Referendar - Antitrust & Competition in Frankfurt am Main

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.

Latham’s globally top-ranked Antitrust & Competition Practice helps clients navigate the world’s antitrust regimes, secure merger approvals, and avoid, resolve, or defeat challenges from litigants and enforcement bodies.We solve the most vexing antitrust and competition challenges companies face. Our integrated team brings deep experience across every aspect of antitrust and competition law, everywhere in the world. We address all dimensions of risk locally and across borders. Our team includes practitioners and enforcers with experience shaping and enforcing antitrust laws in the major global jurisdictions, helping clients clear make-or-break mergers and defend against high-stakes enforcement and litigation actions.Our deep bench of first-chair antitrust litigators and trial lawyers regularly defeat or resolve competition and trade-related litigation brought against corporations and governments in venues throughout the world. We defend clients facing the full spectrum of charges in private and public damages litigation, competitor actions, class actions, and administrative actions. Our team represents some of the world’s leading multinational companies, which informs our practical and commercial approach.As one of the most experienced merger clearance practices in the world, we operate at the center of global merger and buyout activity, representing some of the largest and most active dealmakers. We secure hundreds of merger clearances every year and regularly handle Second Requests in the US and Phase II proceedings before the European Commission and EU Member State authorities. Our fearsome courtroom reputation serves as a powerful incentive for agencies and opponents to work constructively with our clients.We regularly defend clients facing government investigations and enforcement actions, including cartel, price-fixing, abuse of dominance, and unfair competition charges. We have defeated cases brought by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the European Commission (EC) in court. Our expert rapid response to surprise “dawn raids” by antitrust authorities helps clients avoid critical pitfalls and mount an effective defense within the critical first hours and days of such actions. Whatever the jurisdiction, accusation, or government agencies involved, we bring vast local and global experience, trial know-how, and a track record of winning similar cases on behalf of our clients.

The increasing complexity and internationalization of antitrust law require a high level of comprehensive yet practical advice—typically across national borders. Our German antitrust team advises clients on all matters related to antitrust law (antitrust proceedings, merger control proceedings, proceedings regarding the abuse of market power, damages lawsuits, compliance programs, etc.) and foreign investment control law (advice on foreign investment control approval requirements worldwide and the development of solutions for the successful execution of transactions). Have these topics piqued your interest? Then you've come to the right place!

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

Seyda AtliRecruiting CoordinatorDirect Dial: +49.211.8828.4674Email: seyda.atli@lw.com

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.