Associate – Antitrust/Competition – Chicago or Washington, DC

Associate – Antitrust/Competition – Chicago or Washington, DC

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 USA Today, Fortune,  The American Lawyer,  Vault and the Human Rights Campaign, among others. 

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, through 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.

Associate – Antitrust/Competition – Chicago or Washington, DC

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 USA Today, Fortune,  The American Lawyer,  Vault and the Human Rights Campaign, among others. 

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, through 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 67% of our associates to earn above the Cravath scale in 2024.

The Antitrust/Competition Practice Group is seeking an associate with 2 to 4 years of experience to join our Chicago or Washington, DC office. Candidates must be submitted online through our web-apply portal for consideration. Questions can be directed to Amy Gillmore, Talent Acquisition Manager at agillmore@mwe.com.

Job Requirements:

• 2 to 4 years of experience with antitrust issues, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions / merger clearance, counseling, investigations and litigation.
• Experience with HSR matters involving any type of overlaps or vertical relationships is a plus.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.
• First rate organizational skills and ability to manage productive relationships with clients and co-advisors.
• Excellent writing, speaking, researching, and analytical skills, along with a strong academic background.
• Must be able to be admitted to the DC or 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: 2025/2024 Class Compensation Years: $225,000

     2023 Class Compensation Years: $235,000

     2022 Class Compensation Years: $260,000

     2021 Class Compensation Years: $310,000

     2020 Class Compensation Years: $365,000

     2019 Class Compensation Years: $390,000

     2018 Class Compensation Years: $420,000

     2017 and more senior class compensation years: $435,000