SAN FRANCISCO — Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP will open a new office in Washington, D.C., led by former United States Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli Jr. The Washington, D.C., office is the firm's first new office in 25 years.
Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP has offices in both San Francisco and Los Angeles. The Washington, D.C., office will be its newest location with the principal place of business remaining in Los Angeles. The firm chose 59-year-old Verrilli, who argued some of the most controversial issues before the United States Supreme Court, precisely because of those case experiences, said firm partner Ronald L. Olson.
“Don has earned an impeccable reputation in his distinguished career – both as an advocate and a counselor, navigating critical, complex and polarizing legal issues,” Olson told the Northern California Record. “He will now bring those exceptional abilities to bear on the problems of our clients.”
Verrilli had glowing words for the firm and its attorneys, too.
"This phenomenal opportunity is made all the better by doing it with two superb lawyers like Michael DeSanctis and Chad Golder," Verrilli told the Northern California Record.
Verrilli has said he wants to use his experiences to help clients that most need his help and the firm impressed him, particularly the pro bono cases and public service work with which they have been involved. He also told the Washington Post that he wanted to build an appellate and Supreme Court practice that is "second to none."
He has received high praise from many, including U.S. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch after Verrelli left President Barack Obama's administration this summer. Among his milestone accomplishments are arguing 37 Supreme Court cases including Obergefell v. Hodges, which essentially resulted in the ruling that same-sex couples can marry no matter where they live. He has defended the president's health care act, struck down tough immigration policy and argued for many other issues.