Associate – Corporate (M&A/Private Equity) – San Francisco

 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, FortuneThe American LawyerVault 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.

Job Description:

We are seeking to hire an associate with 3-5 years of experience for the Corporate Transactions Practice Area in our San Francisco office only. Note: This is not a remote position. Associates come into the office approximately 3 times a week. ALL Applications should be submitted online through our web apply portal. Questions can be directed to Renee Richford, Lateral Associate Recruiting Manager, at Rrichford@mwe.com.

Job Requirements:

  1. 3-5 years of Corporate Transactional experience with a focus on Mergers & Acquisitions, and Private Equity
  2. Strong academic background
  3. Excellent analytical and writing skills
  4. Applicants must be admitted to the CA 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