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How Many Lawyers Does McDermott Will Emery Have? Unpacking The Numbers

Kaylin Hartmann

Finding out just how many legal minds work at a big firm like McDermott Will Emery can be a bit like looking at a changing picture. This is that, a question many people ask, especially when they are looking for legal help, considering a career in law, or simply curious about the scale of major legal operations. It is, you know, a very common thing to wonder about the size of such a prominent name in the legal world.

The number of lawyers at a firm, you see, isn't always a fixed figure. It can shift and change, sometimes quite a lot, because of things like growth, new hires, or even big mergers. So, when someone asks, "How many lawyers does McDermott Will Emery have?" they are often looking for a current snapshot, a clear idea of the firm's overall capacity to serve clients around the world.

This article will, in a way, break down the different numbers associated with McDermott Will Emery's legal team, giving you a better sense of its size and reach. We will look at various reports and details to give you the clearest possible answer, based on the information available. It's, like, pretty interesting to see how these numbers come together.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Lawyer Count at McDermott Will Emery

When you ask about the number of lawyers at McDermott Will Emery, it's, in some respects, a question with a few different answers, depending on when you ask and what data source you look at. The firm, you see, is quite a large and active one, with its size sometimes changing as it grows and adapts. For instance, according to the National Law Journal's 2025 NLJ 500 ranking, which lists firms based on their size, McDermott has a reported 1336 attorneys. This particular ranking places the firm at 24th in the United States, which is, you know, a pretty significant spot.

Beyond specific rankings, the firm itself has also spoken about its size. It has stated that it is, in a way, "more than 1,400 lawyers strong." This figure, which has been mentioned more than once, suggests a robust and substantial team of legal professionals. It indicates a firm with considerable depth and breadth in its legal capabilities. This kind of number, frankly, shows a firm that can handle a wide array of legal matters.

It's also worth noting that the firm's leadership structure includes a notable number of partners. Ira Coleman, who serves as the USA Chairman, oversees a team that includes 590 partners. This number of partners, in a way, reflects a deep bench of experienced leaders within the firm. The presence of so many partners also means that there are many seasoned legal minds guiding the firm's direction and working with clients. So, you know, that's a pretty big number of leaders.

The total count of lawyers can also include what are sometimes called "other lawyers," which might mean associates, counsel, or other legal roles that are not partners. While a specific current number for "other lawyers" isn't always readily available as a standalone figure, the overall totals like the "more than 1,400 lawyers strong" naturally include them. This comprehensive count, basically, gives a more complete picture of the firm's human resources dedicated to legal work. It's, like, a very large team.

The firm's gross revenue in 2024 was quite substantial, reaching $2,231,052,000. This financial figure, in a way, often correlates with the firm's size and its capacity to handle a large volume of high-value legal work. A firm with such a high revenue typically needs a significant number of lawyers to generate that kind of income. It's, you know, a sign of a very busy and successful operation.

When considering all these figures—the 1336 attorneys from the NLJ ranking, the firm's own statement of "more than 1,400 lawyers strong," and the 590 partners—it becomes clear that McDermott Will Emery maintains a very large and active legal workforce. These numbers, in short, point to a firm with considerable legal muscle and a broad reach in the legal community. It's, like, a truly big player.

The Impact of Strategic Partnerships and Mergers

The number of lawyers at a firm like McDermott Will Emery can also change quite a bit due to strategic moves, particularly mergers. These combinations can significantly alter a firm's size and its overall footprint. For instance, there was a point when McDermott Will Emery and Schulte Roth & Zabel partners approved a merger. This particular event, clearing the way for the combination to take effect in August, was a very big deal in the legal world. It's, you know, a major step for any firm.

The new firm, which was to be called McDermott Will & Schulte, was projected to have a very substantial number of lawyers. It was expected to have 1,750 lawyers spread across more than 20 global offices. This combination, basically, would have created a much larger entity than either firm was on its own. It's, like, a massive increase in scale.

To put this into perspective, before the merger was set to happen, Schulte Roth & Zabel had more than 313 lawyers. McDermott, at that specific time, had 235 lawyers. When you combine those numbers, you can see how the projected 1,750 lawyers would represent a significant expansion. This planned merger was, in a way, considered one of the largest law firm mergers in recent years. This included a notable impact in New York, where both firms had a presence. So, it was, you know, a really big event for the industry.

Such mergers are not just about adding up numbers; they are about combining strengths, expanding practice areas, and growing a firm's global presence. When two firms come together, they bring their individual teams and expertise, which, naturally, leads to a much larger collective legal force. This kind of growth through combination is a common strategy for big law firms looking to increase their capacity and market share. It's, like, a very strategic move.

The information about this merger, and the projected lawyer count of 1,750, shows how dynamic the legal landscape can be. Firms are always, you know, looking for ways to grow and serve their clients better, and sometimes that means joining forces with another established name. This kind of event really highlights how firm sizes can change quite rapidly. It's, like, a constant evolution.

It also indicates the firm's ambition to partner with leaders around the world. These partnerships, whether through formal mergers or other collaborations, aim to fuel missions, knock down barriers, and shape markets. The collective strength of a larger team of lawyers, basically, allows the firm to take on more complex and far-reaching legal challenges. So, it's, you know, a very purposeful expansion.

A Look at McDermott Will Emery's Global Reach

McDermott Will Emery is, in a way, a truly international law firm. Its reach extends far beyond just one country or one continent. The firm has a diversified business practice, meaning it handles a wide range of legal matters for clients all over the world. This global presence is, you know, a key part of its identity and its ability to serve a diverse client base.

The firm operates from more than 20 global offices. These offices are strategically located across three continents, which really emphasizes its international footprint. Having offices in so many different places allows the firm's team to work seamlessly across various practices, industries, and geographic regions. It's, like, a very interconnected operation.

This widespread presence means that clients, no matter where they are, can potentially access the firm's expertise. The team, which is "more than 1,400+ lawyers strong," works together to deliver effective solutions that often propel client success. This collaborative approach across different time zones and legal systems is, basically, a hallmark of a premier international law firm. So, it's, you know, a very coordinated effort.

The firm's ability to work across these numerous locations means it can handle complex legal issues that span multiple jurisdictions. Whether it's a cross-border transaction, an international dispute, or regulatory compliance in different countries, having a team spread out globally allows for a more comprehensive approach. This kind of global setup is, in a way, essential for today's interconnected business world. It's, like, a necessary structure.

McDermott Will Emery's commitment to partnering with leaders around the world also speaks to its global aspirations. The firm aims to help clients achieve their missions and overcome challenges, regardless of where those challenges arise. This dedication to a worldwide practice is, you know, a significant aspect of what makes it such a prominent name in the legal industry. It's, like, a truly global player.

The firm's history, which started in 1934, also shows a steady expansion over the decades. What began as a successful tax firm during the days of the New Deal has, in a way, grown into a vast international enterprise. This growth, culminating in its current extensive network of offices, demonstrates a consistent vision and market adaptability. So, it's, you know, a long journey of expansion.

Firm Culture and Client Focus

Beyond just the numbers of lawyers and offices, the culture of a law firm plays a very important role in how it operates and serves its clients. McDermott Will Emery, you see, has cultivated a particular environment that aims to be collegial and supportive. This kind of atmosphere can really make a difference in how lawyers work together and how they approach client matters. It's, like, a very intentional way of working.

The firm is, in a way, forward-thinking when it comes to the well-being of its lawyers. It was, for example, the first firm to offer lawyers billable credit for participating in 25 wellness hours. This initiative, basically, shows a commitment to supporting its team members beyond just their legal work. It's, you know, a unique approach that prioritizes the health and balance of its professionals. This kind of benefit, frankly, is not something you see every day in the legal field.

With "more than 1,400 lawyers strong," the firm emphasizes a collaborative approach to problem-solving. They believe there isn't a legal issue they haven't discussed or an industry segment into which they haven't delved. This collective experience and willingness to work together are, in a way, central to how they find the right answers for their clients. It's, like, a very team-oriented mindset.

The firm's focus on its clients is evident in its mission to partner with leaders around the world. They aim to fuel missions, knock down barriers, and shape markets. This client-centric approach means that their team works seamlessly across various practices and industries to deliver solutions that are not only effective but often unexpected. So, it's, you know, about going above and beyond for those they serve.

McDermott Will Emery has established a notable presence through consistent innovation and market adaptability since its launch year in 1934. While the firm still offers tax and estate planning, which were its original strengths, its practices now extend far beyond these two areas. It is, in a way, recognized for its work in healthcare and tax law, sitting comfortably among the Vault 100 law firms. This recognition, basically, speaks to its consistent excellence. It's, like, a very well-regarded firm.

The firm's team of 4300+ professionals, based out of Chicago, contributes to an estimated annual revenue of $1.3 billion. This broader team, which includes more than just lawyers, works together to support the firm's overall operations and its commitment to client success. It's, you know, a very large and integrated group of people working towards common goals. This collective effort is, in a way, what allows the firm to maintain its premier status as an international law firm. It's, like, a truly comprehensive operation.

Frequently Asked Questions About McDermott Will Emery

How large is McDermott Will Emery?

McDermott Will Emery is, in a way, a very large law firm with a substantial number of legal professionals. According to the National Law Journal's 2025 NLJ 500 ranking, the firm has 1336 attorneys, placing it 24th in the United States by size. The firm itself also states that it is "more than 1,400 lawyers strong." At one point, a planned merger with Schulte Roth & Zabel was set to create a combined firm with 1,750 lawyers. So, you know, it's a big operation.

What is McDermott Will Emery known for?

McDermott Will Emery is, in some respects, best known for its significant work in healthcare and tax law. These areas are, in a way, core strengths that have been part of its identity for a long time. However, its practices extend far beyond just these two fields. The firm is, basically, an international law firm with a diversified business practice, meaning it handles a wide range of legal issues across many different industries. It's, like, a very broad set of services.

When was McDermott Will Emery founded?

McDermott Will Emery found its start in 1934. This was, in a way, on the heels of the Great Depression, during the days of the New Deal. It began as a successful tax firm, which was its initial focus. Since then, the firm has grown considerably, establishing a notable presence through consistent innovation and market adaptability over many decades. So, it's, you know, a firm with a long and rich history.

For more insights into the legal profession and firm structures, you can learn more about law firm operations on our site. Additionally, to understand the broader context of legal news and trends, you might want to link to this page for further information.

You can also find valuable news, insights, and resources about the legal profession that allow legal professionals to anticipate opportunities and adapt to change by visiting a reputable source like Law.com.

McDermott Will & Emery — Hall + Merrick + McCaugherty

McDermott Will & Emery — Hall + Merrick + McCaugherty

McDermott Will & Emery — Hall + Merrick + McCaugherty

McDermott Will & Emery — Hall + Merrick + McCaugherty

McDermott Will & Emery — Hall + Merrick + McCaugherty

McDermott Will & Emery — Hall + Merrick + McCaugherty

Detail Author:

  • Name : Kaylin Hartmann
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