Join the World's Top Legal Talent Network

Build your big career with the Firm that does Big Law better. McDermott Will & Emery is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,400 lawyers and 1,200 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by The American Lawyer, Working Mother Magazine, Vault and the Human Rights Campaign.

At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office, with our attorneys receiving personalized guidance, structured mentorship and confidential career coaching.

With us, you’ll find:

• A Firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!
• Enthusiasm for diverse perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.
• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental and financial health, with an emphasis on work/life balance. We’re proud to be the first firm to offer billable hours for wellness.
• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence. Our individual merit-based system enabled 65% of our associates to earn above the Cravath scale in 2023.

Job Description:

The Washington, D.C. office is seeking a 2nd to 3rd year Associate for our Supreme Court and Appellate team in our Litigation Practice Group. Applications should be submitted online through our web apply portal. Questions can be directed to Amanda Ryan, Lateral Associate Recruiting Manager, at apryan@mwe.com.

Job Requirements:

• Must be a current member of the DC bar or eligible for waive-in
• Must have outstanding academic credentials from a top-tier school and strong writing skills
• Appellate litigation experience required, with a preference for past appellate clerkship experience
• Current judicial clerks are encouraged to apply

As part of our ongoing commitment to be #AlwaysBetter for our people, clients and communities, we have created a culture of belonging that champions your individuality as both a person and a professional. From our competitive compensation, top benefits and award-winning professional development programs to industry-leading wellness initiatives, we support you through every stage of your life and career. With McDermott, you can live a life you love both in and outside of the office.

Expected Pay Range for Associates: 2024/2023 Class Compensation Years: $225,000

                                                           2022 Class Compensation Years: $235,000

                                                           2021 Class Compensation Years: $260,000

                                                           2020 Class Compensation Years: $310,000

                                                           2019 Class Compensation Years: $365,000

                                                           2018 Class Compensation Years: $390,000

                                                           2017 Class Compensation Years: $420,000

                                                           2016 and more senior class compensation years: $435,000