About the Practice Group
Latham & Watkins is expanding its market-leading Emerging Companies, Growth Equity & Private Capital practice in the Bay Area and is seeking outstanding mid-level and senior associates to join our Innovation Economy team.
Our practice sits at the center of the Innovation Economy. We represent founders, emerging growth companies, unicorns, venture capital funds, growth equity investors, private equity sponsors, sovereign wealth funds, strategic investors, and other institutional investors on many of the market's most sophisticated private capital transactions.
Associates work with clients throughout every stage of the corporate lifecycle-from company formation and seed financings through late-stage growth investments, strategic transactions, IPOs, and exits. Our lawyers regularly advise on transactions involving some of the world's leading technology, AI, life sciences, fintech, enterprise software, digital infrastructure, and consumer companies.
Associates can expect to work on a broad range of transactions, including:
• Venture capital and growth equity financings representing both companies and investors
• Primary and secondary equity investments
• Preferred equity financings across all stages of company growth
• Strategic and crossover investments
• Structured liquidity transactions
• Corporate governance and day-to-day counseling for venture-backed and growth-stage companies
• M&A transactions involving private and venture-backed companies
• Pre-IPO counseling and capital markets readiness
• Complex cross-border private capital transactions
Unlike practices focused solely on venture financings or private equity, our platform allows associates to develop broad private capital experience while working seamlessly with leading lawyers across our M&A, private equity, capital markets, finance, tax, executive compensation, employee benefits, intellectual property, antitrust, and regulatory practices. The result is a uniquely sophisticated practice that combines premier emerging companies work with the resources and global reach of one of the world's leading corporate law firms.
About the Role
Latham & Watkins is expanding its market-leading Emerging Companies, Growth Equity & Private Capital practice in the Bay Area and is seeking outstanding mid-level and senior associates (min. 3 years of experience) to join our Innovation Economy team.
Latham offers something few firms can match: the opportunity to build a practice that spans the entire private capital ecosystem and innovation economy. Our lawyers advise clients from formation through every stage of growth, liquidity, and strategic expansion while collaborating with one of the world's premier private equity, M&A, finance, restructuring, investment funds, and capital markets platforms. Associates have the opportunity to work on sophisticated, high-profile transactions, develop direct client relationships early in their careers, and build practices that are both entrepreneurial and truly global.
We are seeking candidates with:
• Approximately 3-7 years of experience at a leading law firm
• Significant experience with venture capital, growth equity, private company financings, emerging companies, private equity, or related corporate transactions
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and project management skills
• Strong academic credentials and outstanding written and oral communication abilities
• Strong entrepreneurial spirit and desire to make meaningful contributions to the growth of a practice
• California bar admission (or eligibility for admission)
We believe associates develop most quickly when they are trusted with significant responsibility while working alongside experienced partners on cutting-edge transactions. From the outset, associates are expected to:
• Lead transaction execution and manage deal processes
• Draft and negotiate principal transaction documents
• Serve as day-to-day contacts for founders, executives, boards, and investment professionals
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across practices and offices
• Mentor junior associates and help build the next generation of the practice
• Participate directly in business development and long-term client relationships
Candidates whose experience has focused on venture financings, private equity, M&A, or capital markets-and who are interested in building a market-leading growth equity and private capital practice within the Innovation Economy-are highly encouraged to apply.
Main Contact Details
Katie.Wildes@lw.com
Jordan.Wampler@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.
Pay Range
Associate Base Salary
Discretionary bonuses may be available depending on application circumstances and position.
Class ofUS Payroll2026$225,0002025$225,0002024$235,0002023$260,0002022$310,0002021$365,0002020$390,0002019
$420,000
2018$435,000
