UK Diversity Fellowship
As part of Cooley’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, we are proud to offer Diversity Fellowships to outstanding university students intending to study for qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales. Students who demonstrate a commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion are encouraged to apply.
The Cooley UK Diversity Fellowship is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights about a career in law with Cooley, with the opportunity to participate in Cooley’s summer programme a year sooner than students are typically eligible to participate. Our summer programme is an essential part of our trainee solicitor recruitment process, as participants are traditionally considered for a training contract at the conclusion of the programme. As Diversity Fellows will be participating in the summer programme a year early, at the conclusion of the programme they will be considered for participation in the programme again the following year. The two-year approach will provide the opportunity for Fellows to learn about our work environment, develop relevant skills and gain invaluable contacts and experience that will enable them to perform to their best when they attend the summer programme in their second year.
Award recipients will receive a paid summer programme position and a bursary of up to £12,000 to assist with university/law school tuition. The bursary will be paid in three instalments: £4,000 upon completion of the first UK summer programme with the firm; £4,000 upon completion of the second UK summer programme with the firm; and the remaining £4,000 upon joining the firm as a full-time trainee solicitor.
In order to receive the second payment of the fellowship bursary, a Cooley UK Diversity Fellow must, following completion of their first Cooley UK summer programme:
- Receive and accept a written offer to join.
- Return to the firm on the schedule shown in the table below.
- Complete their second Cooley UK summer programme.
In addition, the Cooley UK Diversity Fellow must not be the recipient of a diversity award from another law firm paid between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026. To receive the final payment of the fellowship award, a Cooley UK Diversity Fellow must receive and accept an offer of full-time employment and join the firm as a full-time trainee solicitor.
Eligibility
We welcome applications from all outstanding university students who:
- Are enrolled full time at the time of application in a UK university course, with an anticipated graduation date from a UK law school (studying for qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales) of no later than 2028.
- Demonstrate a commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within their local communities and/or more broadly.
- Will not be the recipient of a diversity award from another law firm paid between 1 January 2025 and 31 August 2025.
- Can participate in and complete Cooley’s 2025 UK summer programme.
This table tells you, by reference to where you are in your university degree course, whether you would be eligible to participate in Cooley’s 2025 UK summer programme as a Diversity Fellow:
| Degree Subject | Eligible to attend first UK Summer Programme as a Diversity Fellow | Eligible to attend second UK Summer Programme as a Diversity Fellow |
| Law (3 year course) | At the end of your 1st year | At the end of your 2nd year |
| Law (4 year course) | At the end of your 2nd year | At the end of your 3rd year |
| Non-Law (3 year course) | At the end of your 2nd year | At the end of your 3rd year |
| Non-Law (4 year course) | At the end of your 3rd year | At the end of your 4th year |
Selection criteria
Fellows will be selected based on consideration of the following factors:
- Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion
- Sixth form (Years 12 and 13) and university academic achievement
- Personal achievement
- Demonstrated leadership ability
- Community service
Application process
Applications must include:
- Submission of a complete and accurate online application (only one application will be considered)
- A personal statement (no more than 650 words) – as part of the online application, demonstrating achievement of the selection criteria for the diversity fellowship, including a commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within their local communities and/or more broadly
- Academic transcript (if available)
Apply now
For students in the 2024 – 2025 academic year, applications open on 3 February 2025, and the deadline is 16 March 2025.
Please direct questions regarding our fellowship to the diversity, equity & inclusion team at diversityfellowshipUK@cooley.com.
The Diversity Fellowship has been an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience. Participating in the summer programme a year early was an invaluable opportunity to contribute to meaningful work – and knowing that my contributions were genuinely valued is a testament to Cooley’s inclusive and supportive culture. This experience not only solidified my interest in a legal career at Cooley but also gave me the confidence and support to pursue it.
Sewmini Narasinghe
Being a Cooley Diversity Fellow has been one of the most insightful experiences I have had to date! Cooley provided me with a genuine insight into what day-to-day life would be like as a commercial lawyer. The programme offered a deeper understanding of the tasks, the workload, the clients, and the nature of legal and commercial matters. Additionally workshops embedded into the programme were key in developing the relevant skills needed to succeed in this sector. I cannot recommend the fellowship enough to prospective applicants!
Nihmat Adedigba