2028 Summer Associate – Debt Finance

Cooley • Boston, MA

5d • $235,000 - $235,000

About The Position

Cooley LLP is recruiting 2L students (JD 2029) for its 2028 Summer Program as summer associates in the Debt Finance practice. The position is 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 1L law school transcript is also required, but may be submitted later if 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.

The practice also handles venture debt, representing banks and non-bank funds investing in emerging companies, and debt securities transactions. Debt securities work includes advising issuers, underwriters and initial purchasers, institutional investors, and placement agents on registered public offerings, 144A debt placements (including convertible and high-yield bonds), traditional private placements, and 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.
• 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 1L law school transcript, which may follow if unavailable at application time.
• Apply to only one office.

Nice To Haves

• A finance background is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Represent debt and lease financing sources and companies, private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and investment funds seeking debt financing.
• Support venture debt matters involving banks and non-bank funds investing in emerging companies.
• Assist with debt securities transactions, including registered public offerings, 144A debt placements, and traditional private placements.
• Advise clients on debt instruments, transaction structures, and alternative deal terms.

What This Job Offers

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