OGC Counsel - Laterals

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

The OGC Counsel – Laterals is an integral part of Latham’s Office of the General Counsel team. This dynamic and well-rounded Legal Counsel will support the firm’s lateral attorney hiring and onboarding process, with a focus on Europe, the Middle East and Asia (EMEA). Working closely with the Assistant General Counsel – Laterals they will oversee and coordinate the legal and operational aspects of lateral integration, with a particular focus on the conflicts clearance process, candidate engagement and onboarding and internal stakeholder alignment. This role will be located in either our London office. Please note that this role may be eligible for a flexible working schedule that allows for a hybrid and in-office presence.

This unique and high-visibility role requires excellent interpersonal skills, sharp organizational judgment, and the ability to confidently liaise with senior leaders, lateral candidates, and internal business services teams. The ideal candidate will be a go-getter with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

• Serving as a point of coordination for lateral partner and counsel hiring matters in the EMEA region, managing timelines, communications, and next steps between multiple business service teams and senior stakeholders.
• Overseeing and directing the conflicts clearance process, ensuring seamless communication between candidates, the Conflicts team, the Office of the General Counsel, and other stakeholders.
• Identifying and escalating key issues; ensuring conflicts issues and resolutions are understood by all stakeholders; helping drive resolutions that align with firm policy and business goals.
• Liaising directly with lateral partner candidates, guiding them through onboarding requirements, gathering necessary information, and serving as a knowledgeable and professional firm contact.
• Training and supporting candidates on firm policies and the new business intake process, in coordination with relevant internal teams.
• Collaborating with firm leadership, partner recruiting and onboarding teams, practice group leaders, and risk management teams to ensure smooth, efficient, and compliant onboarding.

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills able to engage diplomatically and clearly with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with a proven ability to drive processes, meet deadlines, and keep multiple moving parts aligned.
• Display excellent attention to detail and a commitment to operational excellence.

And have:

• Experience as a qualified lawyer in a large law firm or in-house legal department, preferably EMEA legal experience or familiarity with law firm structures and regulatory frameworks across EMEA jurisdictions.
• A strong familiarity with conflicts or similar risk management processes in a law firm 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.