Cornerstone Research: Firm Overview, Careers, and Interview Guide

Cornerstone Research is a leading economic consulting firm known for its expertise in financial and economic analysis for complex litigation and regulatory cases. From antitrust disputes to securities investigations, the firm partners with top law firms and expert witnesses to deliver data-driven insights that shape legal outcomes. With a reputation for rigor, collaboration, and analytical depth, Cornerstone Research has become a top destination for candidates interested in the intersection of law, finance, and economics. In this article, we will explore the firm’s history, practice areas, career paths, interviews, and what makes it a standout choice for aspiring consultants.

TL;DR – What You Need to Know

Cornerstone Research is a leading economic consulting firm that provides expert financial and economic analysis for litigation, regulatory, and arbitration cases worldwide.

• The firm was founded in 1989 and has grown to more than 900 employees across nine offices in the United States and Europe.
• Cornerstone Research specializes in litigation consulting services across practice areas such as antitrust, securities, valuation, and intellectual property.
• Careers follow a structured path from Analyst to Manager, emphasizing analytical rigor, mentorship, and exposure to expert witness consulting.
• The interview process features two rounds combining behavioral and case interviews that test analytical and communication skills.
• Exit opportunities include graduate school, roles in law and finance, and advancement within Cornerstone Research’s litigation consulting network.

What is Cornerstone Research and what makes it unique?

Cornerstone Research is a specialized economic consulting firm providing expert financial and economic analysis to law firms, corporations, and regulators in commercial litigation and regulatory proceedings.

The firm stands out for its deep analytical rigor, academic partnerships, and expert witness support that help clients navigate high-stakes legal and regulatory cases. Unlike traditional management consulting, Cornerstone Research focuses exclusively on cases involving financial modeling, market dynamics, and damages estimation in litigation.

Founded in 1989, the firm has built its reputation by combining economics, finance, and data science to produce objective insights for complex disputes. Its consultants work closely with faculty experts and industry leaders to deliver precise, evidence-based analysis that supports testimony and case strategy.

Typical engagements include:

• Economic and statistical modeling for litigation and arbitration
• Expert witness identification and preparation for trial
• Market and financial impact assessments in mergers and antitrust reviews
• Valuation and damages estimation in securities and intellectual property cases

For aspiring consultants, Cornerstone Research offers a unique opportunity to apply quantitative skills to real-world legal challenges. If you’re interested in working at the intersection of data, law, and economics, the firm provides a clear path to develop expertise in financial and litigation consulting.

Key statistics and profile of Cornerstone Research

Cornerstone Research is headquartered in San Francisco and employs more than 900 professionals across the United States, London, and Brussels, making it one of the largest economic consulting firms focused on litigation and regulatory matters.

Over more than three decades, the firm has developed a strong reputation for combining academic rigor with practical business insight. Its experts include leading university professors, economists, and data scientists who collaborate with attorneys and corporate clients to support high-impact legal cases.

Key facts about Cornerstone Research:

• Founded: 1989
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California
• Employees: 900+ globally
• Offices: 9 (7 in the U.S., 2 international – London and Brussels)
• Leadership: Rahul Guha (CEO) and Yesim Richardson (President)
• Revenue: Estimated $270 million (privately held)

The firm is privately owned and has sustained steady growth thanks to its specialization in financial and economic analysis consulting. Its clients include top law firms, Fortune 500 companies, and regulatory agencies seeking expert guidance on complex economic disputes.

Cornerstone Research’s combination of academic collaboration, rigorous analysis, and global reach makes it a trusted partner in both U.S. and European legal systems.

History and evolution of Cornerstone Research’s consulting practice

Cornerstone Research was founded in 1989 by three former consultants who recognized a growing need for specialized litigation consulting services combining economic theory and real-world data. From its early offices in Menlo Park and Boston, the firm built close relationships with leading academic experts to provide credible, research-based testimony in legal cases.

Over the next three decades, the firm expanded nationally and internationally, opening offices in major financial and legal centers such as New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, London, and Brussels. This expansion allowed Cornerstone Research to support global clients across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory environments.

Several milestones shaped the firm’s evolution:

• Early collaboration with top university economists established its academic credibility.
• Entry into antitrust and securities litigation solidified its leadership in financial analysis.
• Expansion into international arbitration and data privacy reflected the growing global scope of litigation.
• Adoption of advanced statistical and econometric tools improved the precision of its findings.

Today, Cornerstone Research remains one of the few consulting firms that blend economic modeling, expert witness support, and litigation strategy. Its growth has been steady and deliberate, maintaining a collegial culture focused on accuracy, mentorship, and thought leadership in economic consulting.

What are the practice areas and industries served by Cornerstone Research?

Cornerstone Research provides expert consulting across more than 20 practice areas, including financial and economic analysis consulting in antitrust, securities, intellectual property, and valuation disputes. The firm also works across diverse industries, helping clients quantify market effects, damages, and regulatory impact.

Major Practice Areas:

• Antitrust and Competition
• Securities and Financial Markets
• Intellectual Property and Valuation
• Consumer Fraud and Product Liability
• Bankruptcy and Financial Distress
• Corporate Governance and Investigations
• Data Privacy and Algorithmic Bias
• International Arbitration and Trade

Industries Served:

• Financial services and fintech
• Healthcare and life sciences
• Technology and telecommunications
• Energy, commodities, and manufacturing
• Private equity and venture capital
• Real estate and hospitality

This combination of legal expertise and industry specialization allows Cornerstone Research to support attorneys and regulators on cases requiring deep sector knowledge. Consultants often tailor their analyses to match industry-specific data structures, market behaviors, and regulatory standards.

Where are Cornerstone Research’s global offices located?

Cornerstone Research operates nine offices worldwide, enabling close collaboration with law firms and regulatory agencies across major financial hubs. The economic consulting firm maintains a strong U.S. presence complemented by two European offices that serve global clients in litigation and arbitration.

Office Locations:

• United States: San Francisco (HQ), Boston, New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Chicago, Silicon Valley
• International: London (UK), Brussels (Belgium)

Each location contributes specialized expertise. For example, London and Brussels focus on antitrust and regulatory economics within the European Union, while the San Francisco and New York teams lead in technology, securities, and financial market analysis.

This distributed model ensures the firm can provide regionally informed support while maintaining consistent analytical quality across all cases.

How are careers structured at Cornerstone Research?

Careers at Cornerstone Research are designed to build technical, analytical, and communication expertise through hands-on experience in litigation and expert witness consulting. Analysts and Associates collaborate with economists, attorneys, and academic experts to deliver evidence-based analyses supporting high-profile cases.

Typical Career Path:

• Analyst (Undergraduate entry-level)
• Associate (Postgraduate or PhD entry)
• Senior Consultant
• Manager and Principal
• Leadership Roles (Vice President, Managing Director)

Analysts focus on quantitative modeling, case research, and data visualization. Associates lead workstreams, mentor analysts, and liaise with experts. Advancement is based on performance, project experience, and demonstrated leadership rather than fixed tenure.

Cornerstone Research values mentorship and professional development. Employees receive ongoing training in econometrics, financial modeling, and litigation strategy, preparing them for roles in consulting, academia, or law.

What should you expect during the interview and application process?

The Cornerstone Research interview process typically includes two rounds combining behavioral and case interviews. Candidates are evaluated on analytical reasoning, attention to detail, and communication skills rather than industry-specific experience.

Interview Breakdown:

• First Round: Two 30-minute virtual interviews featuring personal fit and case questions.
• Final Round: Four 45-minute interviews, including advanced case discussions and informal meetings with current consultants.

Cases mirror real litigation scenarios involving data interpretation, statistical reasoning, and financial logic. Preparation in Excel modeling, regression analysis, and structured problem solving helps candidates perform well.

What are exit opportunities and long-term benefits of working at Cornerstone Research?

Working at Cornerstone Research provides long-term career benefits, from graduate school admissions to transitions into law, finance, or broader litigation consulting services. Alumni often pursue advanced degrees or leadership roles in government, academia, and corporate strategy.

Common Exit Paths:

• Top graduate programs in economics, finance, and law
• Roles in regulatory bodies or policy think tanks
• Transitions to law firms or financial institutions
• Returns to Cornerstone at Associate or Consultant level post-graduate study

The firm supports graduate applications with mentorship and flexible timelines. Its reputation for analytical rigor and professional training makes former employees attractive to both academic and corporate recruiters.

Is Cornerstone Research a good fit for you?

Cornerstone Research is ideal for individuals who enjoy quantitative analysis, academic collaboration, and structured problem solving in a legal context. The environment is fast-paced, data-intensive, and best suited for candidates who thrive under pressure and value intellectual rigor.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Enjoy applying economic principles to real-world disputes
• Have strong technical skills in data and finance
• Value mentorship and research-driven teamwork
• Are comfortable with demanding deadlines and analytical challenges

However, candidates seeking creative strategy or operational consulting may find the work narrower in scope. Still, for those drawn to the intersection of law, economics, and analytics, Cornerstone Research offers an exceptional foundation for a specialized consulting career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What services does Cornerstone Research provide in commercial litigation?
A: Cornerstone Research provides economic and financial analysis, expert witness consulting, and data-driven litigation support for law firms and corporations involved in commercial disputes.

Q: How much do interns get paid at Cornerstone Research?
A: Interns at Cornerstone Research typically earn around $5,000 to $6,000 per month, reflecting competitive compensation among economic consulting firms.

Q: How many hours do you work at Cornerstone Research?
A: Employees at Cornerstone Research generally work 50 to 60 hours per week, depending on case timelines and the intensity of litigation support analytics.

Q: How prestigious is Cornerstone Research compared to other consulting firms?
A: Cornerstone Research is considered a highly prestigious firm within economic consulting, comparable in reputation to top litigation-focused consultancies like Analysis Group and NERA Economic Consulting.

Q: How to join Cornerstone Research as an analyst or associate?
A: To join Cornerstone Research as an analyst or associate, candidates apply through campus recruiting or online portals and complete case and behavioral interviews focused on data analysis and economics.