2028 Summer Associate – Debt Finance

Cooley • Chicago, IL

5d

About The Position

Cooley LLP is recruiting second-year law students (JD 2029) for its 2028 Summer Program in the Debt Finance practice. Positions are available in the Boston, Chicago, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Monica, and Washington, DC offices. Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their interest in Debt Finance, a resume, and an undergraduate transcript. A first-year law school transcript is also required but may be submitted later if unavailable at application time. 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 firm represents banks and non-bank funds investing in emerging companies, including those without long histories of profitability or revenue. The practice draws on experience representing both sides of transactions and knowledge of industry and legal considerations, including investors, capital structures, the likelihood of future funding, intellectual property, and warrants.

The firm also advises issuers, underwriters and initial purchasers, institutional investors, and placement agents in 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. Compensation 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 second-year law student (JD 2029).
• 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.
• Submit a cover letter describing interest in Debt Finance, a resume, and an undergraduate transcript; submit a first-year law school transcript, which may follow later if unavailable at application time.
• Apply to only one office.

Nice To Haves

• A finance background is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Debt Finance practice on matters involving debt and lease financing.
• Support legal work related to venture debt transactions for emerging companies.
• Assist with debt securities transactions, including public offerings, Rule 144A placements, and private placements.
• Contribute to client advice concerning debt instruments and transaction terms.

What This Job Offers

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