Cooley's culture and its people make it stand out as a great place to work. - Paralegal Cooley Employee Review

5.0
Sep 4, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Cooley strives to create a strong office culture, as well as an overall firm culture. There were social events, announcements about peoples' and teams' personal and professional achievements. Doors are open for you to pop in and ask questions. The promotion criteria was clearly laid out and transparent. Compensation increased regularly. My manager was very attentive to my concerns and was truly an ally.

Cons

The work-life balance depends on your group, their case load, and the partner's managing style. I worked with a particularly busy team for a micro-managing partner. She had high expectations, but she also recognized good work, rewarding it with more responsibility.

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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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