Overview
Introduction
Munger Tolles is incredibly selective, but if you’re hired, you join a top-notch, tight-knit firm where associates participate in major firm decisions. With strong mentorship, which is critical for maintaining the firm’s commitment to maintaining a low partner-to-associate ratio and only 200 attorneys in 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.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2024)
No. of Partners Named (2024)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2023)
No. of Summer Associates (2024)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
Munger Tolles associates might just have it all—early substantive work, great coworkers, rapport with partners, high compensation, bona fide partnership prospects, and much more. Most associates arrive with top grades from elite law schools, journal experience, and clerkship history. Office settings are tight-knit, collaborative, and professional, and people understand the importance of life away from work. Lean staffing means associate/partner relations are robust and based on mutual trust and respect. Partners embrace open-door policies and opportunities for providing guidance, mentorship, and feedback to associates. Experiential training and learning-by-doing are emphasized at Munger Tolles, and formal training is somewhat limited. Lateral hires, mostly from clerkships, feel th...
About the Firm
Munger, Tolles & Olson is a SoCal elite firm with offices in Los Angeles; San Francisco; and Washington, DC. The firm is best known for litigation and, through its highly selective recruiting process, hires 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 became the 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 1968, is also con...
Associate Reviews
- “Everyone is exceptionally nice and respectful of one another, at all levels. Lawyers socialize at weekly lunches and happy hours at the firm, and occasionally outside the firm, but people seem to balance firm life with their own private and family lives well, and there is a general recognition that everyone has lives outside the firm. Accordingly, there is no real pressure to socialize, but there are opportunities.”
- “.... The firm's culture is incredibly collegial—colleagues often know each other's families and take an interest in each other’s personal lives. That being said, because so many lawyers here have balance in their lives, associates aren't going out every night together. Apart from the regular and fun social programming, folks like to go home to their families.”
- “A bit introverted and nerdy, but exceedingly kind and decent. Respectful and mindful of the fact that we are all fallible human beings.”
- “MTO is a friendly, collaborative place. We have lunch together twice weekly. The day-to-day atmosphere is relaxed but professional. People here have high expectations and take their work seriously, but they are also incredibly competent and professional.”
Diversity at Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
Getting Hired Here
- “Grades, law school, and clerkships are very important. HYS are big feeders. If someone is coming from a less-prestigious school, they must show something extraordinary—very top of class, prestigious clerkship, etc. Everyone is trained to conduct behavioral interviews.”
- “Law school attended is probably more important than it should be. Top grades are also a must. The firm also recognizes and appreciates candidates with prior careers in non-legal fields who displayed leadership and other real-world skills and provided opportunities for client interaction. Clerkships go a very long way as well. The firm tends to hire from a handful of top law schools.”
- “Top grades from top law schools. Clerkships are essential if you're not hired as part of the summer program. Looking for leadership skills and indicia of self-direction/grit.”
- “Clerkship experience is highly valued. Law school, grades, and journal experience are also important. Prior work experience in relevant fields can be useful. Personality and ‘fit’ are very important. References are contacted, and their input is highly valued.”
Perks & Benefits