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Latham & Watkins

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International Firm Strange Culture - Legal Secretary Latham & Watkins Employee Review

3.0
Apr 13, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Salary - high as long as you strongly negotiate; status of L&W on your resume.

Cons

Admin for Staff: insultingly strict (miss a subway and 3 minutes late? goes into your file, even if you make up the time; reverse is also true->back from lunch early because your boss asked you to be? OK, but must receive OT aproval in advance (what happens when mgmt is out to lunch? tell your supervisor you can't do OT). You're told to send out all "work": copies to copy department, faxes to fax dept, catering to catering, conference room, etc....far too many avenues for major errors to occur to the dismay of bosses & very "high-value" clients and it will be your fault. Meanwhile, you get to sit at your desk and NOT use the internet, phone, cellphone, for personal use (something I agree with, but when you're bored...?) etc. My years of experience is wasted; when I ask if any surrounding attys would like some assistance...a resounding "no" and permanent stinkeye & gossip from their secretary. Don't dare to ask for something to do. "Just send it to .... department".

Explore other reviews about Latham & Watkins

5.0
Apr 21, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Really great environment, cutting edge deals

Cons

Really long hours, some weird personalities

2.0
Jul 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Competitive salary and some nice in office benefits

Cons

Absolutely no work-life balance; unrealistic expectations; very little room for growth unless you’re willing to work 18 hour days and weekends; senior management are truly micromanagers in every sense! Bonuses are subpar for the amount of revenue this office/firm generates. HR CANNOT be trusted!

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