Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S 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, and experiential training and learning-by-doing are emphasized—and appreciated—at Munger Tolles. Lateral hires, mostly from clerkships, feel that the onboarding process is efficiently managed. Lean teams translate to many meaningful projects and client contact, and the abundance of work is evenly distributed. There is no formal billable hour requirement—only a general expectation of 2,000 hours—and salaries match the market rate. Above-market bonuses are possible for exceeding the hours standard. Firm technology is largely average, and better resources and support are needed. Some wellness programs are offered but not enough to be helpful or impactful. In contrast, pro bono is exceptional, with strong backing from the firm and unlimited hours that count toward the billable expectation. Associates appreciate the firm’s parental leave policies; other diversity efforts include all-gender restrooms at all offices. There’s a sense that associates are hired with the expectation of making partner, though they must earn it with hard work and long hours. Those who pursue other careers rarely leave for other firms, preferring government or in-house positions.