Description:
Job Description:Cooley LLP's M&A practice group is recruiting first year associates (JD 2026) to join the incoming entry level class in our San Francisco office. We are recruiting 2026 JD graduates for this position. Recruiter submissions will not be accepted.
Since 2020, Cooley has handled 1,600+ M&A transactions, with an aggregate value of over $735 billion+, making our practice one of the most active in the world.
We represent all categories of participants in transactions, including buyers, sellers, major stockholders, lenders, financial advisors, management, special board committees, venture capitalists, individual investors, private equity funds, hedge funds and others. To learn more about our market-leading M&A practice, click here.
We are seeking entry level associates who are eager to build a career in mergers and acquisitions within our nationally recognized practice. This role is designed for candidates who may not have direct M&A experience yet but are highly motivated to develop deep expertise in this area. This role offers unique hands-on training and mentorship opportunities together with meaningful exposure to sophisticated clients and transactions, providing a strong foundation for a long-term career in M&A.
Candidates should demonstrate: Excellent writing, oral communication, and analytical skills are essential, along with a demonstrated interest in corporate law particularly mergers and acquisitions. The ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment is important. Prior corporate or transactional experience is helpful but not required. Ideal candidates will have a high level of academic achievement from a nationally recognized law school. EOE.
The annual pay for this position is $225,000.
We offer a full range of elective benefits including medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan), dental, vision, health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts, pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage, backup care for children and/or adults and other parental support benefits. In addition to elective benefit options, benefited employees receive firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits as well as accruing vacation time at the rate of four weeks per year and sick time at the rate of two weeks per year and 10 paid holidays each year. We provide generous parental leave and fertility benefits. New employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about our many benefits and resources.
