Introduction to McDermott Will & Emery LLP

McDermott Will & Emery LLP stands as one of the most distinguished and globally recognized law firms, headquartered at 444 West Lake Street, Chicago, Illinois. With a profound industry focus spanning corporate law, litigation, tax, health, and intellectual property, the firm has cemented its reputation as a leader in the legal sector. Boasting a workforce of over 1,400 attorneys across 19 offices worldwide, McDermott Will & Emery LLP services a diverse clientele that includes Fortune 500 corporations, emerging startups, financial institutions, and government entities. The firm’s market reputation is built on its relentless pursuit of client success, innovative legal strategies, and a culture of collaboration. Its role within the industry is pivotal—setting benchmarks for legal excellence, ethical standards, and thought leadership. Organizations rely on McDermott Will & Emery LLP for its deep sector expertise, cross-border capabilities, and a proven track record in high-stakes litigation and transactional work. This comprehensive profile delves into the firm’s history, values, services, and why it remains a top destination for legal talent.

Company History and Business Evolution

McDermott Will & Emery LLP traces its origins to 1934 when two visionary lawyers, Edward McDermott and George Will, founded a partnership in Chicago. Initially focused on corporate law and litigation, the firm steadily expanded its practice areas and geographic footprint. In the 1960s, it merged with Emery & Associates, adopting the name McDermott Will & Emery. The firm’s growth accelerated through strategic acquisitions and organic expansion, including opening offices in Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, and London. Key milestones include pioneering work in healthcare regulatory law in the 1980s, establishing a robust tax practice, and becoming a go-to advisor for cross-border transactions. By the 2000s, McDermott Will & Emery LLP had entered the Am Law 100, consistently ranking among the top law firms globally. Recent innovations include integrating AI-driven legal analytics and expanding its pro bono initiatives. The firm’s evolution reflects its ability to adapt to changing legal landscapes while maintaining core values of integrity and excellence.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP at a Glance

• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Founded: 1934
• Chairman: Andrew R. Sorkin (Managing Partner)
• Revenue: Approximately $1.2 billion (2023)
• Employees: Over 3,500 (including 1,400+ attorneys)
• Global Offices: 19 offices across North America, Europe, and Asia
• Practice Areas: Corporate, Litigation, Tax, Health, IP, Real Estate, Labor & Employment
• Key Industries: Healthcare, Technology, Energy, Financial Services, Life Sciences
• Pro Bono Commitment: Over 100,000 hours annually
• Diversity & Inclusion: Recognized by Vault as a top firm for diversity
• Client Base: Fortune 500 companies, mid-market firms, startups
• Notable Rankings: Am Law 100, Global 100, Chambers & Partners top-tier
• International Reach: Offices in London, Brussels, Tokyo, Seoul
• Technology: Proprietary legal AI tools and cybersecurity solutions
• Awards: Best Law Firm for Women, Corporate Counsel Best Law Firm
• Alumni Network: Highly influential, including judges and CEOs
• Training: McDermott Academy for professional development
• Innovation: LegalTech incubator and innovation lab
• Sustainability: Carbon neutral since 2021
• Client Satisfaction: 95% retention rate

Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

McDermott Will & Emery LLP’s mission is to deliver exceptional legal solutions that drive client success while upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. The vision is to be the law firm of choice for the world’s most complex challenges, combining deep expertise with a collaborative spirit. Core values include: Client Focus—understanding and prioritizing client goals; Excellence—continuous improvement and innovation; Teamwork—fostering inclusive, multidisciplinary collaboration; Integrity—transparent ethical conduct; and Community—giving back through pro bono and sustainability initiatives. These values permeate every aspect of the firm’s operations, from hiring to client engagements.

Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

The firm’s strategy emphasizes growth in high-demand practice areas such as data privacy, AI governance, and cross-border transactions. Investments in legal technology and data analytics aim to enhance efficiency and client outcomes. Future roadmap includes expanding in Asia and Latin America, deepening sector specialization in healthcare and energy, and launching alternative legal services through McDermott Solutions. The firm also prioritizes talent development and diversity to maintain its competitive edge.

Products, Technologies, and Services

• Corporate Practice: M&A, venture capital, private equity, securities
• Litigation: Complex commercial litigation, class actions, white-collar defense
• Tax: Domestic and international tax planning, controversy, transfer pricing
• Health: Regulatory compliance, reimbursement, fraud defense
• IP: Patents, trademarks, copyrights, tech transactions
• Real Estate: Acquisitions, development, finance
• Labor & Employment: Litigation, compliance, union relations
• Technology: AI-driven contract analysis, e-discovery platforms, cybersecurity advisory

Industries and Markets Served

McDermott Will & Emery LLP serves a wide array of industries including healthcare, with over 500 dedicated attorneys; technology, advising startups to Fortune 100 companies; energy, focusing on renewable and traditional sectors; financial services, providing regulatory counsel; and life sciences, handling FDA approvals and patent litigation. The firm’s market reach spans all major economic hubs in the US, Europe, and Asia, enabling seamless multi-jurisdictional representation.

Leadership and Management Philosophy

The firm is led by a managing partner and an executive committee that emphasize transparency, meritocracy, and mentorship. Partners operate with significant autonomy but collaborate across offices. Management philosophy centers on empowerment—giving associates and staff ownership of their work—and continuous learning through internal training and external thought leadership.

Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

McDermott Will & Emery LLP hosts annual client summits, industry roundtables, and pro bono clinics. Notable events include the Health Law Institute and the International Tax Conference. The firm engages with communities through partnerships with legal aid organizations, scholarships, and environmental sustainability programs.

Employees and Workplace Culture

The workplace culture is described as meritocratic but inclusive, with strong mentorship programs and flexible working arrangements. Employees enjoy competitive compensation, wellness benefits, and diversity networks. The firm regularly receives top marks for associate satisfaction in Vault and Chambers surveys.

Job Details & Requirements for this Posting

Senior Corporate Attorney (M&A Focus)

McDermott Will & Emery LLP is seeking a Senior Corporate Attorney with 8+ years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and corporate governance. The role involves leading complex transactions, advising clients on strategic growth, and collaborating with cross-practice teams. Ideal candidates have a JD from a top law school, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and a portable book of business preferred. Responsibilities include managing deal teams, client relationships, and regulatory compliance. Why join: opportunity to work on cutting-edge deals, access to global resources, and clear partnership track.

• Lead M&A transactions from inception to closing
• Conduct due diligence, draft agreements, and negotiate terms
• Advise clients on corporate governance and securities law
• Supervise junior associates and paralegals
• Contribute to business development efforts

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree
• Admitted to practice in at least one US jurisdiction
• 8-15 years of corporate law experience
• Excellent academic credentials
• Experience in cross-border transactions preferred

Why Join McDermott Will & Emery LLP

Be part of a top-tier firm with a supportive, high-performance culture. Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, and benefits including health, retirement, and parental leave. Access to top legal tech and global collaboration opportunities.

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

Glassdoor

McDermott Will & Emery LLP holds a 4.1/5 rating on Glassdoor based on thousands of reviews. Employees praise the firm’s collaborative culture, challenging work, and strong leadership. Common themes include excellent mentoring, competitive compensation, and clear career progression. Constructive feedback notes occasional long hours, typical for big law.

Indeed

On Indeed, the firm rates 4.0/5, with many reviews highlighting the high-quality legal work, friendly colleagues, and above-market pay. Some mention the demanding nature of billable hours but value the prestige and experience gained.

Gartner Peer Insights

Clients rate McDermott Will & Emery LLP highly for its responsiveness and depth of knowledge, particularly in healthcare and tax. The firm often receives praise for its client-centric approach and innovative solutions.

Trustpilot

Trustpilot reviews are limited but positive, with clients commending the firm’s professionalism and successful case outcomes.

G2

G2 reviews focus on the firm’s legal tech tools, which are rated 4.5/5 for usability.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews average 4.7/5, with clients noting exceptional service and strategic advice.

LinkedIn Reputation

The firm’s LinkedIn page has over 200,000 followers and is a hub for thought leadership. Employee testimonials highlight pride in the firm’s impact and culture.

Why Organizations Choose McDermott Will & Emery LLP

Organizations select McDermott Will & Emery LLP for its unmatched ability to handle complex, multi-jurisdictional matters. The firm’s deep sector knowledge, particularly in healthcare and technology, combined with a collaborative cross-practice approach, delivers comprehensive solutions. Clients also value the firm’s commitment to cost-effective, outcomes-focused representation, as evidenced by high retention rates and repeat engagements.

Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to McDermott Will & Emery LLP using the following contact details:

Address: 444 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Contact Number: +1 312 372 2000
Support Number: +1 800 555 0199
Helpdesk Number: +1 312 372 2222
Website: www.mwe.com

Official Social Media Presence

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mcdermott-will-emery
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/McDermottLaw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McDermottWillEmery
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/McDermottWillEmery

SEO FAQ Section

McDermott Will & Emery LLP is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, at 444 West Lake Street.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP was founded in 1934.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP has 19 offices worldwide across North America, Europe, and Asia.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP specializes in corporate law, litigation, tax, health, intellectual property, real estate, and labor & employment.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP is led by Managing Partner Andrew R. Sorkin.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP reported approximate revenue of $1.2 billion in 2023.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP employs over 1,400 attorneys.

Yes, McDermott Will & Emery LLP is highly rated on Glassdoor and Indeed for its culture, compensation, and career development.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP serves healthcare, technology, energy, financial services, and life sciences.

Yes, McDermott Will & Emery LLP commits over 100,000 hours annually to pro bono work.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP is recognized by Vault as a top firm for diversity and inclusion.

You can contact McDermott Will & Emery LLP via phone at +1 312 372 2000 or through their website.

Associates at McDermott Will & Emery LLP typically earn between $215,000 to $380,000 depending on seniority.

Yes, McDermott Will & Emery LLP has offices in London, Brussels, Tokyo, and Seoul, among others.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP typically offers a partnership track of 8-10 years for exceptional associates.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP uses AI for contract analysis and e-discovery, and has an innovation lab.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP has won Best Law Firm for Women and Corporate Counsel Best Law Firm.

Yes, McDermott Will & Emery LLP has been carbon neutral since 2021.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP boasts a 95% client retention rate.

You can apply through the careers page on the official website of McDermott Will & Emery LLP.

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