Munger Tolles is incredibly selective, but if you’re hired, you’ve just joined a top-notch, tight-knit firm where associates participate in major firm decisions. With strong mentorship—especially given that the firm is committed to maintaining a low partner-to-associate ratio, and that there are only 200 attorneys across three U.S. offices—new associates tackle exciting work from day one. Munger Tolles associates can expect meaningful pro bono opportunities, for which the firm has been recognized.
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Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better, and this certainly is the case with Munger, Tolles & Olson. Its 200 attorneys in three offices are the best of the best, and the hiring process ensures this. Candidates have stellar academic records from T20 law schools, with most having clerked for a federal judge. The firm looks for associates who show a strong desire to work there and who will assume responsibility of their work immediately; further, the entire firm votes on hiring decisions. Colleagues are pleasant and supportive, and people seem to care about each other. Partners are respectful and treat associates as equals, and given the firm’s free market work assignment system, they are invested in cultivating associates’ practice skills. This development comes not so much i...
Munger, Tolles & Olson is a SoCal elite, with offices in Los Angeles; San Francisco; and Washington, DC. The firm is best known for its litigation chops, and through its highly selective recruiting process, draws in a high number of clerks.
Cali Firm with Cornhusker Friends
Munger Tolles was founded in 1962 by seven partners, including Charles Munger and Edwin Leroy Tolles. Munger departed after three years, but this proved to work in the firm’s interests. A close friend of investor Warren Buffett, Munger went on to become vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, which in turn became a long-time Munger Tolles client.
Tolles passed away in 2008, leaving Ronald L. Olson as the last name partner still in active practice at the firm. Olson, who joined in 1...