2027 1L Fellowship - Washington, D.C.

McDermott Will & Schulte; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 183,000 - 228,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly salary $4,519

Law school scholarship $15,000

Potential to return as 2L Summer A

Job summary

McDermott Will & Schulte in Washington, D.C. offers its 1L Fellowship as a Summer Associate Program. You’ll handle associate-level assignments for real clients and learn directly from partners invested in your success.

The program pairs 1L Fellows with mentors, with extensive training, networking opportunities, and hands-on workshops to build confidence and legal skills. A weekly salary and a $15,000 scholarship support your education, with potential to return as a 2L Summer Associate.

Qualifications

• Anticipated JD graduation in Spring 2029.
• Strong academic and personal achievement is expected.

Responsibilities

• Associate-level assignments for real clients and mentorship from partners.
• Structured guidance through writing workshops, skills sessions, and practice-group programming.

Education

Anticipated JD graduation in Spring 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 Washington, D.C. 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

• 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