Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a memory device including a protective sidewall spacer layer that laterally encloses a memory cell. An upper inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer overlying a substrate. The memory cell is disposed with the upper ILD layer. The memory cell includes a top electrode, a bottom electrode, and a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure disposed between the top and bottom electrodes. A sidewall spacer structure laterally surrounds the memory cell. The sidewall spacer structure includes a first sidewall spacer layer, a second sidewall spacer layer, and the protective sidewall spacer layer. The first and second sidewall spacer layers comprise a first material and the protective sidewall spacer layer comprises a second material different from the first material. A conductive wire overlying the first memory cell. The conductive wire contacts the top electrode and the protective sidewall spacer layer.