2028 Summer Associate – Debt Finance

Cooley • Los Angeles, CA

5d

About The Position

Cooley LLP is recruiting 2L students (JD 2029) for its 2028 Summer Program in the Debt Finance practice. Summer associates may join the Boston, Chicago, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Monica, or Washington, DC office. 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 not available 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. Their experience on both sides of these transactions provides market knowledge and familiarity with the factors influencing lending decisions, including a company's investors, capital structure, likelihood of future funding, intellectual property, and warrants.

The practice also assists issuers, underwriters and initial purchasers, institutional investors, and placement agents in debt securities transactions. The work includes advising on debt instruments and structuring registered public offerings, Rule 144A debt placements (including convertible and high-yield bonds), and traditional private placements, as well as counseling clients on alternative deal terms.

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 student pursuing a JD expected in 2029.
• Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and professional excellence.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Have strong legal research and writing skills.
• Exercise sound judgment and demonstrate 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; a 1L law school transcript is also required but may be submitted later if unavailable at application time.
• Apply to only one office.

Nice To Haves

• A finance background is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Participate as a summer associate in Cooley LLP’s Debt Finance practice.
• Work with matters involving debt and lease financing sources and entities seeking debt financing.
• Support work involving venture debt transactions and debt securities transactions.

What This Job Offers

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