In Memoriam: Robert E. Denham (1945-2025)

Munger, Tolles & Olson is deeply saddened to share the passing of partner Robert E. Denham on March 15, 2025. Bob was a respected partner, consummate lawyer and conscientious leader inside and outside of our firm. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.

Bob joined MTO in 1971, shortly after graduating from Harvard Law School. His practice focused on mergers and acquisitions and advising clients on strategic, financial and corporate governance issues. He also regularly provided disclosure and corporate law advice to public, private and nonprofit corporations and boards of directors.

Bob quickly stood out as a brilliant dealmaker and legal mind, becoming firm partner in 1973 and managing partner in 1985. In 1991, longtime firm client Warren Buffett called on Bob to act as the general counsel of the investment firm Salomon Inc. and its subsidiary Salomon Brothers, which at the time had been embroiled in a highly publicized trading scandal. In 1992, Bob became the chairman of Salomon Inc., and he served in that role until 1998 when Traveler’s acquired Salomon.

“Bob was a generational talent distinguished by his hard and careful thinking and who made everyone around him feel valued and respected, no matter the circumstances,” said Name Partner Ronald Olson. “He was an exceptional lawyer, leader and friend whose kindness and generosity knew no bounds; his legacy will continue to inspire us all. While I will miss him dearly, I am grateful to have shared with him challenging times and accomplishments alike.”

“Bob was that leader that the client wanted at the helm of the ship in a storm,” said Firm Chair Brad Brian. “He had remarkable judgment and problem-solving abilities, and his talents and ingenuity allowed him to lead companies through difficult seas calmly and with never-wavering integrity. Most importantly, Bob always treated those around him with dignity and respect, even during trying times. He was a friend and I’ll miss him very much.”

Once described in the Daily Journal as “an iron hand in a velvet glove,” Bob took a firm but graceful approach to guiding companies and organizations to success. Among other leadership roles, Bob served on the boards of the Chevron Corporation, Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A. de CV (FEMSA), The New York Times, UGL Limited and Wesco Financial Corporation, among others.

After becoming general counsel of Salomon Brothers, Bob worked with Ron Olson and others at MTO in developing and implementing a rescue operation at Salomon Brothers that is still cited in business schools as a model of crisis management.

Pursuant to the settlement of the U.S. Government’s Treasury auction claims, Bob and Salomon Brothers CEO Deryck Maughn engineered the rebuilding of the storied investment firm. Bob implemented risk management procedures, developed the company’s bank and bridge lending business and participated actively in its investment banking efforts. In September 1997, Bob led the negotiations for the sale of Salomon Brothers to Travelers. After the sale, in 1998, Bob returned to the law firm and served Berkshire Hathaway and other clients on many high-profile transactions.

During this time, he represented several companies in blockbuster deals and high-profile cases, including Berkshire Hathaway in its $37.2 billion agreement to acquire Precision Castparts; its $28 billion acquisition with 3G Capital Partners of H.J. Heinz Company; its $9.7 billion acquisition of The Lubrizol Corporation; its $44 billion acquisition of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation; and its investment in Bank of America Corp. Bob also advised the Power family in its sale of J.D. Power and Associates, and The Copley Press in the sale of its San Diego and Midwest newspaper operations.

“I am honored to have called Bob my partner,” said Co-Managing Partner Hailyn Chen. “He was more than a colleague; he was a true friend and mentor. He relished the chance to guide younger lawyers, and he did so generously.”

“Bob was an elegant and ethical giant,” said Co-Managing Partner Malcolm Heinicke. “He generously tapped his amazing experiences to guide Hailyn and me on management issues, and he was never boastful, just always supportive and kind. He was a most decent and honorable man whose values we will carry forward.”

In addition to his executive roles in the finance and other industries, Bob was a champion for civil and human rights around the world. He was a former elected chair of The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Bob also served as vice chairman of the Good Samaritan Hospital of Los Angeles, and served as a trustee of the James Irvine Foundation, the New Village Charter High School, the Russell Sage Foundation and Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation.

Born on August 27, 1945 in Dallas, Texas, Bob graduated magna cum laude in 1966 from the University of Texas and was awarded a master’s degree in government from Harvard University in 1968. In 1971, Bob graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he was a Case and Developments editor of the Harvard Law Review. Bob’s mind was not the only thing about him that was quick – in his youth, he was a track star, and his passion for running carried well into his 60s and 70s.

Friends and family describe him as a thoughtful, caring and principled man with a kind and generous heart.

Bob was a devoted husband to his wife Carolyn and a loving father to his children, Laura Denham Evans and Jeff Denham. He was also an adoring grandfather to his four grandchildren, all of whom grew up in Pasadena and neighboring Altadena. He attended their Back to School Nights, sports events and theater performances, and never missed a Grandparents’ Day at school.

The firm will announce details on a memorial service and contributions in lieu of flowers in the coming weeks.