Latham's practice focused on state and federal tax law, and he eventually served as Commissioner of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under President Dwight Eisenhower.

[18] In August 2023, Latham announced the decision to close its Shanghai office amid consolidation of its operations in China.

[19][20] After the wave of global protests against Israel's response in Gaza to the October 7th attacks, in November 2023 Latham & Watkins was among a group of major law firms who sent a letter to top law school deans warning them that any incidents targeting Jewish students would have corporate hiring consequences.

The letter said "We look to you to ensure your students who hope to join our firms after graduation are prepared to be an active part of workplace communities that have zero tolerance policies for any form of discrimination or harassment, much less the kind that has been taking place on some law school campuses.

"[21] The letter was denounced by a coalition of Muslim bar associations as contributing to Islamophobia and a climate of fear in the legal community.

[22] In February 2024, Latham cut off its Hong Kong–based lawyers' access to content in its U.S., Europe, Middle East, and Asia databases.