Overview
Introduction
The go-to firm for startups and early-stage companies, Cooley is ideal for those seeking cutting-edge work with innovative clients. The firm is also known for its work with life science and technology companies. Cooley has a highly social culture in 19 worldwide offices that will no doubt appeal to affable personalities, and boasts a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2024)
No. of Partners Named (2023)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2023)
No. of Summer Associates (2024)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
Phenomenal summer experiences are merely a few of the benefits of working at Cooley, as top-notch compensation, a welcoming firm culture, and many pro bono opportunities await associates when they begin work full time. Candidates come from top schools or highly ranked regional schools, and they must have top grades and journal/work experience. Work settings are laid-back, pleasant, and supportive, and coworkers really like each other. Partners are accessible, value associates, and care about their development and retention. Associates benefit from hands-on training and feedback from partners, as well as from Cooley College and other regimented training programs. Lateral hires are welcomed and integrated effectively. Associates are pushed with challenging, interesting work and have...
About the Firm
With more than 1,300 lawyers practicing across the United States, Europe, and Asia, Cooley is synonymous with tech and venture capital work. The firm is also highly regarded for its clean tech, cyber/data security, privacy, intellectual property, M&A, private equity, and securities practices.
Tech Roots
Cooley was founded by Arthur Cooley and Louis Crowley in 1920 in San Francisco. Six decades later, the firm opened an office in Palo Alto, the epicenter of American technology. The rest is history. The firm began working with venture capitalists, life sciences companies, and emerging technology startups, representing the likes of Adobe Systems and Gilead Sciences. It also took Genentech and Amgen public in 1980 and 1983, respectively. The firm advised on the formation of Draper,...
Associate Reviews
- “Cooley's social atmosphere is genuinely warm; the firm sponsors a lot of events, but many interactions are organic as well. Everyone seems to genuinely like each other—and since everyone I met has been lovely, it is easy to see why. All of the lawyers treat staff with the utmost respect and gratitude, and I believe that if someone were to show anything less, they would not be long for this firm.”
- “Dress code and decorum are laid-back. Everyone is welcome to come as they are, but clearly an enthusiasm/passion that you are playing in the big leagues/amongst the best of the best.”
- “The firm has a collegial culture. People are kind and respectful and, generally, understand that people have lives outside of work. My office has regular happy hours and other social events. People seem to be in the office more this year, which has increased the social atmosphere in the office.”
- “People are generally pleasant and often quite funny. I enjoy the culture much more than what I hear about at other firms. We don't socialize outside of work all that often since we're still coming in only three times a week, but people will grab drinks or lunch, etc., every once in a while.”
Diversity at Cooley
Getting Hired Here
- “Like with other top firms, great grades in law school and relevant journal/work experiences will get you in the door for an interview, but they're the floor, not the ceiling. The firm engages in multistep interviews, which begin with a screener interview. If advanced, prospects then interview with several members of the firm, including associates and partners.”
- “OCI candidates I've interviewed have had top grades from top schools mostly in the T14 and highly ranked regional schools like WashU in St. Louis, Notre Dame, etc.”
- “The firm primarily hires from elite law schools. OCI seems focused on the top law schools with very little diversity in schools.”
- “The firm does emphasize a certain kind of candidate—ideally kind, social, and willing to actively foster a culture of ‘niceness.’ The firm has placed an emphasis on recruiting from top schools with targeted recruiting and sponsorship programs at those schools.”
Perks & Benefits