Latham & Watkins sets 18 Oct deadline for US staff to get fully vaccinated

Latham & Watkins sets 18 Oct deadline for US staff to get fully vaccinated

The legal giant joins other leading firms mandating Covid-19 vaccines for its US workforce

Legal giant Latham & Watkins has issued instructions for all its US staff to get fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by 18 October. By mandating compulsory vaccination, it has joined some other US law firms who have already made a move in this regard.

However, the mandate excludes those advised against vaccination on medical or religious grounds.

Communication to staff in this regard was circulated through a memo issued on 1 September.

"In light of the extensive data regarding vaccine efficacy and the FDA's recent full approval of the Pfizer vaccine, we are requiring all US personnel to verify to the firm they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or seek approval for a medical or religious exemption," the memo has stated.

The firm has clarified that the mandate for vaccination is not related to its earlier decision to reopening of its offices by mid-September.

Latham & Watkins has claimed that some 95 per cent of its staff, including 100 per cent partners, have already verified that they are fully vaccinated.

Under the 1 September mandate, those opting for the single jab must get it by 13 September while those requiring two shots of the vaccine must have the second jab at least two weeks before the 18 October deadline.

According to reports, about two-thirds of large US law firms have already mandated compulsory vaccines for attorneys returning to their offices. Those who have yet to mandate compulsory vaccination include firms like Baker McKenzie, Jones Day and White & Case.