Cooley

Our Survey Says

 VAULT'S 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 interactions with clients early in their careers. Assignment coordinators aid in distributing projects, though some partners prefer working with certain associates and want to establish team continuity with certain clients. Cooley sets the billable hours bar at a reasonable 1,950 hours, with natural spikes in hours during busy times. Compensation matches the market and even includes opportunities for above-market bonuses based on hours and/or performance. Technology use and implementation are cutting-edge and supported by an attentive IT staff. Wellness offerings run the gamut from counseling and therapy to reimbursement for fitness and nutrition programs. Pro bono efforts receive high marks because of unlimited creditable hours and partner support. The firm fosters an inclusive environment through affinity groups, billable credit for DEI-related work, and promotion of women partners—with a woman CEO. Although a difficult and long-term endeavor, making partner is feasible. Internal counsel roles and external moves in-house are respectable options.