Latham & Watkins Launches New Virtual Experience Program Focused on Intellectual Property Litigation

Latham & Watkins LLP has announced the launch of its Intellectual Property Litigation Virtual Experience Program (VEP), the latest addition to the firm’s expanding series of virtual learning initiatives. This program is designed to give law students and aspiring legal professionals an immersive, interactive opportunity to explore the intricacies of patent litigation at a global law firm.

David Callahan, Global Chair of Latham’s Intellectual Property Litigation Practice, emphasized the program’s practical focus, stating, “Our IP litigation clients demand trial lawyers who can leverage deep technical knowledge, industry insight, and litigation experience across venues to protect their most important assets. We designed this program to provide the next generation of IP litigators real-world experience that they can expect to see in practice.”

The Intellectual Property Litigation VEP represents Latham’s seventh virtual experience offering on Forage, a widely used open-access platform that connects users with law firms and companies. This new program complements existing VEPs covering areas such as Mergers & Acquisitions, White Collar Defense & Investigations, Emerging Companies, Banking, Antitrust & Competition, and Restructuring & Special Situations. Each program immerses participants in the practical navigation of legal issues, whether transactional or litigation-related.

Abid R. Qureshi, Global Chair of Latham’s Recruiting Committee, highlighted the program’s role in broadening access to legal careers: “Our complimentary virtual learning programs allow us to level the playing field for legal field entrants, as well as attract and cultivate future generations of lawyers. Of our VEP participants to date, 35% identify as first-generation university students who may not have had any direct experience with professionals in the legal industry.”

Since its inception in October 2019, Latham’s VEP series has engaged more than 50,000 participants worldwide, many of whom might not otherwise have had exposure to the inner workings of the legal profession.

The Intellectual Property Litigation VEP specifically enables participants to advise a client involved in a patent litigation dispute. The program covers essential tasks such as identifying the anatomy of a patent, selecting appropriate jurisdictions for IP disputes, differentiating between patent prosecution and litigation, analyzing patent claims, conducting prior art searches, and outlining key events in patent litigation proceedings.

Latham’s Intellectual Property Litigation Practice is recognized globally for its leadership and success in high-profile cases. The practice comprises over 100 litigators with trial-tested expertise spanning pharmaceutical and technology patent disputes, as well as copyright, trademark, and trade secrets litigation that influence entire industries. The firm’s global platform allows it to assemble tailored teams that align with clients’ specific IP needs, including related antitrust, contract, and unfair business practices claims.

For those interested in pursuing a career with Latham, further information is available at LWcareers.com.

Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under Delaware law, with affiliated partnerships practicing in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Japan. The firm also maintains a Foreign Legal Consultant Office in South Korea and cooperates with the Law Firm of Salman M. Al-Sudairi in Saudi Arabia.

The firm underscores that it does not establish a lawyer-client relationship through inquiries and requests that confidential information not be transmitted unless a formal engagement is agreed upon.