HomeCareersWhat Is Economic Consulting?
Moving from classroom theory to professional practice
In an academic setting, economics is often about models and their assumptions. At Cornerstone Research, those models must withstand the scrutiny of a courtroom. Our consultants serve as the analytical engine, translating theoretical frameworks into the evidence-based findings required by the legal system.

As a member of our team, you do not provide legal advice. Rather, you help develop the technical foundation for expert testimony in matters of global significance.

 Imagine identifying a pattern of market manipulation in millions of trading records, assessing how a digital platform’s algorithms affect competition, or deploying a new methodology to determine the value of a revolutionary new piece of technology.

Performing this cutting-edge work is a collective effort. At Cornerstone Research, you will work alongside exceptional colleagues, world-renowned faculty experts from top universities, and leading industry practitioners to develop the insights that support expert testimony and client strategy.

 

Play video

From deep research to decisive results

Our work is the bridge between raw information and legal reality. The analyses we produce often serve as the central framework for a case’s outcome: they inform whether a major merger is allowed to proceed, how much a company must pay in damages, or how a new regulation is shaped. These outcomes are driven by analytical capabilities that enable us to navigate and interpret large, unstructured datasets in ways that were once infeasible.

Our expertise spans a vast range of industries and legal challenges. The following are just a few examples of how we apply economic and financial analysis to complex questions:

  • Antitrust and competition: When two major companies propose a merger, we dive into the market data to determine if the deal improves consumer options or may harm competition.
  • Finance: In securities class actions, we examine financial data and market trends to assess whether processes around the sale of stocks are fair and efficient.
  • Healthcare and life sciences: We analyze how healthcare regulations and pharmaceutical competition affect costs. By analyzing massive patient-level datasets, our teams identify if delayed generic drugs or specific pricing strategies caused insurers or patients to overpay.
  • Intellectual property: We determine the economic value of proprietary technology and intangible assets. Our teams apply rigorous valuation methods to quantify the financial impact of alleged patent infringement or trade secret theft.
  • Valuation: We use a variety of tools to determine what a company is worth during a merger, acquisition, or other major corporate transaction.

Harnessing data science and AI

Through our Applied Research Center and Data Science Center, we build bespoke solutions for modern litigation’s most complex data challenges: from analyzing financial transactions and mapping geographic trends to processing billions of digital records. These centers leverage sophisticated expertise to reveal the data-driven patterns that support expert testimony in high-stakes cases.

Our AI standards allow our teams to deploy advanced methodologies, while meeting the high level of scrutiny required in a courtroom.

This work is grounded in our Generative AI principles, which provide a framework for rigorous, responsible innovation. These standards allow our teams to deploy advanced methodologies, such as natural language processing and algorithmic bias assessments, while meeting the high level of scrutiny required in a courtroom.

Life at Cornerstone Research

While the work is intellectually challenging, our culture is defined by collaboration. We operate as a “one-firm firm,” which means our offices and departments work as a single team, sharing expertise and support across every project. Because we work as one team, we are invested in one another’s success.

At Cornerstone Research, you will work alongside exceptional colleagues, world-renowned faculty experts from top universities, and leading industry practitioners to develop the insights that support expert testimony and client strategy.

That same spirit of partnership defines how we develop and grow our team:

  • A culture of mentorship: You will not navigate your career alone. From day one, you are paired with senior mentors and peer “buddies” who provide the guidance and feedback necessary to grow from a student into a high-impact professional.
  • A launchpad for your career: We offer a clear path for advancement at every level. Our associates often grow into senior leadership positions, while our analysts have the opportunity for direct promotion or firm-supported pursuit of top M.B.A., Ph.D., and J.D. programs.
  • An elite technical toolkit: The skills you build here—spanning econometrics, data science, and financial modeling—serve as a premier credential whether you are building a lifelong career at the firm or transitioning to graduate studies.
  • A community of belonging: We believe the best work comes from diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Through a shared commitment to excellence—from volunteerism to high-impact pro bono work—we have built a firm where you can contribute meaningfully while being your authentic self.

Ready to Apply Your Analytical Skills to Real-World Challenges?

Visit our Careers page to find the role that fits your experience. We offer dedicated application tracks for:

  • Undergraduate and master’s candidates
  • Ph.D. and M.B.A. candidates
  • Professionals with industry experience
  • Key business and organizational functions

Join our team and apply your analytical perspective to the cases that define global business and law.