Pre-Law Internship

Job Description

Pre-Law Internship – Latham & Watkins

About Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins is a global law firm consistently ranked among the top firms in the world. Our success is built on a commitment to hiring and developing the very best and brightest talent, creating a team that delivers the highest quality of work and service to our clients. We are guided by our core values: respect, innovation, and collaboration.

About The Role

This 10-week pre-law internship offers a valuable opportunity to gain insight into how various legal support departments contribute to attorneys providing high-value and market-leading services to their clients. Interns will gain practical experience and an understanding of the operational aspects of a top-tier global law firm.

Key Details:

• Duration: 10 weeks
• Tentative Program Dates: May 26th – July 31st, 2026
• Location: New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago offices
• Requirement: This role requires an in-office presence.
• Potential Responsibilities:
  • Conducting judicial research
  • Assisting with legal documentation
  • Supporting the delivery of the firm’s knowledge management program
  • Supporting our legal professional and paralegal teams

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Pre-Law Interns will be placed in one of the following five departments based on business need. Key responsibilities, tailored to an entry-level role, are summarized below:

• Office of the General Counsel (OGC) – Employment: Acts as the firm’s legal counsel on internal employment issues. Responsibilities may include advising on employment law risks, ensuring firm compliance with new regulations, drafting and reviewing documents, conducting investigations, responding to external requests, and handling disputes.
• Legal Professional and Paralegal Administration: Prepares and/or drafts closing documents or pleadings, forms, letters, and other correspondence and legal documents under the supervision of attorneys and maintains closing or case files.
• Research Services: Provides a wide range of research and analysis solutions to attorneys and business services staff, utilizing a variety of research tools.
• Knowledge Management: Creates, organizes, and administers know-how resources including standard forms, precedent and work product, thought leadership, deal information, and other legal information relevant to attorneys within their practice.
• Litigation Services: Supports the firm’s Litigation & Trial Department. This includes assisting with the preparation and review of legal filings to ensure adherence to court rules, conducting research on procedural matters utilizing a range of research tools, and facilitating the organization of court-related services.

Additionally, all interns are responsible for:

• Protecting and maintaining any highly sensitive, confidential, privileged, financial, and/or proprietary information that Latham & Watkins retains.

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Display well-developed and professional interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to interact effectively with people at all organizational levels of the firm.
• Demonstrate a courteous, professional, and effective working relationship with clients, vendors, and other representatives of external organizations.
• Possess the ability to work in a team environment with a customer service focus.

And have:

• Applied with the intent to enroll in an ABA-accredited law school in fall 2026 (JD class of 2029).

Application Requirements:

As part of the application process, we ask that you submit an official PDF copy of your undergraduate transcript as well as a copy of your LSAT score. Please attach these documents to your candidate profile.

Benefits & Additional Information

Successful candidates will not only be provided with an outstanding career opportunity and welcoming environment but will also receive a generous total compensation package with bonuses awarded in recognition of both individual and firm performance. Eligible employees can participate in Latham’s comprehensive benefit program which includes:

• A generous 401k plan
• Well-being programs (e.g., mental health services, mindfulness and resiliency, medical resources, well-being events, and more)
• Professional development programs
• Employee discounts
• And more!

Additionally, we have a range of staff programming including Global Affinity Groups. These groups provide a firmwide platform to share experiences and advice, as well as an opportunity to participate in a supportive network with common interests to help make life at the firm even better.

Latham & Watkins is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status (including veterans of the Vietnam era), gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable statute.

Pay Range:

USD $50.04 – USD $50.04 /Hr.