35 Facts About Morrison & Foerster

Morrison & Foerster: A Global Legal Powerhouse

Morrison & Foerster, often referred to as MoFo, is a name that resonates with excellence in the legal world. With a rich history and a forward-thinking approach, this firm has carved out a significant place on the global stage.

1. Global Presence: MoFo operates in over 40 countries, offering comprehensive legal services worldwide.

2. International Law Firm: The firm has a strong presence in major cities like San Francisco, New York, London, and Tokyo.

3. Diverse Practice Areas: MoFo covers a wide range of practice areas, including Technology Transactions, Securities Litigation, Intellectual Property, Life Sciences, and Real Estate.

Leadership and Expertise

MoFo is known for its exceptional leadership and expertise across various legal domains. Let's explore some key figures and their contributions.

4. Women in Leadership: Vivian L. Hanson chairs MoFo’s Sourcing practice, specializing in technology and intellectual property transactions.

5. Technology Expertise: Daphne Higgs leads the Technology Transactions Group, advising on complex commercial arrangements and strategic transactions.

6. Securities Litigation: Partners like Christin J. Hill and Nicole K. Serfoss represent clients in SEC enforcement matters and securities class actions.

7. Real Estate Transactions: Danielle Hirsch, a partner in the London office, specializes in global real estate and private equity transactions.

Commitment to Pro Bono Work

MoFo's dedication to pro bono work is a testament to its commitment to social justice and community service.

8. Pro Bono Work: In 2024, MoFo was honored by the Vance Center for International Justice for a research project on gender-affirming healthcare for Human Rights Watch.

Awards and Recognition

MoFo's excellence is consistently recognized through numerous awards and accolades.

9. Awards and Recognition: In 2024, MoFo received the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award for Law Firms by the California Lawyers Association.

10. Innovative Approach: The firm was named one of the Most Innovative Law Firms in the US and Asia by the Financial Times.

11. Elite Firm in Data: MoFo ranked #1 in Litigation and #4 in the Advisory category in the GDR 100 2023 edition.

12. Top 30 Investigations Practices: The firm was listed among the top 30 Investigations practices by GIR in 2023.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are core values at MoFo, reflected in their policies and practices.

13. Human Rights Campaign: MoFo received a 100% rating on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2023 Corporate Equality Index.

14. Global Rankings: IFLR1000 recognized MoFo in 52 practice areas globally, including Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, and Corporate and M&A.

15. Innovation Award: The firm’s office in Germany was recognized with the Innovation Award for its holistic wellbeing program.

16. Law360 Diversity Snapshot: MoFo ranked first overall among firms with 601+ lawyers in Law360’s 2023 Diversity Snapshot.

Practice Group Excellence

MoFo's practice groups are frequently recognized for their outstanding work and contributions.

17. Practice Group of the Year: The firm has been awarded Practice Group of the Year for Capital Markets (2023), FinTech (2023), and Life Sciences (2023).

18. California Regional Powerhouse: MoFo was named a California Regional Powerhouse in 2021 by Law360.

19. Best Lawyers Recognition: Best Lawyers highlighted 181 MoFo attorneys with 276 individual recognitions in its 2024 edition.

20. Law Firm of the Year: The firm was named Law Firm of the Year for Financial Services Regulation Law in 2024.

Summer Associate Program

MoFo's summer associate program is designed to give participants a real sense of what it means to practice at the firm.

21. Summer Associate Program: Assignments include writing briefs, motions, contracts, and client memoranda.

22. Mentorship Program: Each summer associate is assigned one or more mentors to help acclimate them to the firm.

Recruitment and Talent

MoFo recruits from top law schools and looks for individuals with exceptional talent and motivation.

23. Recruitment Strategy: MoFo recruits from top law schools, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford.

24. Summer Associate Profile: The firm seeks individuals whose academic and other achievements evidence their talent, motivation, energy, and creativity.

Social Media and Pro Bono Recognition

MoFo maintains an active presence on social media and is frequently recognized for its pro bono work.

25. Social Media Presence: MoFo is active on LinkedIn, Twitter (@MoFoLLP), Facebook (MoFoLLP), and Instagram (@MoFoLLP).

26. Pro Bono Hot List: The firm has been named to the Pro Bono Hot List six times, including most recently in 2021.

Recognition for Women and Diversity

MoFo is consistently recognized as one of the best law firms for women and diversity.

27. Best Law Firms for Women: MoFo has been recognized as one of the Best Law Firms for Women for the 14th time.

28. Hall of Fame Recognition: The firm has been ranked in the top five every year since 2018, with 21 lawyers named to The Legal 500’s Hall of Fame.

International and Regional Awards

MoFo's excellence is recognized not just in the US but also internationally.

29. Singapore Law Firm of the Year: MoFo was named the Singapore Law Firm of the Year for 2020 and 2021.

30. Innovative Law Firm of the Year: The firm was a finalist in the Innovative Law Firm of the Year category at Legal 500’s Southeast Asia Awards 2023.

31. Appellate Hot List: MoFo has been consistently named to its Appellate Hot List, including most recently in 2021.

Women in Business Law Awards

MoFo's commitment to supporting women in business law is evident through numerous awards.

32. Women in Business Law Awards: MoFo was named “Women in Business Law International Firm of the Year” and “Firm of the Year: U.S. – West” at the Americas Women in Business Law Awards 2024.

Client Recognition

Clients frequently recognize MoFo's excellence and dedication.

33. Client Recognition: Best Lawyers highlighted 181 MoFo attorneys with 276 individual recognitions in its 2024 edition.

ESG and Sustainability

MoFo is committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and sustainability.

34. Global ESG + Sustainability Steering Committee: Stephanie Lynn Sharron, a partner in the Palo Alto office, serves on the firm’s global ESG + Sustainability steering committee.

35. FinTech Steering Committee: Stephanie Lynn Sharron is also a member of the firm’s FinTech steering committee and a sought-after speaker on issues at the intersection of technology and law.

Morrison & Foerster: A Legal Powerhouse

Morrison & Foerster stands out as a top-tier law firm with a global reach. Known for its diverse practice areas and strong female leadership, MoFo excels in fields like Technology Transactions, Securities Litigation, and Real Estate. The firm's commitment to pro bono work and diversity has earned it numerous awards, including the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award and a 100% rating on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

MoFo's innovative approach has been recognized by the Financial Times and other prestigious rankings. With a robust summer associate program and a focus on mentorship, the firm attracts top talent from leading law schools. Whether it's securing landmark deals or advocating for human rights, Morrison & Foerster continues to set the bar high in the legal industry.