Press
MTO Celebrates Largest Summer Associate Program to Date
September 28, 2026
Munger, Tolles & Olson recently completed the 2026 summer associate program—our largest and most expansive program to date.
2026 By the Numbers
- 51 summer associates across our Los Angeles and San Francisco offices
- 16 1Ls, 32 2Ls and three 3Ls
- 11 leading law schools represented
- 18 weeks of programming
The 2026 program marked an important transition as MTO launched its redesigned split-summer model. Our 2L and 3L participants took part in the firm’s traditional program and are eligible for return offers. Our 1L participants were the first class to experience the split-summer model and are invited to return for the second half of their 2L summer.
Throughout the program, summer associates gained substantive experience working alongside MTO lawyers and participated in a wide range of events and professional development opportunities. Highlights included the Summer Retreat, partner-hosted dinners, practice area programming and affinity events.
We greatly enjoyed working with this year’s summer associates. Their talent, curiosity and enthusiasm enriched our teams and made the program a rewarding experience across the firm.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Beginning next year, both 1Ls and 2Ls will participate in MTO’s split-summer model, spending four to six weeks with the firm during the second half of the summer. Participants who wish to be considered for a full-time position may separately pursue an expedited version of MTO’s full-time hiring process.
The 2027 program is already taking shape:
- 35 students have committed to participate as 2Ls
- 28 will join the Los Angeles office
- 7 will join the San Francisco office, forming its first 2L summer class
- Applications are open for the 2027 3L pre-clerkship summer program
- Recruiting for future 1L and 2L participants will begin in January
We look forward to building on the success of this year’s program as we continue to create meaningful, flexible opportunities for the next generation of exceptional lawyers.