Charles Thomas (“Charlie”) Munger

Charles Thomas (“Charlie”) Munger was a founding partner of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP and helped lay the foundation for the firm’s success. His legal career included work as a real estate attorney, and his later career expanded into business, investing, corporate leadership, and philanthropy with national influence and lasting respect.

Charlie studied at the University of Michigan and California Institute of Technology before earning his Juris Doctor from Harvard University. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1948, magna cum laude. His education supported his early legal practice and helped shape the clear thinking used throughout his professional career.

Charlie co-founded Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP in 1962 with six other attorneys. The firm remembered him for his wisdom, teaching, values, and lasting role in its growth. His work helped build a strong professional foundation that continued to guide the firm for decades after its founding.

Charlie later became vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and served as a close business partner to Warren Buffett. He was also chairman of Wesco Financial Corporation, chairman of the Daily Journal Corporation, and a director of Costco Wholesale Corporation. His leadership reached law, finance, publishing, retail, and investment management.

Charlie was known for disciplined judgment, ethical business views, and the use of mental models to solve hard problems. His investment philosophy stressed worldly wisdom, careful decision-making, and long-term thinking. He also supported major educational and cultural institutions through significant gifts, building projects, and professional service.

Charles Thomas (“Charlie”) Munger left a lasting professional legacy as a lawyer, investor, executive, and philanthropist. His work at Munger, Tolles & Olson, Berkshire Hathaway, Wesco Financial Corporation, the Daily Journal Corporation, and Costco reflected practical judgment, deep learning, and steady leadership that influenced law, business, investing, and public service.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
• Member, State Bar of California
• Vice Chairman, Berkshire Hathaway

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Harvard University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• California Institute of Technology
• University of Michigan

Awards & Badges