At a Glance
- Tasks: Support lawyers and teams through project work and administrative assistance.
- Company: Join Latham & Watkins, a top global law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy health insurance, wellness programs, employee discounts, and more!
- Other info: Unique opportunity for career progression in a supportive global setting.
- Why this job: Gain invaluable experience in a dynamic environment while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Must be in your penultimate year of study with strong communication and organisational skills.
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. Previous intern opportunities have been offered in the following departments: Human Resources, Office of the General Counsel, Conflicts, Attorney Development & Recruitment, Revenue Management, Business Development, and Technology.
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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.)
Qualifications
- 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
Latham & Watkins is a global law firm consistently ranked among the top firms in the world. The success of our firm is largely determined by our commitment to hire and develop the very best and brightest, creating a team that provides our clients with the highest quality of work and service. We are driven by our core values: respect, innovation, and collaboration. We are seeking undergraduates to join our 13‑month Business Services Placement Program in London beginning in Summer 2026. Our Business Services departments in London comprise 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.
Benefits
- 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 firm‑wide 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.
Business Services Trainee – Undergraduate Placement in City of London employer: LATHAM & WATKINS LLP
Latham & Watkins is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture in the heart of Manchester. As a Business Process Analyst in Accounts Payable, you will benefit from a generous compensation package, comprehensive health and wellness programs, and opportunities for professional growth through innovative projects and global networking. Join us to thrive in a collaborative environment that values diversity and empowers you to excel in your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Services Trainee – Undergraduate Placement in City of London
✨Get Involved with University Career Services
Uni career services are a goldmine for placement opportunities, especially in corporate leadership roles. They often host workshops and employer meet-and-greets, so make sure you attend—it's a brilliant way to connect with recruiters and get the inside scoop on what companies like LATHAM & WATKINS LLP are looking for.
✨Tap into Leadership Clubs and Organisations
Join student leadership clubs and societies; they’re great places to not only develop your skills but also meet industry professionals. Networking within these communities can lead to invaluable connections that might just land you a placement with a company like LATHAM & WATKINS LLP.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills Online
Use platforms like LinkedIn to share your insights on leadership trends or success stories from group projects. Engage with posts from industry leaders and brands like LATHAM & WATKINS LLP. This visibility can definitely catch the eye of recruiters looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
When you're ready to apply for that dream placement, head straight to our website. We often have the latest opportunities listed there, so keep an eye out for roles at LATHAM & WATKINS LLP and be sure to submit your application early to stand out in the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Services Trainee – Undergraduate Placement in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Leadership Potential:In your CV and cover letter, highlight your leadership experience, even if it's from group projects or clubs. We want to see evidence of your ability to motivate and manage others, so include specific examples where you took charge or facilitated a group's success, whether in school or in your community.
Tailor Your Application to Corporate Culture:Research LATHAM & WATKINS LLP and make sure your application reflects its corporate values and culture. Use insights from their website or social media to inform your language and examples. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being part of their team.
Focus on Your Learning Journey:Since this is a placement, show us why you’re keen to learn and grow. Your cover letter should express your eagerness to gain real-world experience in corporate leadership and how you aim to apply what you learn. It’s not just about what you can bring to the table, but also what you hope to gain from the experience.
Be Clear About Your Availability:In your application, make sure to be upfront about when you can start and if you have any commitments that might affect your placement. This helps LATHAM & WATKINS LLP plan better and shows you’re organised, which is key in corporate environments!
How to prepare for a job interview at LATHAM & WATKINS LLP
✨Show Your Leadership Potential
In corporate leadership management, it's all about demonstrating your ability to inspire and guide teams. Come prepared with examples from your coursework or previous experiences where you took the initiative or managed a project — even if it was a group assignment. This will show LATHAM & WATKINS LLP that you can handle the responsibilities that come with the role.
✨Understand Organisational Dynamics
Brush up on concepts related to organisational behaviour and team dynamics, as these are crucial in management roles. Be ready to discuss how you would navigate conflicts or motivate team members in various scenarios; even hypothetical ones can showcase your thought processes. Use this knowledge to connect your answers back to how you would fit into LATHAM & WATKINS LLP’s culture.
✨Focus on Learning and Growth
Since this is a placement, employers are keen on your willingness to learn. Emphasise your motivation to develop skills and gain experience in leadership. Talk about what you hope to learn at LATHAM & WATKINS LLP and how this placement aligns with your career aspirations, showcasing that you’re committed to growing alongside the team.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Current Trends
Keep an eye on current trends in corporate leadership and management, such as agile leadership or remote team management. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show LATHAM & WATKINS LLP that you're engaged with the industry and ready to bring fresh ideas to the table. Think about how these trends could apply to their specific operations and prepare some thoughts in advance.
