Associate – Litigation – 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. Our Chicago Litigation team is growing, and we’re looking for a 3rd or 4th year associate who wants to be in the thick of high-stakes disputes rather than on the sidelines. You’ll join an expanding group of trial lawyers at McDermott Will & Schulte, an elite global firm. Here, talented associates are given real responsibility early and the chance to show what they can do. 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 Must be a current member of the Illinois bar Must have outstanding academic credentials and strong writing and oral advocacy skillsStrong writing and oral advocacy skills and the drive to put them to work immediatelyCurrent 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: 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 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.