O'Melveny & Myers LLP

O'Melveny's litigation practice is its crown jewel, consistently handling the most complex commercial disputes, securities enforcement actions, and class actions on the West Coast. The entertainment and media practice leverages the firm's LA roots to advise studios, streaming platforms, and talent on deals that shape popular culture. With 800 attorneys and $3.6M in profits per partner, OMM is large enough to handle the biggest matters but small enough that you will not get lost. The 1,900-hour billable requirement is among the more moderate in BigLaw, and the free-market system provides genuine flexibility.

O'Melveny consistently ranks as one of the best BigLaw firms for associate satisfaction, and the LA headquarters contributes to a culture that is ambitious but not performatively miserable. Associates praise the mentorship culture, noting that partners are genuinely invested in professional development rather than just leveraging associate hours. Training is comprehensive, with structured programs and early opportunities for substantive work. The summer program of roughly 70 associates is well-regarded, and the firm's commitment to diversity is reflected in concrete programs rather than just marketing materials.

OMM's callback process features virtual conversations with four attorneys over roughly two hours, though the format varies by office. Interviewers focus on your interest in litigation versus transactional work and your genuine connection to the firm. One notable detail: OMM has a reputation for being exceptionally responsive to candidates, with multiple reports of the recruiting team going out of their way to accommodate scheduling issues. Show that you understand OMM's sweet spot at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and litigation, and demonstrate why you would thrive in a West Coast BigLaw culture.