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A Flexible Path to Partnership

Cooley’s partnership nominating process is designed to identify and assess candidates whose track record of personal productivity, practice development, substantive expertise, cultural assimilation and leadership are overwhelming indicative of near- and long-term success as a Cooley partner. 

While our partnership track is flexible, we find that it typically takes a minimum of nine years from law school graduation to demonstrate these qualities. Lawyers who join the firm laterally and have the requisite years in practice are typically not considered for admission to the partnership before practicing at Cooley for three years.

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Associates Committee

The associates committee provides a forum that allows associates and local and firmwide leadership to maintain an open and ongoing dialogue.

Local committee members work with the partner in charge of their respective offices on various associate-focused initiatives.

Professional Development

We are committed to providing our talented lawyers world-class learning and coaching so that all team members may reach their highest potential as part of the collaborative Cooley culture.

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I originally chose to practice at Cooley for the same reason many of us did: the culture. And the culture is why I've never once regretted my decision. From partners to associates to staff, everyone is eager to lend a hand. Doors are always open and there's an incredible amount of mutual respect.

– Sean Clayton, Stanford Law alum and partner

Women's Initiative

Cooley's Women's Initiative was created as part of the firm's core diversity principles to attract, retain and mentor a strong network of women lawyers.

Over the course of the year, the women's initiative hosts professional development and networking events produced uniquely for and, in some cases by, the women lawyers of the firm. Often times, the topics suggested may be relevant to male associates as well, so these events are often open to all firm associates.

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Affinity Groups

Many of Cooley’s offices have an active Cooley Inclusion Alliance, which is managed directly by Cooley associates with the goals of providing associates with a forum and resource for support; enhancing retention, training and promotion; and identifying opportunities to join with clients and community members on initiatives and topics of interest. The Cooley Inclusion Alliance welcomes and encourages participation from all associates and patent practitioners.

Other firmwide groups include the Black Attorney Affinity Group and LGBTQ+ Affinity Group.