Associate - Employment - Chicago

McDermott Will & Schulte; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 235,000 - 455,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Top benefits

Award-winning professional development

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

McDermott Will & Schulte in Chicago seeks an Associate with 4–7 years of employment-law experience to join our Employment Practice Group. You will work on wage-and-hour counseling and litigation, including class and collective actions, and contribute to complex employment litigation.

The ideal candidate has strong writing, research and analytical skills, solid academics, and is admitted to the Illinois Bar. We value collaboration, growth, and a culture of belonging.

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of employment law experience with focus on wage-and-hour matters.
• Experience with class and collective actions, including wage-and-hour matters.
• Demonstrated litigation, writing, research and analytical abilities.
• Admission to the Illinois Bar.

Responsibilities

• Join the Employment Practice Group in the Chicago office.
• Advise and litigate on wage-and-hour counseling and complex employment matters.
• Contribute to client counseling, strategy, and case development.

Skills

Employment law experience

Wage-and-hour counseling

Litigation experience

Class actions & collective actions

Writing and research skills

Analytical skills

Strong academic credentials

Illinois Bar admission

Job description

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,450 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 others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work.

Here, 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 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 all 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 McDermott Well program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.
• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.

Job Description

McDermott is seeking an Associate with 4–7 years of experience to join our Employment Practice Group in our Chicago office. The ideal candidate will have meaningful experience with wage-and-hour counseling and litigation, including class and collective action matters, or other complex employment litigation.

Job Requirements

• 4–7 years of employment law experience, with a strong preference for candidates with substantive wage-and-hour counseling and litigation experience.
• Meaningful experience with class and collective actions, including wage-and-hour matters, or other complex employment litigation.
• Strong litigation, writing, research and analytical skills, along with strong academic credentials.
• Admission to the Illinois Bar.

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: 2026/2025 Class Compensation Years: $235,000

2024 Class Compensation Years: $245,000

2023 Class Compensation Years: $270,000

2022 Class Compensation Years: $320,000

2021 Class Compensation Years: $385,000

2020 Class Compensation Years: $410,000

2019 Class Compensation Years: $440,000

2018 and more senior class compensation years: $455,000