Business Services Trainee – Undergraduate Placement

About Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins is one of the world’s leading global law firms advising the businesses and institutions that drive the global economy. We are the market leaders in major financial and business centers around the world. Our investment in people, commitment to innovation, and focus on the future empower you to build an incredible career and thrive as an exceptional professional in a supportive culture. If you aspire to be the best, and work with the best, this is where you belong.

About the Role

We are seeking undergraduates to join our 13-month Business Services Placement Program in London beginning in Summer 2027. Our Business Services departments in London are comprised of over 300 staff members, who support over 600 lawyers in the London office, making us Latham’s second largest office globally. Driven by the belief that our strongest asset is our people, Latham is dedicated to fostering an environment that supports personal and professional development, whereby Latham's global platform, unique collaborative culture, and deep resources provide unparalleled opportunities for career progression.

The Business Services Trainee (BST) – Undergraduate Placement Program is an integral part of Latham’s professional services structure. The paid internship program offers undergraduates the opportunity to gain one year of invaluable professional business experience in a premier law firm. As a BST, you will be assigned to a Business Services department, where you will have a key role in supporting our lawyers and the Firm through project work and administrative assistance. Placement opportunities are available in the following departments: Attorney Training, Associate Recruiting, Business Development, Events & Travel, Information Governance, Office of the General Counsel, Partner Recruiting and Integration, Practice Support Services, and Revenue Management. 

Applications from all candidates are welcome and will be considered on their merits. Please note that this role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Other key responsibilities include:

• Providing a high level of customer service to internal and external clients as a primary point of contact for the assigned department
• Supporting and running project work within the relevant department including maintaining the department’s databases, tracking department records, and creating materials as requested
• Participating in business skills and department-specific training led by managers, supervisors, or team members
• Shadowing members of the department to gain exposure and insight of different tasks and responsibilities
• Working both independently and in a team environment, and collaborating globally with other offices and teams

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Possess strong communication skills (written and verbal), professional interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a customer service orientation
• Demonstrate well-developed organisational skills to manage time well, prioritise effectively, and handle multiple deadlines
• Display knowledge and proficiency in PC applications, including MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)

And are:

• In your penultimate year of study of a sandwich degree course, or in a position to take a year off during your degree
• On track to achieve a 2.1 degree or above, and have achieved at least 120 UCAS points or equivalent at A-Level
• Seeking a unique and challenging opportunity in a global setting

Benefits & Additional Information

Successful candidates will not only be provided with an outstanding career opportunity and welcoming environment, but will also be provided with 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

• Health insurance as well as group income protection and life assurance
• A pension plan
• Wellness programs
• Employee discounts
• And more!

Additionally, we have a range of programming including Global Affinity Groups, which are open to all. 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, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable statute.  #EntryLevel #LI-EH1