Associate - Employment - Los Angeles - McDermott Will & Emery Careers

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.

Job Description:

McDermott is seeking a high-performing Associate with 3-4 years of experience who is highly successful in their current position, preferably at a top AmLaw firm, who loves their work, strives for excellence in all they do, and want to be in a fast-paced, high quality, dynamic Employment Practice Group. Associates who excel in high-performance environments and are accustomed to maintaining rigorous work schedules are encouraged to apply. This associate will be in our Los Angeles office.

Applications should be submitted online through our web apply portal. Questions can be directed to Amanda Ryan, Talent Acquisition Manager, Associates, at apryan@mwe.com.

Job Requirements:

3 to 4 years of Employment advice and litigation in California and in the following subject matters: wage-hour class actions, PAGA class actions, single-plaintiff and discrimination, harassment, retaliation. Non-compete/trade secret matters and traditional labor experience a plus.
Excellent writing and analytical skills are a must, along with a strong academic background.
Must be admitted to practice in CA.

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

Apply Now

Associate – Employment – Los Angeles