35 Facts About O’Melveny & Myers

A Glimpse into O'Melveny & Myers LLP

O'Melveny & Myers LLP, founded in 1885, stands as one of the oldest law firms in the United States. With a rich history and a global presence, this firm has made significant strides in various legal fields. Here are 35 fascinating facts about O'Melveny & Myers LLP.

1. Founding
   O'Melveny & Myers LLP was established in 1885, making it one of the oldest law firms in the U.S.

2. Structure
   The firm operates as a limited liability partnership (LLP), providing partners with limited personal liability while maintaining operational flexibility.

3. Global Presence
   With 19 offices worldwide, O'Melveny & Myers serves clients across various jurisdictions, ensuring a broad reach in major legal markets.

Diverse Practice Areas

O'Melveny & Myers excels in numerous legal fields, offering specialized services to a wide range of clients.

4. Practice Areas
   The firm specializes in areas like Antitrust Litigation, Bankruptcy Litigation, Capital Markets, Environmental Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, and many more.

5. Client Base
   O'Melveny & Myers represents major corporations, media companies, healthcare providers, and financial institutions. Notable clients include Google, NBCUniversal, The Walt Disney Company, and CNN America.

6. Revenue
   In 2019, the firm generated $800.6 million in revenue, showcasing its financial strength and market presence.

Awards and Recognition

O'Melveny & Myers has received numerous accolades for its exceptional legal services.

7. Awards and Recognition
   In 2020, the firm was recognized as an Outstanding law firm globally by The Lawyers Global and has been shortlisted in various tiers for its performance in different regions.

8. Compliance Rating
   The firm's compliance rating is non-compliant regarding consumer data privacy and protection, indicating potential gaps in legally guaranteeing all privacy rights of its clients.

Commitment to Social Justice

O'Melveny & Myers has a history of defending important social issues, including reproductive rights and antitrust enforcement.

9. History of Defending Abortion Rights
   The firm has a long history of defending abortion rights, participating in precedent-setting litigation and partnering with community organizations on reproductive rights issues.

10. Antitrust Enforcement
    O'Melveny & Myers is actively involved in antitrust enforcement, focusing on expanding competition law to protect businesses and workers, moving beyond traditional consumer welfare goals.

Expertise in Patent Litigation

The firm maintains a strong presence in major U.S. patent litigation venues, handling a variety of cases.

11. Patent Litigation
    O'Melveny & Myers handles cases involving hardware, software, augmented reality, streaming video, e-commerce, digital technology, and pharmaceuticals, acting on both defense and offense sides.

Cultural and Ethical Challenges

Despite its achievements, O'Melveny & Myers has faced criticism for its cultural practices and ethical concerns.

12. Cultural Issues
    The firm has been criticized for a money-obsessed culture, prioritizing profits over client well-being, leading to concerns about handling sensitive cases.

13. Threats to Sexual Abuse Victims
    O'Melveny & Myers has been accused of using violent imagery to threaten a sexual abuse victim into silence, highlighting serious ethical concerns.

14. Sham Investigations
    The firm has faced criticism for conducting sham "independent investigations" in exchange for money, as exposed in several cases.

15. Mandatory Arbitration Agreements
    O'Melveny & Myers was at the forefront of using mandatory arbitration and nondisclosure agreements to silence victims, continuing this practice until 2018.

16. Retaliation Against Employees
    The firm has been accused of retaliating against employees who complain about problematic practices, discouraging whistleblowers from reporting unethical behavior.

17. Financial Services Practice Group
    A practice group leader within the firm was accused of lying to a federal court and later criticized the Geneva Convention in a radio interview.

Associate Experience and Work Environment

Associates at O'Melveny & Myers report a dynamic and supportive work environment, with substantial responsibilities and opportunities.

18. Associate Experience
    Associates are given significant responsibilities, including working on briefs, participating in witness interviews, attending hearings, and engaging with the Department of Justice.

19. Litigation Work
    The firm's litigation practice is highly regarded, handling a wide range of matters for clients like Google, NBCUniversal, and The Walt Disney Company.

20. Cultural Events
    The firm fosters a strong sense of community among its associates through various cultural events, including New Year's Eve parties, happy hours, and charity events.

21. Dress Code
    The dress code is relatively relaxed, with associates often wearing jeans and sneakers to the office, contributing to a positive work environment.

22. Billable Hours
    Associates are expected to meet a billable hours target of 1,900 hours per year, reflecting the firm's emphasis on productivity and client service.

23. Recruitment
    The firm recruits at over 35 schools annually, participates in job fairs, and accepts applications through resume collections and direct submissions.

Historical Significance and Community Involvement

O'Melveny & Myers has a long history of attracting distinguished legal professionals and participating in community service initiatives.

24. Historical Significance
    Judge Louis W. Myers, a former Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, was a partner at O'Melveny & Myers, reflecting the firm's history of attracting distinguished professionals.

25. Community Involvement
    The firm is involved in various community service initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility through charity events and community service projects.

Specialized Legal Practices

O'Melveny & Myers offers expertise in several specialized legal fields, catering to diverse client needs.

26. Media and Entertainment
    The firm has a strong media and entertainment practice, representing major companies and handling high-profile cases like the dismissal of former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo.

27. White Collar Crime
    O'Melveny & Myers has a robust white collar crime practice, dealing with complex cases involving internal investigations and regulatory matters.

28. Insurance and Labor
    The firm's insurance and labor practices focus on employee benefits, labor disputes, and insurance coverage litigation.

29. Securities and Restructuring
    O'Melveny & Myers handles matters related to mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and financial services regulation through its securities and restructuring practice.

30. Intellectual Property
    The firm's intellectual property practice is highly regarded, with expertise in patent and trademark counseling, licensing, and prosecution.

31. Environmental Law
    O'Melveny & Myers has a dedicated environmental law practice, handling cases related to environmental regulations and natural resources litigation.

32. Tax Law
    The firm's tax practice includes energy, power, and infrastructure tax, executive compensation and employee benefits tax, financial products tax, insolvency and restructuring tax, international tax, mergers and acquisitions tax, and false claims act defense.

33. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
    O'Melveny & Myers advises clients on FCPA investigations and provides defense services in related matters through its significant practice in Foreign Corrupt Practices Act compliance and enforcement.

34. International Trade
    The firm's international trade practice involves advising clients on international trade and investment regulation, including matters related to national security and public policy.

Emphasis on Client Collaboration

O'Melveny & Myers believes in the power of collaboration to achieve the best outcomes for its clients.

35. Client Collaboration
    The firm emphasizes collaboration among its lawyers and clients, believing that diverse perspectives and experiences inspire creative solutions and the best outcomes.

Final Thoughts on O'Melveny & Myers

O'Melveny & Myers LLP stands as a significant player in the legal world with its rich history dating back to 1885. The firm boasts a wide range of practice areas, from antitrust litigation to environmental law, serving high-profile clients like Google and NBCUniversal. Despite its accolades and global presence, the firm has faced serious ethical challenges, including allegations of cultural issues and questionable practices. Associates at O'Melveny report a supportive work environment with ample opportunities for growth, though the high billable hours target reflects the firm's demanding nature. Community involvement and a relaxed dress code add to the firm's appeal. However, the criticisms can't be ignored. O'Melveny & Myers continues to navigate its complex legacy, balancing its prestigious reputation with ongoing efforts to address internal and external challenges.