Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Diversity is embedded in Cooley’s culture. We are dedicated to maintaining a truly diverse workplace that values and celebrates differences.
Our commitment includes active and creative partnerships with clients and in local and national minority law organizations, diversity pipeline projects, law school diversity programs and community outreach.
True workplace diversity means offering all employees the tools, training and mentoring they need to succeed. It means embracing the importance of diversity on our client teams. It looks beyond our four walls, fostering community involvement and participation in local and national diversity initiatives. It means leading by example in our profession.
Our Fight for Racial and Social Justice
We recognize that we all share a responsibility to effect change in our fight for racial and social justice. We commit to publicly sharing and maintaining accountability for Cooley’s progress and to work toward systemic change within the firm, the broader industry and our communities.
Diversity Fellowships
As part of our dedication to maintaining a truly diverse workplace that values and celebrates differences, we offer diversity fellowships to outstanding law students.
2L Diversity Fellowship – Award recipients will receive a paid 2L summer associate position and an award of up to $40,000 to assist with law school tuition. Learn more
1L Diversity Fellowship – Award recipients will receive a paid 1L summer associate position and an award of up to $50,000 to assist with law school tuition. Learn more
UK Diversity Fellowship – Award recipients will receive a paid summer programme position and a bursary award of up to £12,000 to assist with law school tuition. Learn more
Diversity and inclusion are at the core of Cooley and all we do – they’re our fuel for innovation. We’re passionate about building a culture that respects, values and celebrates differences, and we’re relentless to drive real change.
Rama Padmanahan
Affinity Groups
Cooley's affinity groups are open and inclusive communities. The groups were formed to serve as a forum and resource for support and awareness within the firm as we aim to create an environment that reflects a wide range of perspectives and experiences. We encourage allies to join and provide support, which is vital in promoting the affinity groups’ missions and fostering a culture of inclusion and understanding. Individuals who can benefit from the objectives of our affinity groups – whether through networking, professional growth or personal development – also are welcome. These groups work to enhance recruiting, retention, training and promotion initiatives; sponsor professional and business development programs; and identify client and community partnering opportunities. Cooley’s affinity groups include:
- Alternative Work Schedule Attorney Affinity Group
- Asian Pacific Islander Affinity Group
- Black Attorney Affinity Group
- Black Business Professionals Affinity Group
- Caregivers Attorney Affinity Group
- Cooley Inclusion Alliance
- Jewish Cultural Affinity Group
- Latinx Affinity Group
- LGBTQ+ Affinity Group
- MENA Affinity Group
- Veterans at Cooley Affinity Group
- Women’s Initiative
Our culture at Cooley is rooted in excellence, entrepreneurship, collaboration and creativity, and has been a driving force behind our success. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment strengthens this culture and fuels our ability to innovate and thrive in our ever-evolving industries.
Rachel Proffitt, CEO
When we embrace individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we create a rich tapestry of ideas, experiences, and talents. This diversity sparks innovation, challenges the status quo, and propels us forward.
It is imperative that we create safe spaces for our people to bring their diverse backgrounds to work every day. We strive to ensure that everyone feels included, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives without fear of judgment or bias. In doing so, we cultivate an environment for both individual and collective success.
Bringing leaders together
Cooley’s Black Executive Network and Elevar Network create communities of forward-thinking executive leaders, investors, innovators and prominent influencers across a wide range of industries, companies and government agencies. They are designed to build a sense of community and harness the power of diversity to yield high-impact relationships, collaboration and knowledge-sharing. We’re proud to work alongside and represent these outstanding leaders, and we’re actively seeking to expand opportunities with other underrepresented groups as part of our effort to build a more diverse and inclusive ecosystem.
