Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Munger Tolles may be small by BigLaw standards, but it would be a mistake to judge the firm by its size. The firm is truly elite, and its 200 attorneys, spread over just three offices, represent the best and the brightest in the industry. The hiring process is extremely competitive because the firm wants it all. Top law schools and grades get you into the interview room, but candidates should be prepared for rigorous behavioral and legally substantive interview questions to get the offer. As tough as the hiring process is, the reward for getting hired is huge. Associates at Munger Tolles enjoy an exceptionally friendly and respectful culture that values work-life balance while retaining a healthy amount of social interactions. Partners are deeply invested in associate professional development, and the firm prides itself on “radical” transparency from the top down. Associates receive substantive and challenging work from day one, so the ability to hit the ground running is essential—not a problem for Munger Tolles hires, almost all of whom come to the firm with a clerkship under their belt. Lean staffing is both a pro and a con: Junior associates receive early responsibility and excellent training, but the downside is the potential for very long hours. Excellent compensation eases the pain, made up of market salary and the potential for significantly above-market bonuses. There is room for improvement in technology and wellness initiatives, and associates would like the firm to offer billable credit for diversity-related work. Partnership is entirely realistic at Munger Tolles for those who want to work for it, and departing associates move on to desirable career alternatives.