In a significant personnel move, all but three members of Munger, Tolles & Olson’s deal and finance teams have decided to transition to Baker McKenzie, leaving Munger Tolles with just three transactional lawyers, none of whom are partners. This announcement was made by Baker McKenzie. The Law.com reports this substantial shift in the personnel lineup of both firms.
The switch comprises nine partners, two counsels, and six associates from the M&A, private equity, private funds, finance, and tax practices of Munger Tolles. This transition leaves Munger Tolles more focused on complex litigation and crisis management, whereas Baker McKenzie brings in a wealth of transactional expertise to its Los Angeles office, inching it closer to its goal of becoming a full-service law firm in the city.
Such a large-scale transition is mutually beneficial. For the Munger Tolles team, the move offers access to Baker McKenzie’s larger international platform, while it allows Baker McKenzie to round out the dealmaking offerings in their Los Angeles office.