Associate - Employment - Chicago

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,450 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work. Here, 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 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 all 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 McDermott Well program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance. Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence. Job Description McDermott is seeking an Associate with 4–7 years of experience to join our Employment Practice Group in our Chicago office. The ideal candidate will have meaningful experience with wage-and-hour counseling and litigation, including class and collective action matters, or other complex employment litigation. Applications should be submitted online through our web apply portal. Questions can be directed to Amanda Ryan, Talent Acquisition Manager, Associates, at apryan@mcdermottlaw.com Job Requirements 4–7 years of employment law experience, with a strong preference for candidates with substantive wage-and-hour counseling and litigation experience.Meaningful experience with class and collective actions, including wage-and-hour matters, or other complex employment litigation.Strong litigation, writing, research and analytical skills, along with strong academic credentials.Admission to the Illinois Bar. 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: 2026/2025 Class Compensation Years: $235,000 2024 Class Compensation Years: $245,000 2023 Class Compensation Years: $270,000 2022 Class Compensation Years: $320,000 2021 Class Compensation Years: $385,000 2020 Class Compensation Years: $410,000 2019 Class Compensation Years: $440,000 2018 and more senior class compensation years: $455,000 Firm AboutOfficesNewsroomAlumniCareers Sign In McDermott Access Related Sites McDermott+Farragut Square Group Connect ContactSubscribe ALWAYS BETTER Legal Notices/ImprintPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseSitemap Attorney advertising © 2026 McDermott Will & Schulte Disclaimer Do not send any information or documents that you want to have treated as secret or confidential. Providing information to McDermott Will & Schulte via email links on this website or other introductory email communications will not create an attorney-client relationship; will not preclude McDermott Will & Schulte from representing any other person or firm in any matter; and will not obligate McDermott Will & Schulte to keep confidential the information you provide. McDermott Will & Schulte cannot enter into an attorney-client relationship with you until McDermott Will & Schulte has determined that doing so will not create a conflict of interest and until you and McDermott Will & Schulte have entered into a written agreement or engagement letter that sets forth the terms of our relationship.