Overview
Introduction
Cornerstone Research occupies a specialized niche in the consulting world: a firm that provides economic and financial analysis specifically for law firm clients and government agencies. As a Cornerstone Research consultant, you support expert testimony in commercial litigation and regulatory proceedings. The broad range of these matters allows consultants to work closely with academic and industry experts in diverse fields. While much of the financial analysis is similar to what you’d find at traditional financial consultancies, worki...
Company Stats
Employer Type
Size
Featured Rankings
Major Departments/Practice Areas
Major Office Locations
Employment Contact
Vault Verdict
At Cornerstone Research, insiders face—and profess to love—intellectually demanding tasks that foster rapid professional growth; these challenges can be particularly appealing to those with strong academic backgrounds in economics, finance, or accounting. Unsurprisingly, the firm’s culture is driven by a commitment to delivering high-quality analyses. Great learning opportunities are abundant, though long and sometimes variable hours can challenge work-life balance.
However, insiders note that, even in the high-pressure context of economic consulting, the firm is committed to protecting employees’ well-being wherever possible, balancing intense work periods with time for rest and personal life. This approach reflects a broader culture that values satisfaction, su...
About the Company
In the increasingly high-stakes world of commercial litigation, attorneys often need help sifting through complex economic or financial issues. Cornerstone Research is the place they turn to for help. Top-tier law firms have retained Cornerstone Research throughout its more than thirty years in business. The firm consults to attorneys across all phases of the litigation process and works with a broad network of expert witnesses recognized for their depth of knowledge, accomplishments, and research. The matters on which the firm provides support span numerous industries, including automotive and related industries; consumer finance; energy and commodities; financial institutions; fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency; healthcare; hospitality travel and tourism; insurance and pension plans; life sciences; manufacturing; private equity and ventu...
Employee Reviews
“Challenging job with amazing firm culture and competitive compensation.”
“Focus on quality and complexity of analyses. Work is very different from most consulting firms for the makeup of the workforce, many of whom are PhDs or Masters who specialize in economics, finance, or accounting topics. As a result, the analyses we do are often complex and interesting.”
“I’ve worked for Cornerstone for more than 20 years and have heard consistently that analysts felt so lucky to have launched their professional lives here. Even if you don’t plan to stay in the long term, our former employees go on to be very successful and we are very proud of them.”
“The firm values and rewards good work, but it is a high-pressure job in general with high working hour requirements.”
“You’ll find that econ consulting firms are to some extent very similar: we do similar work since we’re competing for the same pitches, we hire from the same pools, we compete for some of the same expert witnesses, etc. But on the margin, I think Cornerstone is a little better compensated, has a little better of a firm culture, and has a more interesting roster of experts to work with. I think it’s really the best place to be starting a career in the field.”
Why Work Here
At Cornerstone Research, we strive to create a culture where all employees are valued. We have a long tradition of being an inclusive work environment and supporting a multigenerational and diverse team of professionals. Within our communities, our firmwide goal is to encourage and inspire a diverse future workforce by increasing financial literacy and technology skills among thousands of students, especially those in disadvantaged and under-supported communities. For those who share our vision and values of high-quality work, commitment to our clients and experts, and support for one another and our communities, we offer an exciting, rewarding environment.
Getting Hired Here
“A couple of initial screens and then a full day of in-person interviews with multiple consultants. Seeking extremely qualified candidates with a demonstrated track record of academic success in fields related to our economic consulting work.”
“First round: 2 case interviews, 30 minutes each
Second round: 3 case interviews, one qualitative interview.
Heard back after first round in a week and heard back again four days after the superday.”
“Keen interest in problem-solving and specifics of our company noted in a cover letter - many applicants seem to think we are management consulting and not economic consultants mainly working on cases for litigation.”
“The interview process was intense, but fair. I believe the firm is seeking motivated candidates, with solid analytical backgrounds.”
“We try to be very responsive to candidates and make decisions quickly.”
Perks & Benefits