Employment Associate

McDermott Will & Schulte; Illinois; On-site; USD 235,000 - 455,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott Will & Schulte in Chicago seeks an Associate with 4–7 years of Employment Practice experience to join our team. The ideal candidate will handle wage-and-hour counseling and litigation, including class and collective actions, and contribute to complex employment litigation.

You will work with skilled attorneys across the Employment Practice Group, develop strong writing and research abilities, and advance your career in a firm renowned for compensation and professional development.

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of employment law experience.
• Substantive wage-and-hour counseling and litigation experience preferred.
• Experience with class and collective actions.
• Admission to the Illinois Bar.
• Excellent writing, research and analytical skills.

Skills

Litigation

Wage-and-hour

Research

Writing

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Overview

Overview

• The role requires meaningful experience with wage-and-hour counseling and litigation, including class and collective action matters, or other complex employment litigation. There is a strong preference for candidates with substantive wage-and-hour counseling and litigation experience, coupled with strong litigation skills.

Posting details

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

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