2026 1L Inclusion Fellowship – Washington D.C.

Students looking for a firm that encourages them to be their authentic selves while becoming indispensable to clients should look no further than McDermott. One of the fastest-growing firms in the AmLaw 25, we give our summer associates the opportunity to do meaningful work from the start. Each summer is paired with a dedicated mentor (or mentors) who provide day-to-day guidance and practical advice about transitioning from law school to life in a law firm. In addition to this informal coaching, summers receive formal feedback at both the program midpoint and conclusion.

Our program is designed to support professional growth as well as personal well-being. Summer associates participate in a robust series of training opportunities, including writing workshops, hands-on skills sessions, and substantive practice group programming to help them build confidence and sharpen their legal skills. Complementing this, our wellbeing program offers resources and events focused on balance, resilience, and overall wellness, ensuring our summers feel supported both inside and outside of work.

At McDermott, inclusion, wellness, and community involvement are valued just as highly as client service, and our summer associates experience the Firm’s commitment to those values firsthand. For more information regarding our initiatives, please view our recruiting brochure: Join Us at McDermott – McDermott Will & Schulte

Inclusion Fellowship

As part of McDermott’s longstanding commitment to promoting a more equitable & inclusive law firm, we are proud to offer our 1L Inclusion Fellowship Program in our Washington D.C. office.

• The 1L Fellow will be included in all aspects of the McDermott Summer Associate Program, including extensive training, networking, integration and social opportunities.
• In addition to a weekly salary of $4,326, our 1L Inclusion Fellows will receive a $15,000 scholarship toward their law school education at the completion of the 2026 Summer Program
• Fellows who successfully complete the 1L fellowship program are also eligible to earn an offer to return as a 2027 Summer Associate.

• A commitment to promoting inclusion within the firm as a product of life experiences or challenges/ obstacles in advancing professional objectives
• A strong record of academic and personal achievement
• A genuine interest in pursuing a career at McDermott upon graduation
• The intent to live and practice in the city or region in which the office is located
• An anticipated JD graduation date of Spring 2028 at the time of application

Application Process

We will accept applications on a rolling basis beginning October 13, 2025. Students must apply through our web application portal at www.MWE.com/Careers in order to be considered. Please submit your resume, writing sample, cover letter (indicating practice area(s) of interest), undergraduate transcript and law school transcript (if it is available to you at the time), and a personal statement of 1000 words or less that narrates why you want to be a lawyer and what inclusion at a law firm means to you.