2009 Annual Review - Latham & Watkins

DiversityLatham & Watkins continues to be aleader in conceiving, promoting andimplementing methods that ensurelawyers are hired, trained and promotedfairly and with attention to the goals ofequal opportunity and diversity in thepractice of law. Latham’s commitmentto these goals is reflected both inour attorney population and in ourmanagement. Lawyers of diversebackgrounds have a history of servingon firm committees — responsible forpromotions to partnership, recruitingand training, and other aspects offirm management.In 2009, Latham & Watkins’ commitmentto diversity was recognized by clientNavistar International Corporation, withits “Large Firm Minority Diversity” Award.By doubling the presence and participationof minority attorneys on Navistar matters,the firm exceeded Navistar’s voluntarydiversity goals.For the seventh consecutive year, Latham& Watkins was included in The AmericanLawyer’s “A-List,” a component ofwhich includes workplace diversity. Forthe second consecutive year, Latham& Watkins earneda perfect score inthe Human RightsCampaign Foundation’s2009 Corporate EqualityIndex, an annualsurvey that examinesworkplace policiesrelating to sexualorientation. Latham & Watkins alsoreceived high marks in twoassessments of law firm diversitypublished by MultiCulturalLaw magazine.All of these accolades and recognitionwould not be possible without aconcerted effort throughout the firmto promote the spirit of inclusion.Latham & Watkins encourages fullparticipation in diversity-relatedprogramming throughout all firminitiatives, from programs focusing onbusiness development, training andcareer enhancement to the LathamMentoring Program, which is designedto facilitate the integration of lawyersof all backgrounds.In addition to focusing on membersof the firm, Latham & Watkins has acommitment to recruiting lawyers andothers of diverse backgrounds. As anintegral part of our Global RecruitingCommittee, the firm maintainsan active Diversity Hiring Sub-Committee consisting of lawyers andprofessional staff devoted to diversityoutreach efforts. Latham & Watkinsalso continued its Diversity ScholarsProgram in 2009, awarding four$10,000 scholarships to second-yearlaw students in the United States. •59 Latham & Watkins • 2009 Annual Review