Cooley is the leading VC and emerging companies firm globally, advising more venture-backed technology and life sciences companies than any other firm. The London office acts for high-growth startups, growth equity funds, and major tech companies on VC rounds, M&A exits, and public offerings, making it the firm of choice for those interested in the startup ecosystem.
Culture & Values
Cooley has a uniquely entrepreneurial culture shaped by decades of working with Silicon Valley founders — the London office has the same energy and genuine excitement about working with ambitious, fast-moving companies. Trainees describe a flat hierarchy, strong mentorship, and a culture that celebrates commercial thinking. The firm's work for startups and growth companies means trainees engage with genuinely innovative clients from day one.
Generated by Folio — folioapp.co.uk · 17 March 2026
Salary and deadline information is approximate. Always verify with the firm's official graduate recruitment page.
Strategic Advice
Cooley interviews focus heavily on venture capital and the technology startup ecosystem — expect questions on current VC market conditions, how interest rates affect growth company valuations, recent tech IPOs or M&A exits, and the commercial drivers behind term sheet structures. Candidates should demonstrate a genuine passion for startups and growth companies and understand why Cooley's positioning differs from a traditional Magic Circle generalist.
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Talking Points
Arguments for “Why Cooley?” and ready-made observations from recent news. Adapt to your own voice.
01
Cooley is the only firm globally that can credibly claim to advise more venture-backed technology and life sciences companies than any competitor—this market leadership means trainees work on genuinely high-impact rounds and exits from day one, rather than watching from the sidelines on smaller deals.
02
The London office brings Silicon Valley's entrepreneurial energy and flat hierarchy to the UK market, meaning trainees experience mentorship and commercial responsibility typically reserved for senior associates elsewhere, while working on the same calibre of growth company and VC fund mandates that define the firm's global reputation.
03
Cooley's positioning as the tech startup ecosystem firm—not a generalist—means the practice is built around deep expertise in VC structuring, technology M&A, and capital markets for growth companies; this specialisation creates a rare training environment where every matter teaches you how growth companies actually build value, not how to handle a broad transactional menu.
Practice Questions
Active10 curated questions for Cooley
All programmes
Method
“Online Critical Thinking Appraisal as a screening stage (provider unconfirmed). Then half-day assessment centre with commercial case study and partner/associate interviews.”
Tests
Paid summer programme position plus bursary up to £12,000 for law school tuition, for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Mansfield Rule UK certified by Diversity Lab.
Check cooley.com/careers for current cycle
Annual commitment providing legal work experience to A-level students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Check cooley.com/careers for current cycle
Data Verification
Salary and deadline information is approximate and based on publicly available data from prior recruitment cycles. Last verified: 2026-03-16. Always check the firm's official graduate recruitment page for confirmed dates.