Private Client Associate

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 for Private Client with 2–5 years of estate planning experience to join our Private Client Practice Group.

You will draft standard and sophisticated estate planning documents, support wealth-transfer strategies, and assist with estate administration and the filing of federal gift and estate tax returns. Domestic tax planning is required; international planning a plus. DC Bar admission is required.

Qualifications

• Experience drafting standard and sophisticated estate planning documents.
• Support wealth-transfer strategy implementation under senior attorneys.
• Exposure to estate administration and filing federal gift and estate tax returns.
• Domestic estate, gift, and income tax planning; international planning a plus.
• DC Bar admission required; LLM a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Draft estate planning documents and advise clients on wealth transfer.
• Assist with estate administration, including filings with tax authorities.
• Support tax planning across domestic and international matters.
• Collaborate with senior attorneys to structure and implement plans.
• Maintain productive client and advisor relationships with strong communication.

Skills

Estate planning

Tax planning

Client relationship management

Legal drafting

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission to DC

LLM in Taxation (a plus)

Job description

Overview

• Experience drafting standard and sophisticated estate planning documents and supporting wealth-transfer strategy implementation under the guidance of senior attorneys.
• Exposure to estate administration, including assisting with the preparation, review, and filing of federal gift and estate tax returns.
• Required experience includes domestic estate, gift, and income tax planning; international income, gift, and estate tax planning is a plus.
• An LLM in Taxation is a plus but not required.

Posting details

Associate – Private Client – Washington, DC

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.

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.

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