profits per partner soared to
Latham has also been distinguished for its
week, spending 60 hours a week in the office,
$1 million. Latham consistently ranks among
commitment to pro bono causes. America’s
with some weekend work included.
the top firms in M&A, equity and project
largest pro bono service provider, Public
finance. In the most recent issue of Ameri-
Counsel, twice named Latham pro bono
can Lawyer, Corporate Scorecard, Latham
provider of the year, a distinct honor. The
received the highest number of top-ten
firm, which counts pro bono hours as billable
Latham & Watkins currently has several
scores. Latham was number one in IPOs and
hours, has also ranked first in American
openings in its Los Angeles, San Fran-
REIT equity and debt, and Latham attorneys
Lawyer’s list of law firms with the most pro bono hours. The firm has represented child detainees of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and lobbied for a bill that would guarantee legal counsel to children detained by the INS. Fifty Latham attorneys and staffers logged over 3000 hours pouring over capital punishment sentences in a reform aimed at reducing error in death penalty cases. The firm has also been honored by the New Jersey Senate for its investigations into racial profiling.
cisco, Silicon Valley, Orange County, San
worked on four of the most powerful project financings of 2003. Today, the firm ranks as one of the largest worldwide, with 1500 attorneys in ten countries. The firm’s aggressive European expansion earned it the U.S. Law Firm of the Year honors at the 2003 Lawyer Awards. In addition to its impressive corporate law divisions, Latham has developed a powerful litigation practice. The firm’s attorneys have been involved in some of the more controversial and groundbreaking court
Befitting a California-based firm, Latham is
cases of the new century. In 2000, Latham’s
characterized as a laid back place to work.
New York office challenged Texas’ notori-
Even the East Coast and foreign offices offer
ous death penalty in convict Ernest Watkin’s
a California-style relaxed atmosphere. The
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Jobs
Diego, Chicago, New York, Washington DC, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, and Tokyo offices, including opportunities for experienced corporate, litigation, employment, real estate, government, health care, entertainment, environmental and other associates. More information regarding attorney positions at Latham & Watkins can be found in the LawCrossing job database.