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  4. UK Diversity Fellowship 2024
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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 2024 and 31 August 2025. 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 2024 and 31 August 2024.
  • Can participate in and complete Cooley’s 2024 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 2024 UK summer programme as a Diversity Fellow:

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 2023 – 2024 academic year, applications must be received by 15 March 2024. Selected applicants can expect to be contacted for interviews after the closing date.

Please direct questions regarding our fellowship to the diversity, equity & inclusion team at diversityfellowshipUK@cooley.com.