Health remains a priority in more ways than one at this Chicago outfit, combining this expertise with “incredible” personal and professional development.
McDermott Lateral Profile 2024
You might be familiar with the status McDermott’s earned in the healthcare space – our associate sources certainly were. “The reputation was what really drew me in,” one interviewee confirmed. It’s a reputation rightfully bestowed on the firm, backed by its top-of-the-charts Chambers USA accolade for its nationwide healthcare expertise which sees the firm work with some of the biggest players in the field. But we’d be remiss not to mention some of the other medals McDermott’s earned. “McDermott touted itself as a full-service firm,” one interviewee reflected of their interview process, “and they really meant that. They offer everything from big transactions and corporate, to smaller specialized practices.”
View the firm’s Chambers USA rankings
Read the firm’s Inside View feature on junior associate life
Why did you join your firm? Associates say…
“It’s very collaborative. Cross-office work is very common and provides opportunity to work with a broad range of partners and a broad spectrum of work.”
“How valued my voice was having come to the firm in a non-traditional way.”
“McDermott must be the most transparent BigLaw firm. We have monthly associate meetings with firm leadership that are quite detailed, and partners themselves are open and honest in responding to any questions that I have.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
46 |
0.7 : 1 |
94% |
||
|
partners made in 2023 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
81% |
81% |
89% |
||
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with children | felt partnership was achievable at the firm | agreed partners are nurturing future leaders |
||
Hours & Compensation
|
2,000 |
11 |
52 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
78% |
83% |
92% |
| agreed they had a good work-life balance |
said the benefits package makes the workload worthwhile |
found the bonus allocation fair and transparent |
Salaries
1st year: $225,000
2nd year: $235,000
3rd year: $260,000
4th year: $310,000
5th year: $365,000
6th year: $390,000
7th year: $420,000
8th year: $435,000
Is McDermott the right firm for you?
|
89% |
100% |
92% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work is interesting |
felt comfortable being themselves at work |
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“The firm has an extremely friendly culture, where smart and driven people work collaboratively to solve interesting problems. The associates I work with are genuinely friends in a way that I have not seen at other firms.”
“There is an emphasis on well-being, and it is completely acceptable to draw boundaries to protect your personal life. Family obligations are seen as just as important as work and there is a respect for the fact that we are all people outside of our jobs.”
“People value you and your career, making you instantly feel like part of the team.”
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
92% |
32% |
34% |
||
|
reported diverse staffing on teams/cases/matters |
of partners are women |
identify as ethnically diverse |
||
Pro Bono
|
47.5 |
94% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: Estrella Santos-Zacaria (civil rights, transgender rights, immigration); Legal Action Chicago and National Housing Law Project (public housing); White Rock Chapel (right to operate); Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (immigration); Dr. Michael Zagatin (asylum).
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Erika Gardiner, Director of Associate Recruiting