On February 2, 1934, Edward H. McDermott and William M. Emery founded McDermott Will & Emery, now one of the world’s 20 largest law firms. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the firm has a diversified business practice that covers various industries. Some of these areas of service include consumer finance, commercial and investment banking, insurance, media, real estate, savings and loans, and venture capital among others.

During the firm’s early years, both McDermott and Emery specialized in tax law. The firm’s corporate department was born when Howard H. Will joined them in 1941. McDermott Will and Emery has, over the years, enhanced its services and embraced wider areas of practice. In 1984, it already had 150 lawyers practicing in various fields. By the time the firm reached its 70th anniversary in 2004, McDermott Will & Emery already had around 1,000 lawyers. At present, the firm has around 15 offices in the United States (Boston, Ohio, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orange County, San Diego, Silicon Valley, and Washington, D.C.) and Europe (Brussels, Düsseldorf, Munich, and Rome). It also works in alliance with the MWE China Law Offices in Shanghai.

McDermott Will & Emery is dedicated to extending service that leads to customer satisfaction. With approximately 580 partners, the firm counsels over 75% of Fortune 100 companies and over 50% of the companies in Fortune 500. Majority of the firm’s lawyers previously held government and in-house positions, which make them adept at understanding the complexities of economic, social and political issues that may affect operations — something vital when one faces crucial corporate matters that require faultless decision making.

The law firm also deals with international services, working on cross-border mergers and acquisitions; joint ventures; and corporate restructuring and reorganization among others.

McDermott Will & Emery values community service and takes pride in its various pro bono activities. In fact, in 2006, the firm was the recipient of the State Bar of California President’s Pro Bono Service Award. Its pro bono service is part of the firm’s commitment to assist clients who may be unable to afford legal services. McDermott Will & Emery’s Pro Bono & Community Service Committee carries out pro bono initiatives, volunteer services, and charitable activities. Over 100 of the firm’s lawyers and staff offer tutorial services to inner city schoolchildren as part of their Partners in Reading Program. McDermott Will & Emery’s Kids First program, on the other hand, allows children across the country to avail of legal representation for a variety of needs.

Harvey W. Freishtat was elected as the firm’s chairman in 2004.

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