Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP (often referred to simply as MTO) stands among the most respected and elite law firms in the United States. Since its founding in 1962, the firm has built a reputation for legal excellence, creativity, and consistent success in handling some of the most complex and high‑stakes matters in litigation and corporate law. With approximately 200 attorneys across three U.S. offices — Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. — MTO blends a boutique feel with national influence.
Over the decades, Munger, Tolles & Olson has repeatedly topped national rankings and earned accolades for its work ethic, client results, pro bono contributions, and professional culture. Its focused size and selective hiring have become hallmarks of a firm that values quality over quantity.
Head Office – Los Angeles, CA (U.S.)
- Address: 350 South Grand Avenue, 50th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA Munger, Tolles & Olson
- Phone: (213) 683‑9100 Munger, Tolles & Olson
📍 San Francisco, CA (U.S.)
- Address: 560 Mission Street, 27th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA clearlyrated.com
- Phone: (415) 512‑4000 clearlyrated.com
📍 Washington, D.C. (U.S.)
- Address: 601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500 East, Washington, D.C. 20001, USA LinkedIn
- Phone: (202) 220‑1100 Yelp
🌐 Website:
- https://www.mto.com/ — For inquiries, attorney directories, and more contact options.
The Origins: How Munger, Tolles & Olson Began
The firm’s story begins in 1962 in Los Angeles, when a group of seven ambitious attorneys came together to start a practice that emphasized intellectual rigor and client‑focused representation. Among the founders were Charles T. Munger and E. Leroy Tolles, two lawyers who brought entrepreneurial energy to the endeavor.
Although Charlie Munger left the firm after a few years to pursue business interests — eventually becoming vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway — his early influence helped set the tone for an approach rooted in deep analytical thinking and strategic problem‑solving.
Over time, the firm expanded its partnership, earning a reputation for tackling tough litigation and advising clients in major corporate transactions. Ronald L. Olson, who joined in 1968 and later became a leading figure at the firm, helped deepen its corporate and governance expertise.
Three Offices, One Vision
Today, Munger, Tolles & Olson operates three strategically placed offices:
- Los Angeles, California — Firm headquarters and thriving hub of litigation and corporate work.
- San Francisco, California — Strengthens the firm’s presence in technology, finance, and corporate markets.
- Washington, D.C. — Focuses on regulatory and appellate matters with national implications.
Despite having a smaller footprint than many global law firms, MTO’s influence is national and international. The firm handles matters that span industries, jurisdictions, and levels of legal complexity.
Core Practice Areas and Legal Expertise
Munger, Tolles & Olson’s work breaks down into two major pillars: litigation and corporate law — though within those categories lie numerous specialized and highly impactful practices.
1. Litigation: High‑Stakes Advocacy
Litigation remains a cornerstone of the firm’s identity. Known for its trial capabilities and appellate strength, MTO regularly fights for clients in complex civil disputes, regulatory battles, and major commercial cases. Attorneys in this group have experience in federal and state courts, arbitration, and high‑profile jury trials.
The firm’s litigation team is trusted in large‑scale disputes involving intellectual property, securities, antitrust, labor and employment, and more. Their work often shapes legal precedent and resolves issues that could otherwise have enormous financial or operational impact for clients.
2. Corporate and Transactions
While litigation often grabs headlines, MTO’s corporate group is equally formidable. It advises on complex mergers and acquisitions, investments, governance matters, and securities law — offering strategic counsel that helps clients manage risk and maximize opportunities.
Among the services offered:
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Corporate governance and fiduciary duty counseling
- Securities compliance and disclosure
- Joint ventures and strategic partnerships
These services extend across industries like technology, finance, energy, and entertainment.
3. White‑Collar & Investigations
Clients facing serious regulatory challenges, internal investigations, or government scrutiny frequently turn to MTO’s White‑Collar & Investigations group. This team handles matters involving allegations of fraud, insider trading, bribery, tax issues, and other high‑profile investigations.
Whether advocating in court or guiding clients through complex negotiation with regulators, these lawyers combine deep legal knowledge with strategic insight.
4. Other Practice Areas
Beyond litigation and corporate services, MTO supports clients in:
- Antitrust
- Intellectual Property
- Labor & Employment
- Financial Restructuring
- Environmental and Real Estate law
- Tax matters
This breadth ensures that clients — ranging from multinational corporations to high‑net‑worth individuals — have access to comprehensive legal support tailored to their specific needs.
Client Base: Who Calls on Munger, Tolles & Olson
Munger, Tolles & Olson’s clients read like a who’s who of American business and industry. The firm has represented major corporations in sectors including:
- Technology — Google, Intel, and others.
- Entertainment — The Walt Disney Company and other media giants.
- Financial Services — Bank of America, Fortress Investment Group.
- Transportation and Utilities — BNSF Railway, Pacific Gas & Electric.
- Conglomerates — Berkshire Hathaway.
The diversity of clients mirrors the firm’s ability to adapt legal strategies across sectors while maintaining deep industry expertise. Whether defending a corporation in litigation or advising boards on strategic transactions, MTO consistently delivers results.
Culture, Recruitment & Professional Development
One of MTO’s distinguishing features is its selective hiring. Roughly 75% of its attorneys have clerked for federal or state judges, including a significant number of former U.S. Supreme Court clerks. This emphasis on prior judicial experience reflects the firm’s commitment to analytical excellence and courtroom credibility.
MTO fosters a collaborative environment where mentorship and substantive work go hand in hand. Associates are exposed early to high‑level work, and many partners were promoted from within the firm after starting as junior lawyers.
The firm also values diversity and inclusion, both of which contribute to a dynamic workplace that encourages fresh perspectives and innovative problem‑solving.
Pro Bono and Community Impact
While commercial success is a major measure of prestige, Munger, Tolles & Olson also places a strong emphasis on pro bono work. The firm’s attorneys engage in matters involving civil liberties, voting rights, racial justice, and other public interest issues. This commitment is reflected in national pro bono scorecards where MTO regularly ranks among top firms.
This dedication not only reflects the firm’s values but also provides meaningful legal support to underserved individuals and communities.
Recognition & Rankings
Munger, Tolles & Olson’s record of excellence has been repeatedly acknowledged in the legal industry:
- Ranked #1 on The American Lawyer A‑List multiple times — a testament to financial performance, inclusion, pro bono work, and associate satisfaction.
- Ranked nationally in 17 practice areas by the Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” Guide.
- Recognized in first‑tier rankings across litigation, corporate practice, and specialty areas.
- Named the most selective law firm in the U.S. by Vault.
These honors reinforce MTO’s standing not only as a leader in legal expertise but also as a model for firm culture, client trust, and professional development.
Notable Lawyers and Alumni
Throughout its history, Munger, Tolles & Olson has been home to lawyers whose influence extends beyond the firm:
- Ronald L. Olson — Longtime partner and corporate counselor, influential in governance and strategy.
- Donald B. Verrilli Jr. — Former U.S. Solicitor General who helped establish the firm’s Washington, D.C. office.
- Numerous alumni have gone on to serve as judges or senior government officials, reflecting the firm’s role in shaping legal leaders.
What Sets MTO Apart
In an industry often measured by size, Munger, Tolles & Olson stands out by proving that strategic focus, depth of expertise, and intellectual rigor can outweigh sheer scale. Unlike many firms that expand rapidly, MTO has chosen deliberate growth, maintaining a tight associate‑to‑partner ratio and ensuring that each lawyer receives meaningful responsibility.
This approach generates advantages:
- Deep client relationships
- High‑impact work for attorneys at all levels
- Innovative legal strategies
- A cohesive firm culture
Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence
Over more than six decades, Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP has cemented its place as one of America’s elite law firms — consistently ranked, widely respected, and deeply influential. Its blend of litigation mastery, corporate sophistication, and commitment to values sets it apart in a competitive legal landscape.
For clients, MTO offers more than legal advice; it delivers insight, innovation, and unwavering advocacy. For attorneys, it represents an environment where deep expertise meets real‑world impact. And for the legal profession as a whole, it stands as a model of how strategic focus and professional integrity can define success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
1. What is Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP known for?
Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP (MTO) is best known for its litigation expertise and corporate law services. The firm handles complex cases in commercial litigation, regulatory matters, intellectual property, antitrust, and securities law. It also provides high‑end corporate advisory, including M&A transactions, securities compliance, and governance matters.
2. How big is Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP?
Munger, Tolles & Olson is a relatively small law firm compared to many of its peers, with around 200 attorneys across three offices: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Despite its smaller size, the firm is recognized as one of the most prestigious and influential firms in the U.S.
3. Where are Munger, Tolles & Olson’s offices located?
The firm has offices in the following locations:
- Los Angeles, California – The firm’s headquarters.
- San Francisco, California – A key office for the firm’s tech and finance work.
- Washington, D.C. – The office that specializes in regulatory and appellate matters.
4. What are the practice areas at Munger, Tolles & Olson?
MTO focuses on the following main practice areas:
- Litigation – Including commercial disputes, appellate work, and white‑collar defense.
- Corporate Law – Mergers and acquisitions, governance, and securities law.
- White Collar & Investigations – Handling investigations, regulatory scrutiny, and criminal defense.
- Intellectual Property, Antitrust, Labor & Employment, Tax, and Environmental law.
5. Who are some of Munger, Tolles & Olson’s clients?
Munger, Tolles & Olson serves a range of high‑profile clients, including major corporations in industries such as technology, entertainment, financial services, and transportation. Some well-known clients include Google, The Walt Disney Company, Bank of America, and Pacific Gas & Electric.
6. How does Munger, Tolles & Olson recruit its lawyers?
The firm is highly selective in its recruitment process, with a preference for hiring attorneys who have completed prestigious judicial clerkships, often at the U.S. Supreme Court or federal courts. Most MTO attorneys come from top law schools and possess a strong academic background.
7. What is the firm culture at Munger, Tolles & Olson?
Munger, Tolles & Olson is known for fostering a collaborative and intellectually rigorous work environment. Lawyers at MTO work on significant matters early in their careers and are encouraged to take on responsibilities that would be uncommon at larger firms. The firm also places a strong emphasis on mentorship, diversity, and inclusion.
8. Does Munger, Tolles & Olson engage in pro bono work?
Yes, Munger, Tolles & Olson is committed to pro bono work, with its attorneys handling cases that involve civil liberties, human rights, voting rights, and racial justice. The firm regularly ranks as one of the top firms in the country for its pro bono contributions.
9. What are Munger, Tolles & Olson’s rankings?
Munger, Tolles & Olson consistently ranks among the top firms in the United States in areas such as litigation, corporate law, intellectual property, and white‑collar defense. The firm has received high rankings in publications like Chambers USA, The American Lawyer, and Vault.
10. What makes Munger, Tolles & Olson different from other law firms?
Munger, Tolles & Olson distinguishes itself with its focused size, deep intellectual rigor, and exceptional client service. Unlike many large firms, MTO focuses on maintaining a high attorney-to-partner ratio, ensuring that each lawyer gets significant responsibility and exposure to top‑tier cases. The firm’s strategic focus on quality over quantity and its collaborative culture make it a unique player in the legal world.
11. What is the career path like for attorneys at Munger, Tolles & Olson?
Attorneys at Munger, Tolles & Olson enjoy a rewarding career path with significant opportunities for professional development and advancement. Lawyers often begin their careers with high‑profile litigation cases, and those who excel can rise quickly through the ranks. The firm’s mentorship program and close-knit environment foster long‑term career growth.
12. Does Munger, Tolles & Olson offer internships or clerkships?
Yes, Munger, Tolles & Olson offers summer associate programs for law students, which provide insight into the firm’s work environment and culture. Additionally, the firm regularly hires clerks, especially those with experience from top courts like the U.S. Supreme Court.
13. How is Munger, Tolles & Olson involved in the community?
Munger, Tolles & Olson is actively involved in the community through its pro bono efforts, as well as by supporting diverse organizations and legal education initiatives. The firm also encourages its attorneys to volunteer and contribute to various public interest causes.
14. What are some notable alumni of Munger, Tolles & Olson?
Notable alumni of Munger, Tolles & Olson include Ronald L. Olson, a prominent corporate lawyer, and Donald B. Verrilli Jr., the former U.S. Solicitor General. Several alumni have gone on to become judges, government officials, and prominent legal thought leaders.
15. How can I contact Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP?
You can contact Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP via their website at www.mto.com. For specific inquiries or consultations, they provide contact information for each of their offices — Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.