1934

On February 2, Edward H. McDermott, with William M. Emery, establishes a new law office and Tax Practice in Chicago.

1941

On July 1, McDermott’s practice becomes the partnership McDermott Will & Emery.
Corporate Department is established and headed by Howard A. Will.
Estate Planning Department is established and headed by Richard J. Frankenstein, Jr.

1944

McDermott Will & Emery has grown to 16 lawyers, five of whom are serving in the armed forces.

1948

John Cavanaugh is named the Firm’s first managing partner.

1954

Employee Benefits Department is established and headed by John R. Lindquist.
McDermott Will & Emery has grown to 29 lawyers.

1961

Trial Department is established and headed by Theodore A. Groenke.

1964

McDermott Will & Emery has grown to 52 lawyers.
First Management Committee is created, Edward H. McDermott named Chairman.

1970

Richard S. Oldberg succeeds Edward H. McDermott as Chairman.

1974

McDermott Will & Emery has grown to 100 lawyers.

1975

Emory S. Naylor, Jr. is elected Chairman.

1977

Miami Office opens.

1978

Washington, D.C. Office opens.

1981

Richard E. Murphy, Jr. is elected Chairman.
Boston Office opens.

1983

The Health Law Department is established and headed by Larry Gerber.

1984

McDermott Will & Emery celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
McDermott Will & Emery has grown to 150 lawyers.

1986

Robert B. McDermott is elected Chairman.

1987

Los Angeles and Orange County Offices open.

1988

New York Office opens.

1990

McDermott Will & Emery has grown to 500 lawyers.

1991

Larry Gerber is elected Chairman.

1997

Silicon Valley Office opens.

1998

London Office opens.

1999

On its 65th Anniversary, McDermott Will & Emery has grown to 801 lawyers.

2000

As of December, McDermott Will & Emery has grown to 900 lawyers.

2001

West Coast practice, including Los Angeles, Orange County and Silicon Valley offices, has grown to 80 partners and 46 associates.

2002

Düsseldorf and Munich Offices open.

2003

Rome and San Diego Offices open.

2004

On its 70th Anniversary, McDermott Will & Emery has grown to 1000 lawyers.
Harvey W. Freishtat is elected Chairman.
Brussels Office opens.

2005

Brussels Office expands with addition of Stanbrook & Hooper.

2007

McDermott enters into a strategic alliance with MWE China Law Offices, a newly formed Shanghai-based law firm licensed in the People’s Republic of China.