Irene Sun, ’23

Associate, Cooley LLP, San Francisco

I could tell from the moment I stepped on campus that Michigan Law was right for me. Everyone was warm and welcoming, and the atmosphere felt collegial. I also loved being in the Law Quad and at the center of a football community with lots of school spirit.

As someone interested in the tech and startup spaces, I found several avenues to learn more and gain hands-on experience. I was on the Michigan Technology Law Review, where I was an articles editor and notes editor, helping edit cutting-edge publications at the intersection of law and technology. I also participated in the Corporate Counseling Competition, where we had the opportunity to evaluate a set of issues a company was facing and formulate a creative solution that combined business and law to address these issues. The International Transactions Clinic and the Entrepreneurship Clinic gave me the opportunity to counsel real companies and startups as a student. 

Being an investment associate with the Social Venture Fund at U-M’s Ross School of Business broadened my knowledge base when I entered Big Law. Today, I work in general corporate and securities law at Cooley LLP in the Bay Area, representing emerging companies, public companies, and venture capital funds. 

The Asian Pacific American Law Students Association offered me a community during law school, and I eventually took on a leadership position in which I planned diversity events. Similarly, at Cooley, I’ve been involved in planning events for the Asian Pacific Islander affinity group and mentoring younger associates. 

If someone is interested in learning more about the startup space within the legal profession, Michigan Law—since it’s part of a university with so many top-tier programs—is one of the best places to do so. 

A portrait of Irene Sun, ’23

We are Michigan Law

Michigan Law changes those of us who are fortunate enough to spend time here; it is a place that inspires victors who go into the world and do great things. Michigan Law is committed to providing a legal education that is unequaled and to maintaining the elite reputational value of our institution. We are dedicated to training great lawyers and leaders to advance the rule of law worldwide, advocate for the dispossessed, ensure the success of complex transactions, and provide the counsel necessary for clients who are innovators in many realms. Michigan Law is committed to producing exceptional 21st-century lawyers.