Events Specialist

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:

Position Summary:

The Events Specialist oversees the planning and execution of small to mid-size firm-wide client events and supports larger, more complex programs. This role manages the full event lifecycle—from venue sourcing and budget development to onsite coordination and ensures that each event delivers a high-quality experience for internal and external stakeholders. The Events Specialist also provides administrative and logistical support to the team as needed. This position works under minimal supervision and relies on experience, judgment, and organizational skills to accomplish goals.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Plan and coordinate small to mid-size firm-wide events, including receptions, dinners, and short-format programs hosted in our offices, external venues, and hotels

• Manage all event logistics, including venue sourcing, budget creation and oversight, vendor coordination, food and beverage selections, audiovisual needs, and creative/branding requirements; travel onsite for day-of execution as needed

• Ensure all events are delivered at the highest standard and provide an exceptional experience for both internal and external stakeholders throughout the planning process and onsite

• Track event expenses and ensure all events remain within established financial guidelines

• Lead event planning calls with internal teams, serving as the project manager to keep stakeholders aligned and on schedule

• Prepare post-event analysis and reports, including attendance metrics, feedback, and recommendations for improvement

• Interface with senior executives and VIP attendees, providing excellent customer service and professional representation of the firm

• Research and recommend event themes, venues, formats, and specifications, including the development of detailed event budgets

• Proactively identify and solve problems independently, communicating recommendations to Partners and internal stakeholders

• Assist Event Managers with large-scale or complex events, as well as administrative and operational tasks for the broader team

• Demonstrate enthusiasm for a dynamic, fast-paced environment and contribute to a team culture that strives for continuous improvement

Job Specifications:

• Bachelor’s degree

• At least three (3) years of prior event planning experience

• Proven ability to plan and execute high-end events

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word)

• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills

• Ability to work independently and under own direction and initiative

• Ability to travel and oversee events operations as needed

• This role requires non-local event travel 1-2 times per month and local (in-office or local restaurant) event travel 2-3 times per month.

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 $90,000 - $100,000

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 MWS 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. 

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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.