US 2L Diversity Fellowship

As part of Cooley’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), we are proud to offer diversity fellowships to outstanding second-year law school students. Award recipients will receive a paid 2L summer associate position and an award of up to $40,000 to assist with law school tuition.

 

The award will be paid in two installments:

  • A $20,000 payment if you spend at least eight weeks with the firm during the 2027 summer program and receive and accept an offer of full-time employment with Cooley.
  • A $20,000 final payment upon joining the firm as a full-time associate, to be included in your first paycheck.

Eligibility

We welcome applications from all law students who: 

  • Are enrolled full time in an American Bar Association-accredited law school with an anticipated graduation date of May/June 2028 (or December 2027) at the time of application.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within their local communities and/or more broadly.
  • Can participate in and complete Cooley’s 2027 summer program.
  • Are not the immediate family member of any partner or employee of Cooley LLP.

Selection criteria

We will select fellows based on consideration of:

  • Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion
  • Undergraduate and law school academic performance
  • Personal achievement
  • Demonstrated leadership ability
  • Community service

Application process

Applicants should submit one complete and accurate online application that includes:

  • A personal statement no more than one single-spaced page in length that demonstrates achievement of the above selection criteria
  • A cover letter stating your primary office location and practice area interest
  • A current résumé
  • An undergraduate transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
  • Graduate program transcripts (if applicable)
  • A law school transcript (after the receipt of first-term grades)

Apply now

Please note

  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If you are applying for our 2L Diversity Fellowship, there’s no need to submit a separate application for our early recruitment program (Cooley Direct). If you are not awarded one of our diversity fellowships, we will still review your application for our 2027 summer program.
  • Only one application may be submitted.
  • If you are interested in additional office locations or specific practice areas, please include that in your cover letter.
  • Please email your law school transcript to diversityfellowship@cooley.com once it becomes available. Applications must be received by February 16, 2026.

If you have any questions, please reach out to diversityfellowship@cooley.com.

Learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at Cooley ›