One of L.A.’s most prominent homegrown law firms is making a leadership change today.

Former federal prosecutors Martin Estrada and Daniel Levin today take the helm of downtown-based Munger, Tolles & Olson as co-managing partners. Both work out of that location, and as Estrada recalled, “grew up in this firm” as early career attorneys.

“Martin and I have worked together for more than 20 years, going back to when we were associates. It’s particularly exciting to do this together,” Levin said. “We’re excited about where the firm is today and where it’s going. We feel that the firm is well positioned for success.”

Estrada will be immediately recognizable as the former U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, the top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles from 2022 until this year when he returned to MTO for a third time. His prior two stops were broken up by a stint as an assistant U.S. attorney.

Levin also clocked in time as an assistant U.S. attorney in the L.A. office, a tenure which intersected in part with Estrada’s time in the same role.

The pair replace Hailyn Chen in downtown and Malcolm Heinicke in San Francisco as co-managing partners.

“In Martin and Dan, we have leaders who exemplify our culture and commitment to excellence, and will no doubt lead the firm to continued success and growth,” said Firm Chair Brad Brian in a statement.

Carrying on firm stewardship

Public service is in keeping with MTO’s reputation for producing high-level prosecutors and judges and attracting them after their tenures in government. Alumni include Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, second lady Usha Vance and former Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Paul Watford.

“We bring that ethos of public service and giving back to our community, practicing in the most ethical way for this job,” Estrada said.

The firm boasts strong appellate and litigation practices in D.C., while the Bay Area hosts notable tech and trade secrets groups. Attorneys in L.A. count entertainment and private equity as their bread and butter, with a surge in pro bono work following Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids here this year.

“We’re going to continue to build on the strengths of those offices,” Estrada said.