UK Trainees
Become a Trainee – Spring and Summer Programmes
To be considered for one of Cooley’s six training places per year, you first must participate in our London spring or summer programmes, which give you an insight into the breadth of work we undertake, as well as the exciting range of clients we are proud to serve and partner with on transformative deals, complex IP, regulatory matters and high-stakes litigation. There also are many opportunities to experience the welcoming, collaborative and distinctive spirit of our firm.
During the two-week spring and summer programmes (each programme having approximately seven participants), you will contribute to meaningful work, engage in professional development sessions and connect with Cooley colleagues through work assignments and social events. A programme mentor, your trainee buddy and members of the legal talent team will guide you through programme opportunities and help support your integration.
Since 2022, our programmes have earned recognition from The Legal 500’s Future Lawyers trainee solicitor survey for the quality of experience they offer.
To submit an application, please click on the ‘Apply now’ button below. You will be directed to review the privacy notice for London candidates as part of the application registration process.
Applications for the London spring and summer programmes are now open and will close on 1 January 2026. Applications for our Meet Cooley insight events also are open now, with a deadline of 23 October for the first in-office insight event taking place on 20 November 2025. See further dates and deadlines on the Meet Cooley tile below.
Key dates: Spring and summer programmes
- Applications open on 19 September 2025 and close on 1 January 2026.
- Spring programme dates: 13 April 2026 – 24 April 2026
- Summer programme dates: 29 June 2026 – 10 July 2026
For more information, see our FAQs page. If you can’t find your answer there, please email UKtrainee@cooley.com.
Apply for Meet Cooley and trainee opportunities
your journey starts here
Meet Cooley
Meet Cooley events are an excellent way to gain a valuable understanding of our work, our people and our culture. They will help you make considered decisions about whether you can see yourself developing your legal career with us.
2025 Meet Cooley events and application deadlines:
- 20 November 2025 (in-person event, application deadline: 23 October 2025)
- 27 November 2025 (virtual event, application deadline: 30 October 2025)
- 4 December 2025 (in-person event, application deadline: 6 November 2025)
For the three 2025 Meet Cooley events, priority will be given to those who have reached at least their penultimate year of a law degree or final year of a non-law degree, as well as graduates and career changers.
Another Meet Cooley event will take place in May 2026 (the exact date will be published here and on our application system in early 2026). The application deadline for this Meet Cooley event will be 26 March 2026, and the event is aimed at those who are at an earlier stage in their academic pathway. Priority will be given to those who haven’t applied for the 2026 spring or summer programme or a training contract.
Apply now to begin your application and review our London candidate privacy notice and trainee recruitment brochure. For more information, see our FAQs page. If you can’t find your answer there, please email UKtrainee@cooley.com.
Cooley’s summer programme provides invaluable insight into the quality of training at the firm. I sat with both the business litigation and corporate departments during my two weeks here. Throughout my time on the scheme, my summer programme mentors and trainee buddies went out of their way to get me involved in a broad range of work. As someone who was particularly interested in a commercially focused training contract with a broad range of clients in the life sciences and technology sectors, the scheme was very appealing to me. I enjoyed being at a dynamic firm, which also fostered a supportive environment.
First-year trainee
Our programme offers unparalleled opportunity for trainees to be part of a collaborative team that encourages their growth through hands-on experience.’
London co-partner in charge
Trainees in Cooley’s London office contribute directly to the success of our team — they are challenged to learn by doing, and guided by brilliant mentors.
London co-partner in charge
