Associate – Private Client – Washington, DC

McDermott; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 235,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness program

Competitive compensation

Top benefits

Award-winning professional development

Job summary

McDermott Will & Schulte in Washington, DC seeks an associate with 2 to 5 years of Private Client experience to join our growing team. You will draft estate planning documents, assist with wealth-transfer strategies, and support estate tax filings under senior attorneys.

Strong writing, research, and organizational skills are essential, with DC Bar admission required. LLM in Taxation is a plus; the firm emphasizes wellness, competitive compensation, and professional development in a

Qualifications

• Experience drafting standard and sophisticated estate planning documents and supporting wealth-transfer strategies under senior attorneys.
• Exposure to estate administration and assisting with federal gift and estate tax returns.
• Experience with domestic estate, gift, and income tax planning; international tax experience a plus.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, collaborative, client-focused practice.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage client and co-advisor relationships.
• Excellent writing, speaking, research, and analytical abilities.
• LLM in Taxation is a plus but not required.
• Must be admitted to the DC Bar.

Responsibilities

• Draft standard and sophisticated estate planning documents and support wealth-transfer structuring.
• Assist with estate administration and preparing, reviewing, and filing gift and estate tax returns.
• Support tax planning work across domestic and international contexts.
• Collaborate in a fast-paced, client-focused Private Client practice.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients and co-advisors.
• Contribute high-quality writing and research to matters.

Skills

Estate planning

Tax knowledge

Writing

Client relations

Research

Organization

Education

DC Bar admission

LLM in Taxation

Job description

Associate – Private Client – Washington, DC

Build your big career with the firm that doesBig Law, Better. M c Dermott 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 M c Dermott 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.

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#AlwaysBetterfor 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 M c Dermott, 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