We’re redefining what a summer associate program can be – one that values experience and authentic connection.
Summer Associate Program
Different by Design.
About the Summer Program
Becoming an MTO Summer Associate
We seek talented, motivated law students who demonstrate:
- Excellence and leadership in academic, professional and personal pursuits
- Intellectual curiosity, creativity and authenticity
- Meaningful contributions to our collaborative and exceptional team
- Experience the real practice of law through engaging, substantive work
- Work across a range of practice areas alongside attorneys at every level
- Each summer associate is paired with a work coordinator for meaningful assignments, feedback and support
- Weekly lunches, training sessions, social events and practice group meetings help to build lasting relationships across the firm
Compensation: $4,327 per week
2027 1L and 2028 2L applications will become available January 1, 2027. To get application updates, please sign up here.
A complete application package must include:
- Completed online application
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Undergraduate transcript
- *Law School transcript
- References contact information – at least one from a law professor
- Optional: Writing sample. If also applying for the Jay Fujitani Inclusivity Scholarship, please submit a writing sample different from your scholarship statement
*Applicants applying before first semester grades are released will be prompted in January to supplement their applications with their law school transcript.
2027 1L and 2028 2L Summer Programs – How to Apply
Coming Soon!
2027 1L and 2028 2L applications will become available January 1, 2027. To get application updates, please sign up here.
Interested students are encouraged to apply for our 1L and 2L positions either directly through our website in January or through participating law school OCI events.
We anticipate extending interview invitations in January, consistent with law school guidelines and our internal review process.
Note that those who receive and accept 1L offers will receive automatic invitations to return to the firm for the second half of their 2L summer.
We are participating in the following law school sponsored interview programs:
- Harvard Law School (EIP Resume Collection) – January 2027
- Stanford Law School – January 2026
2027 3L Pre-Clerkship Summer Associate Position (Los Angeles and San Francisco)
Application Now Open!
Munger, Tolles & Olson is looking to hire 3L students who are interested in joining our 2027 summer associate program in our Los Angeles or San Francisco office after graduation and before a clerkship.
A pre-clerkship summer associate can join the program for a minimum of 4 weeks, up to a maximum of 6 weeks, either before or after the bar exam. It is designed for those sitting for the California bar. Participants joining the firm ahead of their bar exam are asked to complete the program at MTO two weeks ahead of their exam date to give sufficient time for final studying. Alternatively, they may elect to join our program immediately following the bar exam for a minimum of 4 weeks. 3L summer associates will be paid $4,327 per week.
We look for candidates who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their prior pursuits and who bring intellectual curiosity to an already extremely talented group of lawyers. To apply, please submit your materials (cover letter, resume, law school transcript, contact information for two references, including a law professor) via our online application.
To apply, please submit your materials via our online application.
Please direct all inquiries to Lila Mendoza.
Scholarship program.
Opportunities That Build Careers and Drive Change
MTO offers a scholarship aimed at increasing inclusivity in the legal profession and supporting aspiring lawyers.
Notable achievements.
Ranked No. 1 on The American Lawyer’s 2026 A-List
Munger, Tolles & Olson is proud to be ranked No. 1 on The American Lawyer’s A-List for the fifth consecutive year and the 12th time overall.
Culture
We don’t just enjoy practicing law. We enjoy practicing it together. Great lawyers tend to come for the work and stay for the people. Most of our partners were promoted from within the firm – and many started here as newly minted lawyers.
Learn MoreInclusion
We believe an inclusive workforce improves our ability to serve the needs of our clients and creates a more dynamic workplace for our people. We consistently beat national averages in the number of women and diverse lawyers in our associate and partner ranks.
Learn MorePro Bono
Our firm and attorneys have made notable impacts on issues that include voting rights, civil liberties, racial and criminal justice, housing, women’s rights and LGBTQIA+ rights. Our attorneys enjoy tremendous latitude in their choice of pro bono cases. We are encouraged to choose matters we care about deeply.
Learn MoreCommunity Impact
Contributing to our communities in meaningful, thoughtful and impactful ways is a core tenet of our firm. From arts and education associations to civic and charitable groups, many of our attorneys serve on the boards of organizations that inspire them.
Learn MoreBenefits
To support our attorneys and business professionals, we provide an exciting and collaborative work environment with a competitive salary and benefits package.
Learn MoreKey Contact
Lila Mendoza
Legal Recruiting Manager