With 18 global offices and more than 800 lawyers, O’Melveny & Myers LLP is a major player across industries, courtrooms and boardrooms — and the firm’s Newport Beach office is no exception.

The office at 610 Newport Center Drive was established in 1979 and has grown alongside the local business community in Newport Beach, advising and collaborating with many of the region’s most prominent companies.

“We pride ourselves on advising clients across industries and sectors in high-stakes litigation and strategically important deals,” said O’Melveny Newport Beach managing partner Amy Laurendeau. “We’re practicing law at the highest level and doing so in an incredible community.”

Newport Beach’s unparalleled quality of life is one reason Laurendeau – along with many of her colleagues – chose O’Melveny’s Newport Beach office.

“We don’t have to sit in traffic for hours to get to the office, and we have so many opportunities to be active outdoors in the beautiful weather,” Laurendeau said. “There’s no compromise.” 

The firm requests employees be “in the office more often than not,” and when employees are not traveling, they’re happy to be together in the Newport office.

“Being together underscores what we know to be special about our firm, including our collaborative approach,” Laurendeau said. “While virtual work has its benefits, it’s difficult to digitally recreate the special experiences of in-person, in-office interactions.”

The workplace itself is also a draw, with stunning views from the 17th floor. The Commons allows employees to take advantage of year-round great weather, providing space for lunch al fresco and office-wide outdoor events. The firm hosts summer associate events, team building and holiday parties just across the street at popular Fashion Island spots like Red O, Fleming’s and VEA. 

Laurendeau joined O’Melveny after graduating from law school in 1998 and was named Managing Partner in 2020. While the hotspots at Fashion Island have evolved in the intervening years, the overall quality of life in Newport Beach has remained strong.

“There’s been so much growth in Orange County since I first moved here,” reflects Laurendeau. “At Fashion Island, in particular, there are always new restaurants and new stores; it’s always at the forefront of what’s popular and exciting. But I also appreciate that some things don’t change. Newport Beach still has the same stunning views and is the same nice beach community. It feels like home.”

Another thing that doesn’t change is the firm’s strong relationship with Irvine Company.

“We share a mutual appreciation for excellence and client service. Because of this long-term partnership, they’ve been able to support our evolving space needs with top-tier offerings,” said Laurendeau.