O’Melveny Named to The American Lawyer's 2008 A-List

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Erika Tucker
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
(213) 430-7792
etucker@omm.com

LOS ANGELES, CA - July 1, 2008 - O’Melveny & Myers LLP has been named to The American Lawyer’s 2008 A-List, which recognizes the nation’s most elite law firms. In its debut appearance on the list of 20 firms judged best at balancing a thriving business with their obligations to the profession, O’Melveny ranks 16th.

In selecting A-List members, The American Lawyer evaluates law firms’ performance in the areas of revenue generation, pro bono casework, associate satisfaction, and diversity. “This outstanding honor would not have been possible without the hard work of the entire O’Melveny & Myers community,” said A.B. Culvahouse, Jr., Chair of the Firm. “It is a tribute to our sustained, collective efforts in service to our values of excellence, leadership, and citizenship. The American Lawyer’s selection criteria align perfectly with our core principles stressing excellence in our profession, dedication to public service in the communities in which we are privileged to practice, respect for diverse styles and contributions, and commitment to enriching professional opportunities.”

The American Lawyer describes this year’s collection as those firms that “best embody what it means to be a success in the legal community,” while stressing that it has become increasingly difficult for newcomers to land one of the 20 coveted spots. Although the 2007 rankings featured seven new firms, the 2008 A-List includes just three.  O’Melveny is the highest-ranked newcomer on this year’s list.

The publication spotlighted the higher expectations O’Melveny has built into its more formalized pro bono program, which resulted in an increase in the average time devoted to volunteer legal services by Firm lawyers in the United States. “In 2006, we launched a firm-wide pro bono initiative, which has enhanced the firm’s pro bono involvement and has resulted in a dramatic series of new engagements that have impacted the lives of the disadvantaged in profound ways,” said David Lash, the Firm’s Managing Counsel of public interest and pro bono services. In the article, Lash also notes that as a part of this program, “We require every first-year associate to handle a pro bono case. Additionally we expect every partner to supervise at least one pro bono matter each year, and we ask every lawyer to devote at least 50 hours to such matters.”