For several years, Latham & Watkins has been on an aggressive hiring spree in London, targeting so-called elite firms in the city. The recent recruitment of a capital markets lawyer from Freshfields demonstrates their continued ascendance within the competitive legal market. According to the Financial Times, Latham has added at least 15 partners from its rivals in the last three years, which comprises over 10 percent of its total partnership in London. This hiring spree makes Latham the largest U.S. heritage firm in the U.K. by headcount.
Not limited to London, Latham has also been active in other significant legal markets. Recently, Isaac Maron rejoined Mayer Brown’s tax practice from Latham & Watkins, showcasing Latham’s influential position and its ability to both recruit and retain top talent globally.
These moves are part of a larger trend within major law firms globally as they strive to fortify their positions through strategic lateral hires. As previously noted in Bloomberg Law, these trends are pivotal for understanding the current dynamics within the legal market, providing insights for both in-house counsel and law firms about the shifting landscapes of legal talent and expertise.