2027 1L Fellowship - Los Angeles

McDermott Will & Schulte; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 183,000 - 228,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly salary

Law school scholarship

Job summary

McDermott Will & Schulte's Summer Associate Program invites current 1Ls to work on real client matters and learn from partner mentors in Los Angeles.

The program emphasizes growth with writing workshops, practical sessions, and feedback, plus wellness resources to support balance inside and outside the office.

1L Fellows receive a weekly salary and a $15,000 scholarship upon completion, with the option to return as a 2L Summer Associate.

Qualifications

• Enrolled at a U.S. ABA-accredited law school
• Strong record of academic and personal achievement
• Genuine interest in pursuing a career at McDermott after graduation
• Intend to live and practice in the metropolitan area of office

Responsibilities

• Assume associate-level assignments for real clients
• Receive mentorship from partners and formal feedback
• Participate in writing workshops and substantive practice groups

Skills

Academic excellence

Education

ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Your legal career starts with work that matters. From day one, you’ll take on associate-level assignments for real clients and learn directly from partners who are invested in your success.

Each summer associate is paired with one or more dedicated mentors who offer day‑to‑day guidance and practical advice on the move from law school to a law firm. Formal feedback at the midpoint and end of the program shows you where you’re strong and what to focus on next.

The program is built around your professional growth and well‑being. Writing workshops, hands‑on skills sessions, and substantive practice group programming help you build confidence and sharpen your legal skills. Through McDermott Well, you’ll have access to resources and events on balance and resilience, helping you feel supported in and out of the office.

We celebrate individuality and make space for you to bring your full self to the table, guided by trust and respect. You’ll meet lawyers and fellow summer associates across the firm, join a community built on collaboration and giving back, and build relationships that will last beyond the summer.

For more information regarding our initiatives, please view our recruiting brochure: https://www.mcdermottlaw.com/pdf/join-us-at-mcdermott/

1L Fellowship

We offer our 2027 1L Fellowship in the Los Angeles office.

• 1L Fellows take part in every aspect of the Summer Associate Program, with extensive training, networking, and social opportunities.
• In addition to a weekly salary of $4,519, 1L Fellows receive a $15,000 scholarship toward their law school education upon completing the 2027 Summer Associate Program.
• 1L Fellows have the option to return as 2L Summer Associates in 2028.

Eligibility

We welcome applications from any law student who is enrolled at a U.S. ABA-accredited law school with:

• A strong record of academic and personal achievement
• A demonstrated focus in a general practice area offered in your office of interest
• A genuine interest in pursuing a career at McDermott upon graduation
• The intent to live and practice in the metropolitan area of your office of interest
• Anticipated JD graduation in Spring 2029

Application Process

We Will Accept Applications On a Rolling Basis Beginning October 15, 2026. Students Must Apply Through Our Web Application Portal At Www.mcdermottlaw.com/careers In Order To Be Considered. Please Submit The Following

• Resume
• Cover letter (indicating practice area(s) of interest; if applying to multiple offices, please indicate your order of preference, along with any ties to those markets not reflected in your resume)
• Writing sample (your own work; if you don’t yet have one from law school, a sample from a prior academic program is acceptable)
• Undergraduate and any applicable graduate transcript
• Law school transcript (depending on when you apply, it may not yet show grades)