Senior Executive Assistant

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,750 lawyers and 1,400 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 others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work. 

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 all 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 Senior Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative and strategic client engagement support to the Principal, operating as a trusted extension of the practice (corporate transactions - healthcare). This role requires deep knowledge of the Principal’s priorities and key client relationships, enabling proactive coordination, communication, and relationship management. The position ensures all support activities are executed with exceptional quality, discretion, and alignment to Firm standards.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Ensure seamless planning and proactive management of the Principal’s calendar, anticipating needs, prioritizing competing demands, and aligning scheduling with client and business priorities
• Coordinate travel arrangements, including all logistics, materials, and itinerary management
• Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including key clients, exercising sound judgment in prioritizing communications and ensuring timely, appropriate responses
• Draft, review, and, where appropriate, respond to correspondence on behalf of the Principal, including communications with clients and stakeholders
• Coordinate meeting logistics, including scheduling, videoconferencing, conference calls, room reservations, materials preparation, and hosting of visitors
• Develop and maintain deep knowledge of the Principal’s key clients, matters, and priorities, enabling proactive support of client engagement and relationship management
• Support client relationship efforts by identifying opportunities to connect with key clients (e.g., coordinating meetings aligned with travel, prompting outreach, and tracking follow-ups)
• Maintain and regularly update a comprehensive and strategic list of key client contacts and relationships
• Support client matters, including opening new matters and assisting with conflict-related inquiries
• Assist in preparing client-facing materials, presentations, and communications with a high degree of accuracy, professionalism, and attention to detail
• Manage expense reporting accurately and in a timely manner
• Organize and maintain electronic and paper files in accordance with Firm records retention policies
• Interface as needed with other members of the Principal’s team including their Personal Assistant and Bookkeeper

Job Specifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least five (5) years of related work experience
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Prior law firm and business development experience preferred

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.