[MUNGER, TOLLES & OLSON LLP LETTERHEAD]

                                                                       EXHIBIT 5

                                August 24, 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 August 24, 2000 (the
"Registration Statement") in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 2,529 shares of Class A Common Stock, par
value $5 per share, and 1,363 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