Referendar - Litigation & Trial

Job Locations | DE-Frankfurt | DE-Hamburg | DE-Munich
Department
Litigation & Trial

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 globally and offer unmatched expertise and resources to help you grow from an intellectually curious self-starter into an exceptional lawyer. If you aspire to be the best, this is where you belong.

About the Practice Group

We represent companies, financial institutions, private equity firms, and individuals in their most significant and high-stakes disputes. We tailor our litigation teams to the specific characteristics of each matter, drawing on a global team of seasoned litigators and trial lawyers to match the industry, claims, subject matter, client goals, and venue at play. Regardless of the nature of the dispute, we adopt a trial-ready strategy from the outset to achieve the best result for the client, in whatever form success takes.

Our deep bench of experienced trial lawyers, including dozens of former US federal prosecutors, have successfully tried or arbitrated hundreds of cases to verdict in the last decade. Opposing counsel know our track record of taking the toughest cases to trial and winning — a reputation that often influences settlement considerations when our name appears on the docket.

We pair our experience with a fluency in the market dynamics that are influencing industries — from financial services to technology and energy to life sciences — across the world. We routinely litigate business torts, contract and joint venture disputes, fraud and unfair competition as well as consumer protection claims, insolvency and restructuring matters, insurance coverage, and trade secrets cases across a wide range of industries and venues. This diverse practice gives us insight into the litigation strategies that help our clients prevail.

Our clients’ business objectives guide our litigation planning. We take into account the size of the matter, the client’s exposure or up side, and the significance of the case to the client. Recognizing that litigation is just one part of a larger business strategy, we evaluate early exit options to minimize costs, including dispositive motions, alternative dispute resolution, and settlement, as well as third-party indemnification and insurance coverage.

About the Role

With approximately 600 litigation attorneys based in the world’s major business centers, Latham & Watkins has one of the largest global litigation and arbitration practices. Our clients can also rely on an efficient network of litigation-experienced attorneys at all of our German offices—attorneys who combine empathy with assertiveness and keep all relevant legal, technical, and economic aspects in mind.

We work across office locations and practice groups, leveraging legal tech to handle exciting cases in all areas of business law, and also advise on complex compliance and white-collar crime issues, for example. To achieve this, we rely on dynamic teams and creative solutions.

At present, our primary hiring needs are in Frankfurt, particularly for candidates seeking to join us from October 2027 onwards.

What We Offer


- Hands-on experience: Join a collaborative team where you'll receive comprehensive training while taking on meaningful responsibilities and working independently.

- Mentorship: Be supported by a dedicated mentor—an experienced attorney on your team—who will provide guidance throughout your time with us.

- Professional development: Our innovative #MyAdvancement – Young Talent program is designed to foster your professional and personal growth while helping you prepare for the Second State Examination.

- Career opportunities: As you progress with the firm, you may have the opportunity to complete a Wahlstation at one of our international offices or, following successful completion of your legal training, begin your career with us as an associate.

- A supportive workplace: Enjoy a collaborative environment with flat hierarchies, an inclusive and diverse culture, engaging internal events, and a competitive compensation package.

Your Profile

- You have passed at least one State Examination with a grade of "fully satisfactory" or above.

- You have a strong interest in business and commercial matters and an entrepreneurial mindset.

- You possess strong English language skills.

- You are a collaborative team player with a proactive, creative, and open-minded approach.

Main Contact Details

Lena Hiller
Recruiting Senior Coordinator
Direct Dial: +49.89.2080.3.8141
Mobile: +49.171.3506079
Email: lena.hiller@lw.com

Additional Information

Investing in the well-being of our lawyers and staff is among the firm’s highest priorities. Through our “LiveWell Latham” program, we offer best-in-class benefits and comprehensive resources designed to support you and your loved ones through all life’s moments — from building a family and taking care of loved ones, to managing your health and saving for the future.

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.

We periodically provide demographic data to legal publications, bar associations, civic and community organizations, and in some instances, to local, state, and federal government agencies as required by law or contract. So that the firm can provide this information accurately, we request that you consider self-identifying.

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