Law Firm Seeks 2026 Summer Associate for Compensation & Benefits Practice
Law Firm in Palo Alto Hiring 2L Summer Associate for Compensation & Benefits Practice
**MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***., a top law firm with offices in multiple cities, is seeking a 2L summer associate to join their Compensation & Benefits practice in Palo Alto, California.
The firm's clients range from emerging growth companies to large public corporations, and they view Cooley as their problem solvers, not just legal advisors. The firm prides itself on delivering services with technical proficiency, prompt and concise responses, creativity, practical application, and genuine concern for their clients' needs.
The Compensation & Benefits practice works on a variety of projects, including those related to mergers and acquisitions, equity incentive programs, and employee benefit plans. They also provide counsel on tax-qualified retirement programs, health & welfare plans, and compliance issues under the Affordable Care Act.
The expected salary for this position is $225,000 annually. Qualified candidates should have excellent academic credentials, superior writing and communication skills, and a strong interest in the practice area.
Summer Associate Program
- Hands-on training with real assignments, interactive skills training, and participation in practice group meetings
- Reviewed at midpoint and conclusion of program, with real-time feedback from lawyers after assignments
- Opportunities for general corporate, business litigation, and specialty groups
- Seascape Weekend at the start of the program for training, team building, and networking
- Summer events planned by each office, including cooking classes, community service, and outdoor activities
Law Student FAQ
- No split summers allowed, as the program is 10 weeks with an 8-week minimum commitment
- Opportunities for first-year law students through diversity fellowship and patent summer program
- Encouraged to participate in pro bono work during the summer
- Work assignments related to ongoing client matters and representative of work given to lawyers at Cooley
- Robust training program with workshops on writing, negotiation, and client counseling
- Assigned a partner and associate mentor, with summer associate assignment coordinators available for support
- Evaluated on legal analysis, communication, time management, and work quality, as well as initiative, teamwork, maturity, and judgment
- Social events planned throughout the summer by each office
- 2025 summer associate compensation is $225,000 annually, prorated for weeks worked
- Eligible for class year credit and bonus for completing an eligible clerkship
- JD/MBA graduates eligible for a $25,000 bonus, but no class year credit given.
