Contracts Attorney

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Emery is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,400 lawyers and 1,200 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 the Human Rights Campaign, among others.  

At McDermott, 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 diverse 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 benefits 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:

The Contracts Attorney negotiates contracts on behalf of the firm. This position works closely with the Firm’s Procurement and Events departments and builds strong collaborative relationships internally and externally to drive optimal, time-sensitive results. The Contracts Attorney utilizes strong business acumen in negotiations and leverages experience negotiating and reviewing a variety of contracts.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Negotiate a variety of business contracts to support the procurement and events teams, including new transactions and renewals of existing contracts, ensuring the protection of the Firm’s interests
• Identify legal risks and business issues throughout the contracting process
• Draft and review new contract templates for Firm repository
• Ensure contracts are in compliance with Firm policies and requirements
• Effectively prioritize and manage contracts in the review process, ensuring that contracts are reviewed efficiently and within set deadlines
• Manage contract review process from start to finish, including tracking requests for review, status, proper filing, organization of completed contracts and tracking Firm resolutions of heavily disputed provisions
• Identify specific issues relating to intellectual property, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, privacy, technology licensing, and more

Job Specifications:

• Juris Doctorate (JD)
• Admission to New York Bar or Illinois or Washington DC bars.
• At least three (3) years of contract drafting and negotiation experience in a large law firm or corporation, with a focus on drafting and negotiating software license, professional services, and technology contracts
• Advanced knowledge of principles and processes involved in contract negotiations within the legal industry
• Demonstrate a strong sense of ownership over processes and projects combined with ability to work effectively under tight deadlines
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

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Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.

     Target Hiring Range $135,000 - $189,000

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWE provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to be #AlwaysBetter 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.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear

• Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds

Work Environment:

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.