Associate – Private Client – Washington, DC

McDermott Will & Schulte; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 235,000 - 455,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott Will & Schulte in Washington, DC seeks an associate with 2 to 5 years of experience to join the Private Client Practice Group. The role emphasizes estate planning and wealth-transfer work under senior attorneys.

The candidate will draft and review estate planning documents, support estate administration, and engage in tax planning. DC Bar admission is required; strong writing and analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience drafting standard and sophisticated estate planning documents.
• Exposure to wealth-transfer strategies under supervision of senior attorneys.
• Bar admission to the DC Bar is required.
• Strong writing, speaking, research and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review estate planning documents and assist with structuring wealth transfers.
• Assist with estate administration and preparation/review of federal gift and estate tax returns.
• Collaborate with clients and co-advisors under supervision of senior attorneys.

Skills

Estate planning

Tax planning

Legal writing

Client relations

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

LLM in Taxation (optional)

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.

Our Washington, DC office is seeking an associate with 2 to 5 years of experience to join our growing Private Client Practice Group.

Questions can be directed to Amy Gillmore, Talent Acquisition Manager at [e-mail].

Job Requirements

• Experience drafting standard and sophisticated estate planning documents and providing support on structuring and implementing wealth-transfer strategies under the guidance of senior attorneys.
• Exposure to estate administration and assisting with the preparation, review, and filing of federal gift and estate tax returns.
• Experience with domestic estate, gift, and income tax planning; experience with international income, gift and estate tax planning is a plus.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, collaborative, and client-focused practice.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain productive relationships with clients and co-advisors.
• Excellent writing, speaking, research, and analytical abilities, paired with a strong academic background.
• LLM in Taxation is a plus but not required.
• Must be able to be admitted to the DC 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