Associate – Privacy & Cybersecurity – Chicago, Los Angeles or Washington, DC

Associate – Privacy & Cybersecurity – Chicago, Los Angeles 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 The American Lawyer, Working Mother Magazine, Vault 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 Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice group is seeking an Associate with 4-6 years of experience. Preference is for candidates to join our Chicago, Los Angeles or Washington, DC office, however we will consider candidates interested in other US office locations. Applications should be submitted via our web apply portal. Questions can be directed to Amy Gillmore, Talent Acquisition Manager, at agillmore@mwe.com 

Description: The position offers front-line, meaningful responsibility to advise clients on a range of US-focused privacy and other “data”-related compliance counseling. Responsibilities will include leading projects and direct interface with clients; compliance gap assessments; developing comprehensive compliance programs; drafting policies, procedures, and guidance (privacy policies, business-facing guidance, DSR procedures, incident response plans and tabletop exercises, contracting templates and playbooks, data sale/sharing/targeted advertising advice, etc.); contracting and playbook development; and assisting clients with determining priorities, risks, and implementation of compliance programs. 

The position will largely involve working one-on-one with supervising partners but may on occasion involve supervision of paralegals and more junior lawyers. 

Job Requirements:

• 4-6 years of practical data privacy counseling experience. At this time we are not looking for candidates whose practice has been focused on incident response, M&A diligence, or cybersecurity. 
• Specific experience providing practical advice and implementing state privacy laws (such as CCPA, WA MHMD, and other equivalent state privacy laws) is required.
• Specific experience with adtech and cookies/online trackers, including TCPA, CANSPAM, DAA/NAI/IAB self-regulatory rules, etc. is strongly preferred.
• Specific experience with the financial and health/life sciences sectors, including specific experience with GLBA, CalFIPA, FCRA, insurance privacy, FTC/CFPB rules (such as Reg P and Safeguards Rule), HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and state health privacy laws is strongly preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail are necessary as well as strong verbal and written communication abilities. 
• A self-starter with the ability to prioritize workload with competing demands, display good judgment, work well under pressure, and frame advice/analysis practically based on risks. 
• Must be capable of working (and frankly enjoy working) in a collaborative, congenial environment. 
• Proven ability to independently manage matters, or meaningful segments of large/complex matters, and to facilitate pushing projects to completion.
• Candidates with large law firm experience only (boutique specialists may be considered as well)
• Certified Information Privacy Professionals are preferred but not mandatory, including the following certifications: CIPP-US, CIPT, and CIPM
• Must be admitted to practice in the jurisdiction in which you are applying.

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