Why do you want to become a City lawyer?

I am attracted to Latham & Watkins because it has a truly global network and a sheer variety of deals in different jurisdictions and industries. While some firms are struggling to put the concept of globalisation into practice, working on a worldwide scale is second nature to Latham & Watkins. This is exemplified by the fact that Latham & Watkins has no head office and no dominant practice and works to consistent quality and philosophical standards through a global group of offices through a “one firm” culture. For me, this will mean that I will be able to work in close liaison with the firm’s international offices on cutting edge deals. The opportunity of a secondment to the firm’s overseas office would allow me to broaden my horizons and develop greater variety and depth of experience to my work and enable me to operate in some of the richest and most distinct economies of the world. This will provide me with a more international insight into complex cross-border matters which would be an invaluable insight going forward in my legal career.

Unlike other law firms that will offer me routine and commoditised work, Latham & Watkins will provide me with work that is interesting and challenging. I will operate in small teams of partners and associates in a highly integrated way. This will ensure that I receive highly focussed personal training by gaining a hands-on experience on important matters. I will receive early responsibility and experience a steep learning curve, which will make my work environment challenging and exciting.

Why do you want to become a City lawyer?

I want to become a City lawyer because every day is varied, challenging and engaging. As commercial matters span many areas of law, industries and borders, they demand the application of lateral thinking and extensive problem-solving. In turn, this would see me work in integrated teams with a commercial focus on the problem in a quick-paced environment with approaching deadlines. At present, I am working closely with [law firm] Arp’s associates from [city] and London offices in conducting document review for the purposes of disclosure request and helping to prepare witness statements. I have especially enjoyed the teamwork aspect. I was required to present, interpret and explain complex ideas very clearly and precisely with irrepressible optimism. At the same time, I negotiated with others very successfully and collaborated with the wider team to bring individual elements together and reach a successful conclusion. At [Law Firm Name], I enjoyed operating under pressure to find solutions to complex problems at a Board of Directors EGM of a joint venture in Amsterdam. The cross-border nature of the case produced more interesting work, greater variety and a wider group of experts to learn from which made my work intellectually and commercially rewarding.