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[MUNGER, TOLLES & OLSON LLP LETTERHEAD]
EXHIBIT 5
July 18, 2000
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
1440 Kiewit Plaza
Omaha, Nebraska 68131
Re: Registration Statement on Form S-3
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Gentlemen:
We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-3 proposed to be filed
by you with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 18, 2000 (the
"Registration Statement") in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 1,043 shares of Class A Common Stock, par
value $5 per share, and 263 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $.1667 per
share, of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (the "Shares"), for offer and sale by certain
of shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (the "Selling Shareholders"). As
your counsel in connection therewith, we have examined the proceedings taken by
you in connection with the sale of the Shares to the Selling Shareholders.
Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that the Shares are now, and when
sold in the manner referred to in the Registration Statement will be, validly
issued, fully paid, and nonassessable.
We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, and further consent to the reference to this firm appearing under the
heading "Legal Matters" in the prospectus which is contained in the Registration
Statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
MUNGER, TOLLES & OLSON LLP
II-4
