Associate – Litigation (Cryptocurrency Litigation & Regulatory Defense) – New York

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 The American LawyerWorking Mother MagazineVault and the Human Rights Campaign.

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, with our attorneys receiving 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 65% of our associates to earn above the Cravath scale in 2023.

The MWE crypto team is the largest group in the world that is crypto-exclusive.  Its members are required to spend 100% of their time working for crypto and blockchain clients.  This job posting is for a spot on the MWE crypto team for a 2-6 year associate.  Unlike many BigLaw roles, this spot is industry-exclusive but practice group agnostic.  While the team only works for crypto and blockchain clients, the crypto associates at MWE gain hands-on experience in a wide-range of practices areas, including  crypto litigation, crypto bankruptcy litigation, regulatory advice, state licensing and trust charters, and enforcement defense. 

MWE crypto is top-ranked by Chambers, the American LawyerLaw360, and the Legal500.  The head of the group has been a leading crypto-law practitioner since 2013.  He is one of only 10 lawyers that is Chambers ranked in Crypto Asset Disputes.  MWE crypto is proud to represent the most prominent crypto companies in the world, lead cutting-edge crypto litigation, represent the most important crypto creditors committees and debtors in bankruptcy, and guide start-ups breaking into the industry.  There is rarely a prominent crypto bankruptcy or litigation for which MWE crypto is not playing a key role.

We are looking for a crypto-enthusiast who is ready to join one of the most fast-paced legal teams in the world.  Crypto and blockchain knowledge is required.  The ideal applicant has prior relevant experience or a demonstrated interest in crypto law. 

Job Requirements:

  • Must be a current member of the New York bar or barred in the state in which you practice.
  • Must have outstanding academic credentials from a top-tier school and strong writing skills
  • Strong working knowledge of cryptocurrency and blockchain is required.
  • Experience in cryptocurrency-related litigation, regulatory advice, or government investigations is preferred. 

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: 2024/2023 Class Compensation Years: $225,000

                                                           2022 Class Compensation Years: $235,000

                                                           2021 Class Compensation Years: $260,000

                                                           2020 Class Compensation Years: $310,000

                                                           2019 Class Compensation Years: $365,000

                                                           2018 Class Compensation Years: $390,000

                                                           2017 Class Compensation Years: $420,000

                                                           2016 and more senior class compensation years: $435,000

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