As part of Cooley’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, we are proud to offer the UK Diversity fellowship to outstanding university students intending to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales.
The UK Diversity fellowship supports talented aspiring solicitors from underrepresented backgrounds with a unique opportunity to gain early, meaningful exposure to life at an international law firm.
Participating fellows will join up to two of our UK-based programmes, starting with the 2027 summer programme in the London office, this gives you a head start in developing your skills, confidence and understanding of the solicitor career path. Fellows may then return for a second programme the following year. This provides additional time to build confidence, develop practical skills, form relationships across the firm and prepare for the trainee recruitment process.
Financial support for our fellows includes
- A paid position in the UK summer programme, receiving £550 per week worked.
- A bursary of up to £12,000, paid in three instalments:
- £4,000 upon completion of the first UK summer programme and securing a place on the second-year programme. Any fellow who does not receive an offer to join the second year of the programme will receive 50% of this bursary.
- £4,000 upon completion of the second UK programme.
- £4,000 upon joining the firm as a trainee solicitor.
Eligibility
We welcome applications from outstanding university students who:
- Are enrolled full‑time at a UK university, with an anticipated graduation date from a UK law school no later than 2029.
- Demonstrate a commitment to promoting inclusion.
- Will not receive an inclusion award from another law firm between 1 April and 31 August 2027.
- Can participate in the 2027 UK summer programme (28 June – 9 July 2027).
Please apply before 5pm on Sunday 3 January 2027.
