Two Creative Firm Initiatives Gain ‘Leaders in Tech Law’ Recognitions

Two Latham technology-based initiatives have been recognized in American Lawyer Media’s inaugural Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law awards for delivering valuable attorney development experiences during the past year.

In a program named a finalist in the Innovations in Diversity & Inclusion category, Latham partnered with Forage to offer potential recruits several free Virtual Experience Programs (VEPs) in practice areas including M&A, White Collar, Banking, Emerging Companies, Antitrust, and Capital Markets. These programs demystify the world of Big Law by allowing participants to immerse themselves in hypothetical legal transactions.

The firm was also named a finalist in the Tech-Enabled Litigation Department of the Year category for developing a platform to provide Latham associates a curated roster of hearings, trials, and other proceedings involving Latham colleagues to view online as they occur. The platform, Observation Deck, was developed last year as courts across the United States transitioned to virtual proceedings, potentially depriving young lawyers of valuable exposure to in-court hearings and trials. It has proven to be an unprecedented opportunity for the firm’s associates to virtually observe seasoned litigators in action, and later ask questions to learn directly from the lawyers involved. As a result, the associates have been able to attend more hearings than ever before.