As part of Cooley’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, we are proud to offer the UK Diversity Fellowship to outstanding university students intending to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales.

The Cooley UK Diversity Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to gain early, meaningful exposure to life at an international law firm. Fellows participate in Cooley’s UK summer programme one year earlier than students are typically eligible, giving you a head start in developing your skills, confidence and understanding of the solicitor career path.

The opportunity

As a Cooley Diversity Fellow, you will join up to two of our UK-based programmes, starting with this year’s summer programme in the London office.

Our summer programme offers insight into the breadth of work we undertake, as well as the exciting range of clients we support on transformative transactions, complex IP and technology matters, regulatory issues and high‑stakes litigation. You will also experience the welcoming, collaborative and distinctive spirit of our firm.

During the two‑week summer programme, you will contribute to meaningful work, participate in professional development sessions and connect with Cooley colleagues through work assignments, training and social events. Each participant is supported by a programme mentor, a trainee buddy and the legal talent team to help you make the most of your experience.

As a Diversity Fellow, you will be considered for a place in one of our other programmes later this year or in early 2027, giving you two touchpoints with the firm and a greater opportunity to develop your skills, build relationships and perform at your best in readiness to be considered for a training contract.

Our summer programme is an essential part of our trainee solicitor recruitment process, as participants are traditionally considered for a training contract at the conclusion of the programme.

Financial award

Fellows will receive:

• A paid position in the UK summer programme, receiving £550 per week worked.
• A bursary of up to £12,000, paid in three instalments:

1. £4,000 upon completion of the first UK summer programme.
2. £4,000 upon completion of the second UK programme.
3. £4,000 upon joining the firm as a full‑time trainee solicitor.

Fellows must not be the recipient of an inclusion award from another law firm paid between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026.

Eligibility

We welcome applications from outstanding university students who:

• Are enrolled full‑time at a UK university, with an anticipated graduation date from a UK law school no later than 2028.
• Demonstrate a commitment to promoting inclusion.
• Will not receive an inclusion award from another law firm between 1 April 2026 and 31 August 2026.
• Can participate in the 2026 UK summer programme (29 June – 10 July 2026).

Selection criteria

Fellows will be selected based on:

• Demonstrated commitment to promoting inclusion within their communities or more broadly
• Academic achievement at sixth form and university
• Interest in and motivation for pursuing a career in law

Application process

1. Online application form
2. Online critical thinking assessment
3. In‑person interview day in the London office

This process may include a 15-minute screening call via Zoom between the online critical thinking assessment and the interview day.

Eligibility criteria can be found here.

Application deadline:
Friday, 17 April 2026 at 14:00 (UTC)
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