About William

Bill McDermott is a partner in the law firm of McDermott, Quilty & Miller LLP.  He specializes in state and federal relations in the government affairs and business strategies practice.  With a wealth of public and private sector experience, Bill’s primary focus is on governmental relations, regulatory law and procurement for clients involved in biotechnology, health care, real estate development and technology-based industries.

Prior to joining the firm, Bill was a founding member of ML Strategies and attorney with the law firm of Mintz, Levin.  Bill was Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at ML/MLS from 1990-2000.  Among his accomplishments, Bill has successfully directed a number of major initiatives through the Massachusetts State Legislature, including the passage of the Economic Stimulus I and II bills, the Stem Cell bill and the $1B Life Sciences Initiative.

Bill’s extensive experience in public service includes his appointment as Chief Counsel to the Massachusetts State Senate’s Ways and Means Committee in 1988, and his appointment in 1983 as Undersecretary and General Counsel to the Executive Office of Economic Affairs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where he completed his service as Acting Secretary.  Prior to returning to Massachusetts, Bill worked for the United States Congress in various capacities, including a position with Congressman Joe Moakley, former Chairman of the Rules Committee.

Bill has served as Legislative Counsel to the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council since 1994.

Bill received his Law Degree from American University and his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.  He also completed graduate studies at Georgetown University and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Boston College.  He is a member of the Massachusetts Bar.