Conflicts Staff Attorney - Specialized / Lateral Conflicts
About the job
- After orientation at Cooley LLP, demonstrate proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage, and other firm applications.
- Be able to travel as required.
- Be able to work extended and/or weekend hours as required.
- Have at least 3 years of conflicts resolution experience or 5 years as a practicing attorney, preferably with a large law firm.
- Hold a JD degree.
- Be an active member in good standing or registered in-house counsel of the bar(s) in all jurisdictions from which you regularly work, and of the jurisdiction in which your assigned office is located, if applicable.
- Have excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Be able to handle multiple projects at one time.
- Be able to work well in a team environment and with diverse groups across all of the firm’s offices.
- Be well organized and efficient.
- Be committed to consistently high-quality work product.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the American Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct as adopted in each state where the firm has an office, and of jurisdictional differences across the states, countries, and practice areas in which the firm conducts business.
- Monitor American Bar Association and jurisdictional rules for changes, and suggest firm policy modifications to the Associate Director of Conflicts for approval.
- Analyze and resolve conflicts of interest related to new business and new hires.
- Work with Managers, Directors, Conflict Analysts, and firm attorneys to obtain information needed to determine conflict issues.
- Draft and review ethical screens, conflict waivers, and risk management engagement letter provisions.
- Assist with administering the firm’s client engagement terms program, including reviewing and coding outside counsel guidelines.
- Conduct assigned research projects relating to conflicts of interest issues.
- Conduct advanced-level research projects on corporate affiliations and corporate relatedness.
- Perform other duties as assigned or required.
- Have legal ethics and conflicts experience.
About the company
Cooley is a large international law firm that helps clients with major deals, complex intellectual property work, regulatory issues, and high-stakes lawsuits. Its lawyers across 19 offices in the U.S., Asia, and Europe collaborate to advise on transactions, protect and manage IP assets, navigate regulations, and represent clients in court or arbitration. The firm differentiates itself by its sizeable global team and wide range of practice areas, allowing it to handle complex matters that cross markets and jurisdictions. Cooley’s goal is to help clients complete transformative deals, secure strong IP positions, meet regulatory requirements, and win important litigation outcomes.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Palo Alto, California
Founded
1920
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- GO Public can shorten IPO preparation from days to minutes for premium clients.
- Michael Black joined on September 8, 2026, expanding private equity fund formation in Chicago.
- Cooley is hiring across engineering and litigation, showing management still reinvests aggressively.
What critics are saying
- Cooley's AI bet commoditizes junior work and trains clients to expect faster, cheaper drafting.
- Reuters reported 14 Cooley AI roles and senior engineer salaries near first-year lawyer pay.
- Recent partner exits to Paul Hastings and WilmerHale signal lateral pressure in key practices.
What makes Cooley unique
- Cooley AI and OpenAI launched GO Public for S-1 drafting on September 17, 2026.
- Cooley still dominates startup and IPO work, backing technology, life sciences, and venture clients.
- Jessica Donlon's September 23, 2026 hire deepens Cooley's bipartisan congressional investigations bench.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Parental Leave
Fertility Treatment Support
Hybrid Work Options
Company News
BigLaw is hiring engineers while cutting junior lawyers. BigLaw's next recruiting war may not be over lawyers at all. Cooley is recruiting for 14 technology positions as it builds Cooley AI, its recently created AI subsidiary, according to Reuters. The firm is looking for engineers and other technology specialists as it develops its own AI capabilities rather than simply buying whatever legal-tech vendors happen to be selling. LawFuel noted the emerging BigLaw technology talent war back in 2024, when firms including Akin, McDermott, Latham, Cleary and Reed Smith were creating specialist AI roles. Two years later, the competition has moved from hiring AI executives to building entire engineering teams. And Cooley is not alone, as Covington & Burling, Cravath, Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins are among major firms recruiting technology and AI talent as law firms find themselves competing with technology companies for people who can build the tech tools that are changing legal work and how it is performed. But BigLaw firms are hunting down engineers, their appetite for freshly minted lawyers is showing signs of moving in the opposite direction. Firms with more than 500 lawyers hired 6,588 new graduates last year, 538 fewer than in 2024, according to NALP data reported by Bloomberg Law. That's a 7.5 percent fall, with shrinking summer classes pointing towards further pressure on first-year hiring. For decades the traditional law firm moves were simple enough - recruiting graduates, billing their time, promoting some and replacing the rest. All very simple. AI is almost certainly changing all of that. The employee who can build technology eliminating thousands of hours of repetitive legal work may become more valuable than another employee available to actually work those long hours. BigLaw isn't abandoning lawyers, but we need to watch where it is putting the new money. The First-Year Associate Trap And Why Generative AI Cannot Outsource Legal Judgment As AI takes over research, drafting and other traditional junior work, law firms face a bigger problem: how do they train the partners of tomorrow? BigLaw's AI Arms Race: Kirkland vs Latham, Burnout & Billing Kirkland's $500 million AI investment and the broader BigLaw technology race are putting associates, billing models and the traditional 2,000-hour career path under pressure. Tom Borman is a regular LawFuel contributor writing on the top law firms and best law firm lists in American law. He has written recently about law firm pay rates, major law firms like Kirkland & Ellis, law firm SEO and related legal matters. He can be contacted through [email protected]
Synergy, Build617 open free Founders Space in downtown Boston. September 28, 2026 BOSTON - Real estate investment and management firm Synergy and Boston startup community Build617 have officially opened a new founders workspace in downtown Boston, creating a free place for early-stage companies and AI-focused startups to work, connect and build. The Build617 Founders Space was unveiled Thursday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Boston officials, startup founders, members of the local technology community and the Synergy team. The space is the centerpiece of a partnership between Synergy and Build617 that provides no-cost workspace to AI-native startups in the city. The initiative comes as Boston continues to attract activity from artificial intelligence companies, investors and entrepreneurs. Mayor Michelle Wu said the new space reflects Boston's ability to connect entrepreneurs with the city's universities, talent and broader innovation community. "Boston is where bold ideas become real-world solutions," Wu said. "We look forward to the growth and impact within this space and across our ecosystem of world-class research institutions, exceptional talent, and connected communities." A bet on keeping founders in Boston. For Synergy, the partnership represents an effort to support Boston's startup economy through its real estate portfolio. David Greaney, Synergy's founder and CEO, said the city has long produced entrepreneurs through its universities but faces the challenge of retaining that talent. "Boston's universities have always produced world-class founders. The challenge has never been talent, it's been keeping that talent here," Greaney said. Greaney said Synergy sees real estate as one way to support the entrepreneurs building companies in Boston. The Founders Space is already home to more than 20 companies working in areas including artificial intelligence, health care, financial technology and marketing. Build617 also works with partners including Stifel Venture Banking, CLA and Cooley. Nathan Spielberg, founder of Build617 and co-founder of Tamarin AI, said the partnership gives entrepreneurs a physical place to work alongside other founders. "Boston already has the founders, the talent, and the ambition to build the next generation of world-changing companies," Spielberg said. "What we need are more people willing to actually show up and build alongside them." Downtown Boston's evolving business landscape. The opening comes as downtown Boston's business environment continues to evolve, with technology and AI companies joining the area's traditional concentration of financial, professional services and other businesses. Build617 and Synergy said the Founders Space reflects their view that startups, venture capital firms and AI companies are increasingly concentrating in and around downtown rather than moving to suburban locations or other markets. The partnership also expands Synergy's involvement in Boston's business ecosystem beyond its traditional real estate activities. The Boston-based company owns and operates more than 30 commercial properties across Greater Boston totaling nearly 7 million square feet, according to the company. More than 500 companies, retailers and organizations occupy space in its portfolio. Synergy's activities include real estate investment, development, property management, leasing, construction, lending and hospitality. For Build617, the new headquarters is intended to provide more than office space by creating a community for founders developing companies in the city. The organization describes the space as a "co-building" environment for startups shipping products in Boston, with the goal of connecting entrepreneurs with resources, partners and one another. The companies said the partnership represents a long-term commitment to Boston's startup ecosystem, with the Founders Space serving as a physical base for entrepreneurs building the city's next generation of companies.
Cooley bolsters congressional investigations practice with veteran republican capitol Hill counsel. Wednesday, September 23, 2026 Cooley today announced that Jessica Donlon joined the firm as a partner in its congressional investigations practice and global litigation department in Washington, DC. Donlon's arrival further strengthens Cooley's Chambers-ranked bipartisan congressional investigations practice, deepening its firsthand congressional experience and ability to counsel clients through high-stakes oversight matters. She brings more than 15 years at the highest levels of congressional oversight and investigations, including senior leadership roles with the House committees on Energy and Commerce and Oversight and Government Reform, as well as the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). "Since Susanne arrived in 2024, she has catapulted Cooley's congressional investigations practice to the top of the market," said Ian Shapiro, partner and chair of the firm's global litigation department. "Now, as she reunites across the aisle with Donlon, few, if any, firms will have as much experience at the center of congressional oversight over the last 15 years. We are excited to deploy Donlon, Grooms and the rest of their team in the service of Cooley's innovative clients." Donlon joins the firm from the US House of Representatives, where she served as general counsel to the House Energy and Commerce Committee under Chairman Brett Guthrie, and previously served as general counsel and deputy staff director to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee under Chairman James Comer. She also served as deputy general counsel for oversight at the White House OMB, where she managed the administration's response to congressional requests, briefings and hearings. "Navigating congressional scrutiny requires sound judgment, credibility and a deep understanding of the people and institutions that drive decisions in Washington," said Susanne Sachsman Grooms, partner and chair of Cooley's congressional investigations practice. "Having worked alongside Jessica for many years, I know that her impeccable reputation and long-standing relationships across the Hill and throughout DC will be invaluable as we help clients anticipate and navigate the new oversight dynamics that could emerge following the midterm elections. We are very excited to have our clients benefit from Jessica's extensive experience on the Hill and at OMB and the breadth of perspective that she brings to our team." "Cooley is the natural choice for my move into private practice," said Donlon. "The firm advises many of the most innovative companies and industries increasingly at the center of congressional attention, and I'm excited to bring my experience to those clients while working alongside Grooms and other exceptional colleagues in the congressional investigations practice and across the global litigation department." Cooley's congressional investigations practice counsels companies and individuals through their most sensitive and high-profile matters involving significant business and reputational risk. Its bipartisan team brings deep experience with the principal investigative committees in both chambers of Congress and under leadership from both parties. The team has successfully handled numerous investigations across major industries for public companies, privately held businesses, individuals and other entities facing congressional oversight. Donlon will join a team that includes numerous practitioners with deep experience on the Hill, including Heather Sawyer, Janet Kim, Sean Quinn and Vince Sampson. Cooley's global litigation department includes more than 500 lawyers in the US and Europe representing technology, life sciences and other innovative companies. Since 2025, Cooley has added numerous elite, next-generation lawyers to its litigation department throughout the US, including Elizabeth Prelogar, Raymond Tolentino, Ephraim McDowell, Brian Nelson, Janet Kim and Meredith Halama in DC; Simona Agnolucci, Ben Hur, Jonathan Patchen, Eduardo Santacana, Joshua Anderson and Tiffany Lin in San Francisco; Michael Rome and Brian Klein in Los Angeles; Lyndsey Kruzer, Andrea Reid, Andrew Wilkins and John Rearick in Boston; and James Kim, Tejal Shah, Sean Quinn and Michael La Marca in New York. Analysis | Jobs | News
Law firm Cooley has partnered with OpenAI to launch GO Public, a tool designed to draft S-1 filings — documents companies must submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission before going public. The announcement was made on Thursday. Cooley lawyers can use prompts to operate GO Public, which has access to the firm's resources. The tool aims to streamline the preparation of regulatory filings required for initial public offerings.
Law firm Cooley leverages ChatGPT to streamline IPO processes. Cooley, a prominent law firm, has developed "GO Public with ChatGPT Work," an internal application utilizing ChatGPT to enhance efficiency and insight in the complex initial public offering (IPO) process. Published September 17, 2026 The legal sector, traditionally known for its meticulous and labor-intensive processes, is increasingly exploring the integration of artificial intelligence to augment human expertise. A notable example comes from Cooley, a leading law firm, which has embarked on an innovative endeavor to transform the demanding landscape of initial public offerings (IPOs). By developing an internal application named "GO Public with ChatGPT Work," Cooley aims to harness the power of large language models to streamline tasks, improve accuracy, and allow its legal professionals to focus on higher-value strategic judgments. This initiative represents a significant step towards a more AI-assisted future for legal services, showcasing the practical application of advanced AI in a highly regulated and critical domain. It highlights the potential for AI to not merely automate but to intelligently assist in complex decision-making processes. Addressing IPO Complexities with AI. Initial public offerings are intricate and time-sensitive undertakings, involving extensive documentation review, regulatory compliance, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. Lawyers often spend countless hours sifting through prospectus drafts, identifying potential issues, and ensuring every detail aligns with stringent legal standards. This manual effort, while critical, can be prone to human error and consume valuable time that could be dedicated to strategic counsel. Cooley recognized these challenges and identified an opportunity for AI to act as an intelligent assistant. The firm's GO Public application is specifically designed to tackle these pain points. It aims to accelerate the identification of key issues within IPO documents, cross-reference information, and provide contextual insights, thereby significantly reducing the time spent on repetitive analytical tasks. This allows lawyers to pinpoint potential problems much earlier in the process, enabling proactive adjustments and minimizing risks associated with the IPO. How GO Public with ChatGPT Work functions. At its core, GO Public with ChatGPT Work integrates the advanced capabilities of OpenAI's ChatGPT into Cooley's existing workflows. The application functions by allowing legal professionals to input prospectus drafts and other relevant documents. ChatGPT then analyzes these documents, identifying inconsistencies, potential disclosure gaps, and areas requiring further legal scrutiny. The system is designed to act as a sophisticated search and analysis engine, capable of understanding legal nuances and flagging elements that might otherwise be overlooked. Instead of completely automating legal advice, the tool acts as a powerful augmentation. It provides lawyers with synthesized information and highlighted areas of concern, empowering them to make more informed decisions rapidly. This collaborative model between human expertise and AI efficiency ensures that while the process is accelerated, the critical human judgment and ethical considerations inherent to legal practice remain paramount. Impact on legal professionals and clients. The introduction of GO Public with ChatGPT Work has profound implications for both Cooley's legal team and its clients. For lawyers, the shift means less time dedicated to the laborious, often tedious, task of document review and more capacity for strategic thinking, client interaction, and complex problem-solving. This not only enhances job satisfaction by re-focusing their expertise but also increases the overall efficiency and throughput of the legal team. It allows them to deliver value where their unique legal acumen is most impactful. Clients, particularly companies undergoing an IPO, stand to benefit from a faster, more accurate, and potentially more cost-effective legal process. Reduced preparation times mean quicker market entry and less legal spend on routine tasks. The enhanced ability to surface and address issues early minimizes the risk of costly delays or regulatory hurdles down the line, ultimately leading to a smoother and more successful public offering. The firm's ability to proactively identify and mitigate risks translates directly into better outcomes for its clients. Broader implications for the legal industry. Cooley's adoption of ChatGPT in its IPO workflow sets a precedent for the broader legal industry. It demonstrates a tangible pathway for other firms to integrate generative AI tools into their specialized practices. This move signifies a broader trend where AI is moving beyond basic legal research to assist in more complex analytical and transactional work. It encourages a re-evaluation of traditional legal processes and a consideration of how AI can be leveraged to not only improve efficiency but also enhance the quality of legal services provided. As AI models become more sophisticated, their application in areas requiring high precision and comprehensive analysis, such as contract review, due diligence, and regulatory compliance, will only expand. Firms that embrace these technologies early are likely to gain a competitive advantage, positioning themselves as innovators in a rapidly evolving professional landscape. The integration of AI also necessitates new skill sets for legal professionals, focusing on prompt engineering, AI tool management, and critical evaluation of AI-generated insights. Why it matters. Cooley's development of GO Public with ChatGPT Work is a significant illustration of how specialized professional services can successfully integrate advanced AI. It demonstrates AI's capacity to move beyond general-purpose applications into highly specific, complex workflows like IPOs, significantly enhancing efficiency and decision-making for legal professionals. This initiative underscores a transformative shift in how legal firms can leverage technology, providing a tangible model for innovation across the entire industry.