2028 Summer Associate – Debt Finance

Cooley • San Diego, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Cooley LLP is recruiting 2L students (JD 2029) to join its Boston, Chicago, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Monica, and Washington, DC offices as summer associates in its Debt Finance practice for the 2028 Summer Program. Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their interest in Debt Finance, a resume, and an undergraduate transcript. A 1L law school transcript is also required, but may be submitted later if it is unavailable at the time of application. Applicants should apply to only one office.

The Debt Finance practice represents debt and lease financing sources—including US and international banks, business development companies, leasing companies, insurance companies, investment banks, commercial finance lenders, mezzanine investors, factors, and asset-based lenders—as well as companies, private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, and other investment funds seeking debt financing.

In venture debt, the lawyers represent banks and non-bank funds investing in emerging companies that may lack long histories of profitability or revenue. The practice draws on experience on both sides of these transactions and knowledge of relevant laws and lending considerations, including investors, capital structures, prospects for future funding, intellectual property, and warrants.

The practice also assists issuers, underwriters and initial purchasers, institutional investors, and placement agents with debt securities transactions. Its work includes registered public offerings, Rule 144A debt placements (including convertible and high-yield bonds), traditional private placements, and advice on alternative deal terms.

The position is for the 2028 Summer Program. The expected salary is based on an annualized rate of $235,000, with semi-monthly base pay of $9,791.67, subject to payroll withholdings and deductions.

Requirements

• Be a 2L law student in the JD 2029 class.
• Submit a cover letter describing interest in Debt Finance, a resume, and an undergraduate transcript; submit a 1L law school transcript as well, which may follow later if unavailable when applying.
• Apply to only one office.
• Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and professional excellence.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Have strong legal research and writing skills.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and proven problem-solving skills.
• Show initiative, motivation, and a service-oriented mindset.
• Have meaningful prior work experience.
• Engage in extracurricular or leadership activities.
• Work effectively in team settings.
• Bring an entrepreneurial, business-minded perspective.

Nice To Haves

• A finance background is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Work as a summer associate in Cooley LLP’s Debt Finance practice.
• Contribute to debt and lease financing matters involving financing sources, companies, private equity sponsors and portfolio companies, and investment funds.
• Support venture debt matters involving emerging companies and their lenders or investors.
• Assist with debt securities transactions, including registered public offerings, Rule 144A debt placements, and private placements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed