Business Services Trainee

About Latham & Watkins

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.  

About the Role

The Business Services Trainee is an integral part of Latham’s Office Administration team. This role will be responsible for providing support to the firm’s administrative departments while participating in a rotational Business Services Training Program, during which the Trainee will spend short-term periods in business services departments, while learning about the departments and performing a variety of tasks as assigned by managers, supervisors, and team members. This role will be located in our Chicago office. Please note that this role may be eligible for a flexible working schedule that allows for a hybrid and in-office presence.

The start date for the BST program will be in summer 2026. Trainees must have completed a bachelor's degree by the start date of the program. Please note that this is an on-site position in our Chicago office, with potential for hybrid flexibility depending on rotation assignment. The salary for this position is $60,000/year. Note that due to the investment the firm makes in the training, integration, and development of Trainees, we ask that Trainees make a two-year minimum commitment to the firm.

Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Other key responsibilities include:

• Providing support to business services departments, which may include Global Finance, Associate Recruiting, Attorney Development, Business Development, Attorney Support, Workplace Experience, Human Capital & Talent, Office of the General Counsel, and Technology & Information Services during a rotation schedule
• Participating in general business skills training and department-specific trainings led by managers, supervisors, or team members
• Shadowing members of the department to gain exposure and insight into day-to-day tasks and responsibilities within the respective department
• Providing support relevant to the department; assisting with tasks supporting the staff in the assigned department
• Completing projects as assigned in order to develop relevant skills
• Providing a high level of customer service to internal and external clients
• Utilizing programs such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and/or Access to file and track department records and create materials
• Collaborating globally with other Business Services Trainees on assigned projects
• Promoting effective work practices, working as a team member, and showing respect for co-workers
• Protecting and maintaining any highly sensitive, confidential, privileged, financial, and/or proprietary information that Latham & Watkins retains 

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Possess well-developed and professional interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to interact effectively with people at all organizational levels of the firm
• Demonstrate the ability to take initiative and work both independently and in a team environment with a customer-service focus
• Display strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to convey department procedures and objectives in a professional and tactful manner

And have:

• A high school diploma or an equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent
• Prior work or internship experience, preferably
• Administrative experience and familiarity with professional services organizations, preferably

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:

• Healthcare, life and disability insurance
• A generous 401k plan
• At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of employment and grows with tenure
• Well-being programs (e.g. mental health services, mindfulness and resiliency, medical resources, well-being events, and more)
• Professional development programs
• Employee discounts
• Affinity groups, networks, and coalitions for lawyers and staff

Latham & Watkins is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status (including veterans of the Vietnam era), gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable statute.

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Pay Range