At a Glance
- Tasks: Support lawyers through project work and administrative assistance in a dynamic law firm.
- Company: Join a premier law firm with a global presence and diverse opportunities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health benefits, wellness programs, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Perfect for penultimate-year students seeking a unique placement opportunity.
- Why this job: Gain valuable business experience while working alongside top professionals in the legal field.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in MS Office required.
Overview
We are seeking undergraduates to join our 13-month Business Services Placement Program in London beginning in Summer 2026. The Business Services departments in London comprise over 300 staff members, supporting over 600 lawyers in the London office. The BST – Undergraduate Placement Program is a paid internship that offers one year of professional business experience in a premier law firm. As a BST, you will be assigned to a Business Services department to support lawyers and the Firm through project work and administrative assistance. Previous intern opportunities include Human Resources, Office of the General Counsel, Conflicts, Attorney Development & Recruitment, Revenue Management, Business Development, and Technology.
Responsibilities & Qualifications
- Providing a high level of customer service to internal and external clients as a primary contact for the assigned department
- Supporting and running project work within the relevant department including maintaining databases, tracking records, and creating materials as requested
- Participating in business skills and department-specific training led by managers, supervisors, or team members
- Shadowing department members to gain exposure to tasks and responsibilities
- Working independently and in a team, 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 organizational skills to manage time, 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 receive a generous total compensation package with bonuses based on individual and firm performance
- Eligible employees can participate in Latham’s comprehensive benefits program including health insurance, group income protection and life assurance
- A pension plan
- Wellness programs
- Employee discounts
- And more
Latham & Watkins is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race (including hair texture and protective hairstyles), colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable statute.
Business Services Trainee – Undergraduate Placement in City of London employer: Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins is an exceptional employer, offering undergraduates a unique opportunity to gain invaluable professional experience in a prestigious law firm located in the vibrant city of London. With a strong focus on employee growth, the Business Services Trainee program provides comprehensive training, mentorship, and exposure to various departments, fostering a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Additionally, employees benefit from a competitive compensation package, wellness programs, and a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional development.
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 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.
✨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. 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 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 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 plan better and shows you’re organised, which is key in corporate environments!
How to prepare for a job interview at Latham & Watkins
✨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 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’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 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 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.
