2027 1L Fellowship - New York

McDermott Will & Schulte; New York (NY); On-site; USD 183,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott Will & Schulte in New York offers a 1L Fellowship as part of its Summer Associate Program. Fellows receive a weekly salary and a scholarship, with opportunities to return as a 2L Summer Associate and participate in extensive training and networking.

The program emphasizes mentorship, writing workshops, practical advice, and professional growth, helping associates balance work and well-being while engaging with clients and partners across the firm.

Qualifications

• Strong academic record and personal achievement
• Clear interest in a general practice area offered in your office of interest
• Genuine interest in pursuing a career at McDermott upon graduation
• Intention to live and practice in the New York metropolitan area (office of interest)
• Anticipated JD graduation in Spring 2029

Responsibilities

• Support the Summer Associate program with training, networking, and social opportunities
• Engage in mentorship and guidance from partners, with feedback at midpoint and end of program

Skills

Academic excellence

Practice area interest

Commitment to firm

Willingness to live in metro area

Education

Enrolled in ABA-accredited JD program

Anticipated JD graduation 2029

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 New York 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)