Latham & Watkins LLP is one of the largest and most prestigious law firms in the world, with a global presence and an extensive track record of success. Founded in 1934 in Los Angeles, California, Latham has grown into a powerhouse with offices across the globe, providing legal services in a wide range of industries. The firm’s renowned reputation stems from its exceptional legal expertise, innovative solutions, and commitment to client service.
As one of the largest law firms in the world, Latham & Watkins boasts an impressive portfolio of practice areas and industries, offering comprehensive legal support to businesses, governments, and individuals. Known for its excellence in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, intellectual property, and environmental law, Latham continues to be a top choice for legal counsel in high-stakes matters.
Head Office – Los Angeles, CA (Main Contact)
Latham & Watkins LLP
355 South Grand Avenue, Suite 100
Los Angeles, California 90071‑1560, USA
Phone: +1 213‑485‑1234
Website: https://www.lw.com/
Century City (LA Area) Office
10250 Constellation Boulevard, Suite 1100
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: +1 424‑653‑5500
Fax: +1 424‑653‑5501
Los Angeles Office Contacts
- Jeff Bjork – Partner (email: jeff.bjork@lw.com)
- Ana G. O’Brien – Partner (email: ana.o’brien@lw.com)
Global Offices
Latham & Watkins has many offices worldwide. A few key contacts include:
- New York – 1271 Avenue of the Americas, NY 10020 | +1 212‑906‑1200
- Orange County (Costa Mesa) – 650 Town Center Drive, CA 92626 | +1 714‑540‑1235
- San Francisco – 505 Montgomery Street, CA 94111 | +1 415‑391‑0600
- Chicago – 330 North Wabash, IL 60611 | +1 312‑876‑7700
- Washington, D.C. – 555 Eleventh Street NW, DC 20004 | +1 202‑637‑2200
History of Latham & Watkins LLP
Latham & Watkins was founded in 1934 by Dana Latham and Paul Watkins in Los Angeles. Initially, the firm concentrated on corporate and transactional law, serving businesses in the rapidly growing Southern California market. As the region’s economy expanded in the 20th century, so did Latham’s client base, and the firm quickly became a fixture in the legal landscape of the United States.
In the 1970s, Latham expanded its practice to include litigation and real estate law. This move allowed the firm to represent clients in a more comprehensive manner, providing services that covered the full spectrum of legal needs. By the 1980s, Latham had expanded beyond California, opening offices in major cities across the United States and abroad. Today, Latham & Watkins operates over 14 countries and boasts offices in key legal markets around the world.
Throughout its history, Latham has maintained a strong commitment to its clients and has consistently been recognized as one of the top law firms globally. The firm’s growth has been marked by strategic mergers, investments in diverse legal talent, and the expansion of its services into emerging areas such as environmental law, technology law, and global arbitration.
Practice Areas at Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins provides a wide array of legal services across numerous industries and sectors. Here is an overview of the firm’s key practice areas:
1. Corporate Law and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Latham & Watkins is renowned for its corporate law practice, particularly in the areas of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The firm has represented some of the world’s largest corporations in high-profile transactions, including cross-border mergers, strategic acquisitions, and complex restructurings. Latham’s M&A attorneys work closely with clients to navigate the legal complexities of corporate transactions, providing strategic counsel on deal structuring, negotiations, and regulatory matters.
Latham’s M&A practice covers a broad range of industries, from technology and pharmaceuticals to energy and real estate. The firm’s deep understanding of industry-specific legal challenges allows it to provide highly customized solutions that meet its clients’ business needs.
2. Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Latham’s litigation practice is among the best in the world, handling cases in a wide variety of areas, including securities, antitrust, intellectual property, and class actions. The firm’s litigation team represents both plaintiffs and defendants in complex commercial disputes, regulatory investigations, and criminal defense matters.
Latham’s litigation lawyers are known for their aggressive and results-driven approach to dispute resolution. They regularly appear in state and federal courts across the United States, as well as international arbitration forums, delivering favorable outcomes for clients in high-stakes cases.
3. Intellectual Property (IP) Law
Latham & Watkins is a leader in intellectual property law, offering comprehensive services in patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret matters. The firm’s IP attorneys help clients protect and monetize their intellectual property assets, including through licensing agreements, litigation, and patent portfolio management.
In addition to traditional intellectual property services, Latham is also recognized for its expertise in emerging technologies, including blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and data privacy. The firm’s IP practice supports clients in a variety of industries, including technology, entertainment, healthcare, and biotechnology.
4. Environmental and Energy Law
Latham & Watkins has a prominent environmental law practice, advising clients on regulatory compliance, environmental litigation, and sustainable business practices. The firm works with clients in industries ranging from energy and manufacturing to real estate and transportation, helping them navigate the complex regulatory landscape surrounding environmental protection.
Latham’s energy law team has extensive experience in advising on matters related to oil, gas, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects. The firm’s attorneys regularly represent clients in the development, financing, and regulatory approval of energy projects, including those focused on renewable resources such as solar and wind energy.
5. Finance and Banking Law
The finance and banking practice at Latham & Watkins is one of the largest and most respected in the industry. The firm’s attorneys advise on a wide range of financial matters, including capital markets, structured finance, project finance, and banking regulations. Latham’s finance practice is particularly strong in leveraged finance and private equity transactions, often advising on complex financing arrangements and large-scale acquisitions.
The firm represents leading financial institutions, investment funds, and corporations, providing strategic counsel on financing strategies, debt structuring, and regulatory compliance.
6. Real Estate and Land Use
Latham’s real estate and land use practice is renowned for its work in real estate development, commercial leasing, and real estate transactions. The firm represents clients in the construction of major residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties, as well as in navigating zoning, environmental, and regulatory issues.
Latham’s attorneys are also experienced in advising clients on land use issues, including public-private partnerships, real estate finance, and affordable housing projects. They assist clients in securing approvals and permits from local, state, and federal authorities.
7. Tax Law
The tax law team at Latham & Watkins provides expert counsel on both domestic and international tax matters. The firm’s attorneys handle a range of tax issues, including corporate taxation, cross-border transactions, tax planning, and controversies with tax authorities.
Latham is particularly well-regarded for its expertise in international tax law, helping clients navigate the complexities of tax treaties, transfer pricing, and indirect taxes across multiple jurisdictions.
8. Regulatory and Government Affairs
Latham’s regulatory and government affairs team advises clients on compliance with federal, state, and international regulations across a range of sectors. The firm’s attorneys regularly represent clients in regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, and policy matters, ensuring that clients meet all relevant legal standards.
Latham’s government affairs practice spans a wide range of industries, including healthcare, technology, financial services, and energy. The firm’s extensive experience in lobbying, policy advocacy, and regulatory strategy allows it to effectively manage the challenges posed by regulatory and legislative frameworks.
Latham & Watkins’ Global Reach
Latham & Watkins has a truly global presence, with offices in more than 14 countries, including key legal markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, and the United Arab Emirates. This global reach allows Latham to provide seamless legal services to multinational corporations, global financial institutions, and governments worldwide.
The firm’s international teams work together to handle cross-border transactions, international arbitration, and global regulatory matters, ensuring that clients receive coordinated legal counsel no matter where their business operates.
Awards and Recognition
Latham & Watkins has consistently been recognized as one of the top law firms in the world. It has received numerous awards and accolades for its work across various practice areas, including:
- M&A Law Firm of the Year
- Best Corporate Law Firm
- Top Law Firm for Litigation
- Top Firm for Diversity and Inclusion
Latham has also been recognized for its work in promoting pro bono initiatives, supporting access to justice, and contributing to charitable causes.
Latham & Watkins’ Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Latham & Watkins is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. The firm has a long-standing dedication to promoting diversity in its hiring practices, leadership positions, and work environment. Latham has implemented a range of programs aimed at supporting underrepresented groups in the legal profession and providing equal opportunities for all employees.
The firm also encourages its attorneys to engage in pro bono work, advocating for causes that promote diversity, equality, and justice in society.
Conclusion
Latham & Watkins LLP stands as one of the premier law firms in the world, offering clients top-tier legal services across a wide range of practice areas. With its history of excellence, global reach, and commitment to innovation, Latham continues to be a trusted advisor to some of the world’s most influential companies and individuals.
Whether you are looking for corporate counsel, litigation support, or regulatory advice, Latham & Watkins has the expertise and resources to help you navigate today’s complex legal landscape.
FAQ: Latham & Watkins LLP – Best Law Firm
1. What makes Latham & Watkins LLP one of the best law firms?
Latham & Watkins is considered one of the best law firms due to its exceptional legal expertise, extensive global presence, and track record of success in a variety of legal fields. The firm offers a wide range of services, including corporate law, litigation, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), intellectual property, and environmental law. Latham is also known for its commitment to client service, innovation, and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.
2. Where is Latham & Watkins headquartered?
Latham & Watkins is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The firm has a global presence with offices in major cities around the world, including New York, London, Hong Kong, and Dubai, allowing it to offer international legal services to clients in multiple jurisdictions.
3. What practice areas does Latham & Watkins specialize in?
Latham & Watkins specializes in numerous practice areas, including:
- Corporate Law (Mergers & Acquisitions, Capital Markets, Private Equity)
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution (Class Action, Antitrust, Securities Litigation)
- Intellectual Property (Patents, Trademarks, Trade Secrets)
- Environmental and Energy Law (Regulatory Compliance, Renewable Energy, Infrastructure)
- Real Estate and Land Use
- Finance and Banking (Capital Markets, Project Finance)
- Regulatory and Government Affairs The firm’s comprehensive expertise allows it to serve clients across a wide range of industries.
4. How long has Latham & Watkins been in operation?
Latham & Watkins was founded in 1934 in Los Angeles by Dana Latham and Paul Watkins. The firm has grown from a small regional practice to one of the largest and most respected law firms in the world, with offices in over 14 countries.
5. What are some notable clients of Latham & Watkins?
Latham & Watkins represents a diverse range of clients, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, and high-net-worth individuals. The firm has worked with some of the biggest names in technology, entertainment, healthcare, and finance.
6. Does Latham & Watkins offer pro bono services?
Yes, Latham & Watkins is committed to providing pro bono legal services. The firm encourages its attorneys to take on pro bono matters, and its pro bono efforts focus on areas such as civil rights, access to justice, and helping underserved communities.
7. What is the global reach of Latham & Watkins?
Latham & Watkins operates in over 14 countries and has offices in major cities around the world, including New York, London, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Tokyo. This extensive global presence allows the firm to handle complex, cross-border transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters for clients operating on a global scale.
8. How does Latham & Watkins maintain a competitive edge?
Latham & Watkins maintains its competitive edge through several strategies:
- Industry expertise: The firm has specialized knowledge in key sectors like technology, healthcare, and energy.
- Innovation: Latham embraces technology to streamline legal processes and enhance service delivery.
- Diversity and inclusion: The firm fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment, which enhances its ability to attract top talent.
- Global network: With a strong presence in major legal markets, Latham can provide comprehensive services to multinational clients.
9. How does Latham & Watkins support diversity and inclusion?
Latham & Watkins is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. The firm actively recruits from diverse talent pools and offers programs and initiatives to support the advancement of underrepresented groups in the legal profession. Latham has been recognized for its efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal community.
10. What are Latham & Watkins’ future plans and growth strategy?
Latham & Watkins continues to focus on expanding its global reach and deepening its expertise in emerging areas of law, such as technology, blockchain, and environmental sustainability. The firm’s strategy includes investing in innovation, fostering talent from diverse backgrounds, and maintaining its position as a leader in high-profile corporate and litigation matters.