All that glitters isn't gold - Marketing Cooley Employee Review

2.0
Jul 15, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You get to work with a lot of nice and smart people. In order to thrive in this environment though, you must be willing to change course at the drop of a hat or become available whenever a stakeholder or leader demands something (night, day, weekend, or even during PTO or a holiday). You must be able to stroke egos and play politics. If these are things you enjoy, you'll really like working here.

Cons

There is too much bureaucracy. Everyone just bows down to those in high leadership roles and to powerful attorneys. Beware of this top-down fear-mongering culture. Management likes to act like work is a matter of life and death when in reality they just place inexplicable significance on insignificant matters.

Explore other reviews about Cooley

5.0
Jun 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great work-life balance, lots of support and mentorship, and opportunity for growth.

Cons

Commute can be difficult, if you don't live nearby your office.

2.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Hudson river view from the office is amazing - Modern sleek interior (like Virgin Airlines lounge) with various different working spaces (although none are private) - Interesting variety of clients, especially in the emerging technologies - as far as NYC options go, this is among the most casual environment without stuffy formalities (e.g. dress) - if you manage to find a good group of people in a high powered practice area and just work with them ALL THE TIME, you'll probably enjoy it - firm treats summer associates really really well (but don't expect it to carry over to being an associate) - is an early adapter for rolling out tech in various areas

Cons

- there is a TON of BS, hypocrisy and lip service from management to attorneys on things like DEI, hiring & retention, culture, transparency, etc. - firm can be vicious with stealth layoffs while gaslighting you to believe it's "unsatisfactory performance" - politics over performance: who (specifically, big partner) knows you / likes you matters more than your skills/performance when it comes to it - (promotions, layoffs, etc.) - Only partners get offices; others are in cubicles in an open space pit with no privacy or noise protection - regardless of what the firm touts about "Cooley culture," it's just another cold cutthroat BigLaw player trying to claw higher up AmLaw 100, not afraid of churn & burn through associates and less profitable partners alike - three words: white boys club.

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