Our deeds and shared values define our culture. As a firm, we are equally passionate about delivering legal excellence and making a difference in the world. MoFo+ shares news and thought leadership from our lawyers and their teams who are proud to contribute to the legal profession and the communities we call home.<h2>About Morrison Foerster</h2>Morrison Foerster is a leading global law firm that transforms complexity into advantage for its clients. Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, banks, consulting and accounting firms, and Fortune 100, technology, and life sciences companies. Highlighting the firm’s commitment to client service, leadership in market-changing deals and impact litigation, and values-based culture, Morrison Foerster has been repeatedly recognized as one of the top 10 firms on The American Lawyer’s A-List. Year after year, the firm receives significant recognition from Chambers and The Legal 500 across their various guides, including Global, USA, Asia‑Pacific, Europe, UK, Latin America, and FinTech Legal. Our lawyers passionately care about delivering legal excellence while living our values. Morrison Foerster has a long-standing commitment to creating a culture that respects and celebrates differences, while providing an inclusive environment. The firm has achieved Mansfield Certification Plus since 2018 as a result of successfully reaching at least 30 percent women, communities of color, and LGBTQ+ lawyer representation in a notable number of current leadership roles and committees. The firm also has a long history of commitment to the community and society through providing pro bono legal services, including litigating for civil rights and civil liberties, improving public education and fostering the wellbeing of children, advocating for veterans, promoting international human rights, enforcing the right to asylum, and safeguarding the environment.

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Jennifer K. Brown is Senior Pro Bono Counsel at Morrison & Foerster LLP, with responsibility for the overall direction of the firm’s pro bono program. Ms. Brown also develops pro bono opportunities and promotes lawyers’ participation in the firm’s offices on the east coast of the U.S. as well as in China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.Before joining Morrison Foerster, Ms. Brown was vice president and legal director of Legal Momentum, the nation's first women’s rights legal organization, originally known as the NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund. There, she directed cutting-edge litigation and policy advocacy focused on employment discrimination, domestic violence victims' rights, and sexuality and family rights. Previously, she served as the reproductive rights director with the Civil Rights Bureau of the Office of the New York Attorney General and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney with the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.Ms. Brown brings to the firm her deep knowledge of public interest legal organizations and the most pressing civil rights issues of the day. She has, as well, a rich array of litigation experience, having represented individuals as well as federal agencies and the public, from both the plaintiff and defense positions, in trial and appellate courts. As Senior Pro Bono Counsel, she applies this knowledge and experience to multiple goals: encouraging the firm's attorneys from all practice areas to bring pro bono projects to the firm; easing the way for attorneys to undertake meaningful pro bono service; and working with legal service and public interest organizations to identify creative ways to tap the passion and intellect of the firm's lawyers to pursue the public good. Recent achievements include collaborating with a legal services organization to represent individuals whose claims for unemployment insurance benefits are challenged, and forming a project to represent disabled individuals who are seeking federal disability benefits.Ms. Brown received her J.D. from Yale Law School in 1993, where she was essays editor of the Yale Law Journal (1992-1993) and was awarded the Benjamin Scharps and Israel H. Peres prizes for outstanding writing. Ms. Brown’s publications include, "The Nineteenth Amendment and Women's Equality," 102 Yale Law Journal 2175 (1993) (student note), and "Life and Death with Joan," in AIDS: The Women, Cleis Press, 1988.

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Senior Pro Bono Counsel

Staff

As senior pro bono counsel, Jennifer manages and promotes the pro bono participation of lawyers on the East Coast.

Jennifer K. Brown

Natalie Kernisant is Morrison Foerster’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer.Natalie provides strategic leadership to advance recruiting and retention of diverse talent at the firm, as well as providing client development support in the area of diversity and inclusion. She works closely with the firm’s Diversity Strategy Committee co-chairs Alexis Amezcua, Purvi Patel, and Mark Whitaker, and Women’s Strategy Committee co-chairs Carrie Cohen, Julie Park, and Stacey Sprenkel.Natalie joined Morrison Foerster in November 2013. She was appointed to the newly created role of Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer in December 2020, having previously served as the firm’s Global Director of Diversity and Inclusion.Prior to joining Morrison Foerster, Natalie served as Human Resources Manager for Risk Management within Global Banking and Markets at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Before that, she practiced trademark and copyright law and then served as the Special Projects Manager in the Office of Institutional Policy & Planning at Harvard Medical School overseeing the school’s 2011 accreditation process.In 2021, Natalie was named by Crain’s New York Business to its list of Notable Black Leaders & Executives 2021. The special section recognizes black men and women who have impacted New York City in major ways and sets out to honor their professional, civic, and philanthropic achievements. In 2023, Natalie was recognized as one of Savoy Magazine’s 2023 Most Influential Executives in Diversity & Inclusion. She was also selected to Law360’s Diversity & Inclusion Editorial Advisory Board, whose goal is to provide feedback on Law360’s coverage as well as expert insight on how to shape future coverage. Additionally, she was recognized in the Financial Times 2023 North America Innovative Lawyers report as one of seven individual “Change Makers” in the legal industry for her strategic leadership of the firm’s efforts to interrupt unconscious bias and advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In 2024, Natalie was named as a Change Driver in the Annual Diversity Awards of World IP Review (WIPR). The annual Diversity Awards recognize those who have made exceptional contributions to diversity and inclusion in the field of intellectual property.During Natalie’s tenure at MoFo, the firm has received multiple <a href="/culture/diversity#page-section-4" target="_self">diversity and inclusion awards and recognitions</a>.

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Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Natalie Kernisant is Morrison Foerster’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer.

Natalie Kernisant provides strategic leadership to advance recruiting and retention of diverse talent at Morrison Foerster, as well as providing client development support in the area of diversity and inclusion.

Natalie Kernisant

Dorothy L. Fernandez is Pro Bono Counsel based in the Denver office of Morrison & Foerster LLP. She is responsible for managing and promoting the participation of lawyers in the firm’s extensive pro bono program which includes, among other things, providing free legal services to low-income individuals, advising nonprofit organizations and assisting in other matters that serve the public interest. Dorothy’s primary focus is on working with lawyers in the firm’s Austin, Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver and Tokyo offices.In 1999, Dorothy joined Morrison & Foerster as an associate in the Securities Litigation, Enforcement and White-Collar Criminal Defense Group. She was elected a partner of the firm in 2004. Dorothy handled complex litigation at the state, federal and appellate levels and was responsible for drafting key dispositive motions in some of the firm’s largest securities litigation matters. In addition, she had an active pro bono practice and represented clients in individual matters, as well as cases addressing the treatment of children in foster care and the rights of LGBT individuals.A dedicated advocate for the LGBT community, Dorothy has served as co-chair of the board of directors of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and she also served on the board of the Pride Law Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to law students working on issues related to the equal rights of LGBT citizens and people living with HIV/AIDS.Dorothy currently serves on the board of directors of Centro Legal de la Raza, a nonprofit based in Oakland.Dorothy graduated from Stanford University in 1992 with a B.A. in psychology. She earned a J.D. in 1996 from Harvard Law School, where she was a member of the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review and co-chair of HLS Lambda. She has taught as an adjunct instructor at both Golden Gate University Law School and Santa Clara University Law School.

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Pro Bono Counsel

Dorothy works with lawyers in our Denver, Los Angeles, and San Diego offices on various pro bono initiatives.

Dorothy L. Fernandez

Rachel Williams is pro bono counsel based in Morrison & Foerster’s San Francisco office. She is responsible for managing and promoting the participation of lawyers in the firm’s extensive program of providing free legal services to low-income individuals, to nonprofit organizations, and in matters that serve the public interest. Rachel works primarily with lawyers in the firm’s San Francisco, Palo Alto, London, Berlin, and Brussels offices. She is an active member of the Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative and the board of directors of OneJustice. Rachel joined the firm in 1999. Prior to becoming a pro bono counsel, Rachel was a litigation associate in the firm’s Palo Alto office and worked on attorney training and development initiatives. Before law school, Rachel worked for various nonprofit organizations, was an investigator for the public defender’s office in Seattle, and served as a Coro Public Affairs Fellow in New York City.

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Rachel is responsible for managing and promoting the participation of lawyers in the firm’s extensive program of providing free legal services to low-income individuals, to nonprofit organizations, and in matters that serve the public interest.

Rachel P. Williams

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Morrison Foerster has a long-standing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and pro bono work. MoFo+ shares news and thought leadership from our lawyers and their teams who are proud to contribute to the legal profession and the communities we call home.

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Welcome to the Mofo+ Blog

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Morrison Foerster has a long-standing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and pro bono work. MoFo+ shares news and thought leadership from our lawyers and their teams who are proud to contribute to the legal profession and the communities we call home.

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MoFo Wins Asylum for Cameroonian Political Refugee

MoFo Sponsors the 2024 NAPABA Convention

Navigating Justice and Disability: A Conversation with Judge David Tatel

The MoFo Foundation Supports Pro Bono Partners

MoFo Sponsors the Black Counsel Forum 2024

Editor's note: Read about Meelissa Tapia Cortez, who participated in <a href="https://together.mofo.com/topics/mofo-s-2023-summer-associate-program-fosters-personal-connections-and-professional-growth" target="_self">MoFo’s 2023 Summer Associate Program in our San Francisco office</a>, in this installment of our MoFo Stories series.As part of MoFo’s Sponsors for Educational Opportunity program, I felt eager to learn everything I could before the summer of my 1L year. I was lucky enough to be placed at MoFo during the summer of ’22, and I have never looked back. While I had done research on the firms I was interested in working for, nothing prepared me for the warm welcome of MoFo’s associates, partners, and business professionals. Aside from having well respected queer employees and a robust Latinx presence on every level, MoFo excels in its commitment to pro bono work. Coming from a nontraditional background, I worked at immigration nonprofits for many years prior to law school, specializing in legal aid for survivors of violence. Due to this prior experience, my expectations for a firm’s pro bono practice were high and, I’m proud to say, MoFo has exceeded them.This summer, I participated in amazing projects—all close to my heart. I had the privilege of working with Root and Rebound, an organization whose mission is reentry advocacy and harm reduction for individuals impacted by mass incarceration. As part of its record expungement clinic, I was able to work directly with a client in need of legal services. The result of the process is imperative, but hearing each client’s story is the most humbling and impactful part for me. As I was perennially reminded in my years of client-facing work, the individuals on the receiving end of criminal justice systems are often victims of systemic injustices in the first place, meaning they need and deserve care and resources rather than punishment. In this way, MoFo’s alliance with Root and Rebound’s mission and practice speaks volumes. As if all that were not enough, I received thorough feedback from Pro Bono Counsel Dorothy Fernandez, whose interest in my development as a persuasive writer was evident, not just for my personal progress but also for our client to receive the best advocacy.I also contributed to an asylum clinic with our partnering organization, Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA). I’ve worked on many asylum cases in the past; they are time-consuming and resource-demanding. The supervising attorneys at CLSEPA provided excellent training, exemplifying devotion to their clients and cause. Even though I was the most junior member of my team, the associate I was partnered with, Rafael Alberto Grillo Avila, allowed me to take the lead in the process. The trust of and respect for my experience were very meaningful and exemplary of MoFo’s respect for its employees with nontraditional backgrounds.In sum, my experience with MoFo’s pro bono practice continues to convince me that MoFo sets the bar for commitment to partnering with progressive organizations, honoring system-impacted clients, and helping develop the skills of its employees to shape us into the best advocates we can be.

MoFo’s Commitment to Diversity in Its Pro Bono Practice – Meelissa Tapia Cortez

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MoFo’s Commitment to Diversity in Its Pro Bono Practice – Meelissa Tapia Cortez

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As part of MoFo’s Sponsors for Educational Opportunity program, I felt eager to learn everything I could before the summer of my 1L year. I was lucky enough to be placed at MoFo during the summer of ’22, and I have never looked back. 

Throughout September, Morrison Foerster’s Environmental Sustainability (ES) Committees focused on climate with several initiatives and activities across the firm.Krista deBoer, associate and co-chair of the San Diego ES Committee, and Cedar Hobbs, associate and member of the San Diego ES Committee, led a two-session training for MoFo attorneys and business professionals on the basics of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Attendees joined these virtual events from across the firm.  The ES Committees encouraged attorneys and business professionals to share a photo of their favorite place in nature that could be impacted by climate change in a climate photo contest. The winner received recognition through their personal carbon footprint being offset for a year.  The Committees also held in-person events related to the linkages between climate and other environmental topics, like waste, and regional impacts. Photos from the Brussels “Zero Waste Workshop” and San Francisco “Great Highway Project Presentation” are featured below.<a href="https://www.mofo.com/culture/sustainability" target="_blank">Learn more</a> about MoFo’s environmental sustainability initiatives. <div data-reactroot=""><img src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blteb921816594bd927/651f462e5554e9e94a63df06/231003-climate-week-1.jpg?format=auto&amp;quality=60" alt="Climate Week"/></div><div data-reactroot=""><img src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/bltd51b1b2ce06482a8/651f462e6065f336902294f6/231003-climate-week-2.jpg?format=auto&amp;quality=60" alt="Climate Week"/></div>

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Partner

Krista deBoer’s practice involves the full range of environmental, climate, and green claims issues. As a partner in MoFo’s Class Actions + Mass Tort practice group, Krista represents clients in environmental and toxic tort litigation, Proposition 65 litigation, and consumer class actions 

Krista S. deBoer

Krista deBoer

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Associate

Cedar Hobbs is an associate in MoFo’s Complex Litigation + Advisement Group in the San Diego office. His practice focuses on complex civil litigation and environmental law and regulation.

Cedar Hobbs

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Throughout September, Morrison Foerster’s Environmental Sustainability (ES) Committees focused on climate with several initiatives and activities across the firm.

Climate Week 2023: MoFo Highlights Environmental Sustainability Issues

Editors’ Note: Read about Astrid Menendez-Muharram, a Miami associate in our Transactions Department, in the latest installment of our ongoing Faces of MoFo series.Being a member of the Latinx community is possibly the “credential” I am proudest of and being multilingual is one my favorite skills. While one may think that it is because of the “upper hand” this identity may give someone in the international corporate arena, the real value of those characteristics comes from the pride I feel in being part of such a strong community. The Latinx community is one characterized by colorful backgrounds, rich cultures, and a hunger to succeed that is unmatched by most. Growing up and to this day, I have continuously been surrounded by a strong Latinx presence. My father being Cuban and my mother being Puerto Rican led me to have a strong sense of culture and pride from a young age. That strong sense of culture was only strengthened by growing up in Miami, Florida, surrounded by the melting pot of different cultures, and then by eventually marrying into the Brazilian culture, I sealed the proverbial “multicultural deal.” Such exposure to varying heritages played a pivotal role in my personal and professional development as well as my sense of self.I did not always aspire to become a lawyer. Instead, I saw myself as someone more suited for a traditional corporate/financial career. Eventually focusing my practice on M&A and transactional work ended up being the perfect marriage of the two. However, I would be lying if I said that such path was the obvious one or that I initially thought my career in Big Law would be a long tenure. I mistakenly believed that the path to success and longevity in a Big Law career would be plagued by lack of understanding from colleagues as to personal accomplishments (e.g., marriage, motherhood, etc.), differing backgrounds, a lack of balance, and a lack of “fitting into” the traditional mold. MoFo disproved my mistaken belief and, after participating in and being witness to its mentorship and diversity programs, I realized that the firm genuinely values its talent and the diversity that such talent brings (from a cultural perspective as well as from an identity/value perspective).MoFo’s investment and long-term foresight in the Latin American culture and market is evidenced by its being one of the first Big Law firms to open its doors in Miami, a city vibrant with opportunity and deeply rooted in the Latinx culture. MoFo’s progressivism in the diversity of its firm and its offerings was at the core of my decision to join the firm after a cross-country move to Denver, Colorado. While my personal transition from Miami to Denver was an adjustment, MoFo and its leadership (a substantial number of whom are themselves diverse) invested in my development and considered ways to make my adjustment to a new office, a new city, and a new culture more organic. In my time with MoFo, I have witnessed firsthand the benefits of the initiatives implemented by firm leadership as it relates to diversity of the workforce and have reaped these benefits by participating in these initiatives through the years. MoFo’s genuine commitment to all aspects of diversity, including the Latinx community, is something that initially attracted me to the firm and is one of the most vital reasons for me staying. I truly believe that the tapestry of talent MoFo employs is the key reason for its success and the quality of the “well-rounded” work product produced. Different backgrounds lead to different thinking, approaches, and styles and the marriage of such variances is key in providing collaborative and innovative services.I credit my identity as a first-generation Latin American as playing the most vital role in paving my career path. The ability to celebrate such identity and heritage through the firm’s programming is an honor. While I enjoy what I do professionally in the office, it is what I do during my free time that fills me with the most purpose. Moving back to Miami with my husband and our two boys has allowed us to enjoy our extended family, the outdoors, and our culture. Being close to “home,” family, and friends, and the values and traditions we grew up with, is something we prioritize for our children. When you don’t find me outdoors with my family (generally biking, boating, or in the pool), you can find me deep-diving into the newest true crime thriller/headline, as I like to moonlight as a wannabe detective on my time off.

Faces of MoFo: Astrid Menendez-Muharram

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Astrid Menendez-Muharram is an associate in the firm’s Corporate Practice. She advises clients on a broad range of corporate matters, including public and private mergers and acquisitions, private equ

Astrid Marie Menendez-Muharram

Astrid Menendez-Muharram is an associate in the firm’s Corporate Practice. She advises clients on a broad range of corporate matters, including public and private mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, joint ventures, and general corporate governance in the United States and Latin America.

Astrid Menendez-Muharram

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Faces of MoFo: Astrid Menendez-Muharram

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Editors’ Note: Read about Astrid Menendez-Muharram, a Miami associate in our Transactions Department, in the latest installment of our ongoing Faces of MoFo series.

Observed annually in October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities, past and present, and highlights supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices. In recognition of the important role that people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive workforce, the theme for NDEAM 2023 is “Advancing Access and Equity.”In honor of NDEAM, we are excited to welcome Haben Girma as our featured speaker on October 18 at 12:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. ET for “A Conversation with Haben Girma, Disability Rights Lawyer, Author, and Speaker,” moderated by MoFo of counsel, <a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/tushna-gamadia" target="_blank">Tushna Gamadia</a>. Haben will discuss her career path as a Deafblind attorney, her disability advocacy work, and the importance of accessibility in education and technology. The first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, <a href="https://habengirma.com/" target="_blank">Haben Girma</a> is a human rights lawyer who has dedicated her career to advancing disability justice. In addition to being named a White House Champion of Change by President Obama, Haben has received the Helen Keller Achievement Award, a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and a feature on TIME100 Talks. Haben believes disability is an opportunity for innovation, and she teaches organizations the importance of choosing inclusion. The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, and TODAY Show featured her memoir, Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law. Complimentary copies of her memoir will be offered to attendees. To be added to our mailing list, please complete this <a href="https://www2.mofo.com/l/323401/2023-04-14/8vvqc" target="_blank">form</a>.At MoFo, we believe that respect for our people, their ideas, and their differences makes us stronger colleagues and advisors. Throughout the month, we will bring awareness to the unique experiences and celebrate the many contributions of employees with disabilities.Please join us in celebrating NDEAM as we continue to foster a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture here at MoFo.To learn more about diversity at MoFo, please visit our <a href="https://www.mofo.com/culture/diversity" target="_blank">diversity page</a>.

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Observed annually in October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities, past and present, and highlights supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices. In recognition of the important role that people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive workforce, the theme for NDEAM 2023 is “Advancing Access and Equity.”

MoFo Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Editors’ Note: Read about Daniel Gonzalez, a Boston associate in our Transactions Department, in the latest installment of our ongoing Faces of MoFo series.I have been with MoFo for four and a half years and joined the Finance Group when the Boston office first opened in 2019. I was born and raised in Boston, by parents who emigrated from Cuba to the United States in the 1960s. Because I am a first-generation college student, my parents have always stressed the importance of education and academic curiosity.During my sophomore and junior years at Amherst College, I took several classes in the Law, Jurisprudence & Social Thought department. These classes provided a glimpse into the study and theory of law, and ultimately sparked my interest in pursuing a career in the legal field. By the end of my time at Amherst, I knew that law school was the next step. However, before I began my law school journey at Boston University, it was important to me to first invest my time in “Tenacity” – a program that shaped my life in many ways.Tenacity is a nonprofit organization based in Boston that provides mentorship for inner-city children, as well as a comprehensive curriculum to develop literacy and athletics through tennis. The components of the program also emphasize life skill development, including teamwork, sportsmanship, responsibility, and most importantly, resilience. I joined Tenacity at the age of 11 as one of the program’s first participants. The mentorship I received had a lasting impact and provided significant support during my middle school education (and also introduced me to the game of tennis!).After graduating from Amherst in 2010, I returned to Tenacity and spent the next several years working at different inner-city schools throughout Boston helping to expand the program. I started at BU in 2013 but remained active in the Tenacity community. I currently serve as a Director on the Alumni Committee and help coordinate alumni engagement – as the program has worked with over 40,000 students since 1999.  At MoFo, my practice is primarily focused on representing banks and other financial institutions in a variety of debt financing transactions. Joining the Boston office at its inception and having the opportunity to help expand the community and shape the collective vision has been a great experience. Over the past three summers, I have particularly enjoyed serving as an associate mentor through the firm’s Summer Associate program.Outside work, you are likely to find me spending time with family and playing tennis with friends.

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I have been with MoFo for four and a half years and joined the Finance Group when the Boston office first opened in 2019. I was born and raised in Boston, by parents who emigrated from Cuba to the United States in the 1960s. Because I am a first-generation college student, my parents have always stressed the importance of education and academic curiosity.

Faces of MoFo: Daniel Gonzalez

Editors’ Note: Read about Zachary Maldonado, a Los Angeles associate in our Litigation Department, in the latest installment of our ongoing Faces of MoFo series.I have always been interested in how mentorship can impact people. Oftentimes, people underestimate themselves and discount what they believe they are capable of because they are not familiar with the challenges ahead of them. But a good mentor can help someone to rise to a higher standard, because a mentor sees what they are capable of, even if they do not see it themselves.Much of who I am has been shaped by those who came before me: my brothers, my parents, my grandparents. All have provided mentorship in their own ways, informing my decisions along my path. Starting a new chapter as a first-year associate at a large law firm was a challenge, and I found myself wondering whether I would “fit in” in such an unfamiliar environment. As the grandchild of an immigrant, I did not grow up around lawyers or have any exposure to or familiarity with the legal field (outside of repeat viewings of A Few Good Men). These are the spaces where imposter syndrome can take root and grow. But mentorship can change that and can provide someone like me with much-needed reassurance that they are where they belong.Since starting at Morrison Foerster, I have been fortunate to cross paths with tremendous people who happen to be extraordinary lawyers. Mentorship has been a resource I have found often in unexpected places: striking up a conversation with a partner I’ve never worked with in a shared elevator ride, engaging in a Teams chat with a fellow associate for advice on how to tackle a new challenge, or even representing Morrison Foerster on the basketball court in the lawyers’ league. I have learned that mentorship is not a scarce resource, but it is one that requires active cultivation.People often ask me what I enjoy most about my job. My answer changes from time to time. Sometimes the answer is the work itself, when there is a particularly challenging case presenting a unique problem that our team is trying to solve. Other times the answer is simply just the people: the partners who take time to shape young lawyers and the associates who often provide life- and time-saving advice (and exemplars). But often the answer is that I am working at a firm that genuinely embraces diversity, where I do not feel compelled to change who I am to fit in, and where mentorship affirms that I belong.Outside work, I enjoy taking on more of a mentor role for others where I can. I have been fortunate to serve as a mentor to diverse aspiring law students for the past four years for the non-profit Legal Education Access Pipeline (LEAP). It has been tremendously gratifying to see others grow confident in themselves as they begin their own journey in the legal field. People often surprise themselves with what they are capable of. A great mentor can catalyze that.

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Before joining MoFo’s Litigation Department, Zachary worked as a law clerk at the L.A. District Attorney’s Office Consumer Protection Division, where he worked on a variety of complex consumer and env

Zachary Maldonado

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I have always been interested in how mentorship can impact people. Oftentimes, people underestimate themselves and discount what they believe they are capable of because they are not familiar with the challenges ahead of them. But a good mentor can help someone to rise to a higher standard, because a mentor sees what they are capable of, even if they do not see it themselves.

Faces of MoFo: Zachary Maldonado

As we begin our celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15, we come together to honor the rich history, diverse cultures, and invaluable contributions of individuals whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. At MoFo, we believe that our strength lies in our diversity. Our Latinx colleagues bring a unique blend of talents, perspectives, and experiences that enrich our work and drive our success. This month, we take a moment to fully recognize and appreciate the remarkable contributions made by the Latinx community.In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, we recognize our Latinx Affinity Network Liaisons: class action and commercial litigation partner <a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/alexis-amezcua" target="_blank">Alexis Amezcua</a>, and partner and co-chair of the Social Enterprise and Impact Investing Group <a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/alfredo-b-d-silva" target="_blank">Alfredo Silva</a>.We will also highlight the instrumental role of, and significant contributions made by, our Latinx associates at MoFo, by featuring stories about transactions associate Daniel Gonzalez and litigation associate Zachary Maldonado on our <a href="https://together.mofo.com/">MoFo+ blog</a>.MoFo Affinity Networks are cross-office groups of attorneys and business professionals who share a particular affinity. The Latinx Affinity Groups meet on a regular basis, both virtually and in person, to network and build community among members. Within the networks, the partners meet frequently to help further the firm’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) strategy as it relates to talent development, with a particular focus on recruitment, retention, and advancement.The firm's strategic priorities with regard to diversity and inclusion include (1) attracting the most talented diverse attorneys, (2) developing and engaging our diverse talent, (3) enhancing workplace inclusion, and (4) partnering with our clients where possible to further D+I in the legal industry. The Latinx Affinity Network aims to further the firm’s commitment to D+I by focusing our efforts on raising awareness around the unique experience of navigating the professional space as a Latinx attorney/employee and by actively supporting the recruitment, engagement, retention, development, and advancement of our Latinx employees across the firm.

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As we begin our celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15, we come together to honor the rich history, diverse cultures, and invaluable contributions of individuals whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. At MoFo, we believe that our strength lies in our diversity. 

Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month 2023

As part of MoFo’s <a href="https://together.mofo.com/topics/leaders-of-influence-a-spotlight-on-mofo-s-women-of-color">Leaders of Influence campaign</a>, Crystal Kaldjob, co-lead of our Fintech practice, shares her reflections on her leadership style and skills, including those she continues to work on, and her current diversity and inclusion initiatives.Crystal’s practice focuses on advising financial services clients on a wide range of issues in regulatory and transactional contexts.  Crystal provides practical, solution-oriented regulatory and transactional assistance to merchants, emerging companies, fintech companies, banks and other financial institutions in strategic partnerships, including structuring and negotiating private label, co-brand credit card, and point-of-sale financing partnerships, marketplace lending arrangements, asset purchases, and loan portfolio sales and acquisitions.  Her regulatory experience involves advising financial institutions, fintech companies, and merchants on compliance with consumer and retail banking laws, including laws related to the offering and operation of consumer credit, payments, and financial products and services.Describe your leadership style how you “lead” others. I lead by being practical, solution-oriented, decisive, supportive, and importantly, authentic. It is important to me to work towards practical solutions and to be supportive of the team by obtaining their input and working toward a solution. I do not shy away from telling my story, how it differentiates me from others, and being honest when I’m excited about a new client or a new matter or disappointed in a negotiation. What skills do you use most often in your leadership role?Listening, problem-solving, and leading by example. Working as a Fintech lawyer means I work with all types of clients—early stage fintechs, established banks and financial institutions, and merchants. Listening to their individual needs and developing creative solutions to mitigate risk is critical (particularly when I’m negotiating on their behalf or helping them set up a new financial product or service). Our clients have different needs, different pain and pressure points, different priorities, and different levels of knowledge about the financial services space. The attorneys I work with also have different needs, priorities, and levels of knowledge, and it is critical that I listen and try to understand and work with others to identify their strengths and how they can successfully support our clients.     What leadership skills are you continuing to work on? I continue to work on all of my skills—particularly patience and delegation. As a relatively new partner, a successful transition from senior associate to partner is impacted by the ability to delegate (rather than to just do it yourself) in all matters—including substantive work and administrative tasks to our amazing support staff. It takes immense patience to be able to delegate successfully. If I do not take the time to invest in my team by providing them with context and clear direction, and regularly check in, delegation fails. If you participate in firm or office initiatives, please mention the initiatives you are working on as well as the impact you hope to achieve? I co-lead the firm’s Fintech practice, serve on the Diversity Strategy Committee (DSC) (including as a Black Attorney Network (BAN) Partner Liaison) and the Pro Bono Committee, and serve as the partner liaison for our local associate-led Women’s Affinity Group. I also serve on several task forces and steering committees for important firm initiatives. Recruiting, promoting, retaining, and creating an inclusive environment for our diverse attorneys, particularly our black attorneys, who are historically underrepresented in law firms, are why I enjoy and value being a member of the DSC and serving as a BAN partner liaison.

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As part of MoFo’s Leaders of Influence campaign, Crystal Kaldjob, co-lead of our Fintech practice, shares her reflections on her leadership style and skills, including those she continues to work on, and her current diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Leaders of Influence: A Spotlight on MoFo’s Women of Color – Crystal Kaldjob

As part of MoFo’s <a href="https://together.mofo.com/topics/leaders-of-influence-a-spotlight-on-mofo-s-women-of-color">Leaders of Influence campaign</a>, <a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/ruti-smithline" target="_blank">Ruti Smithline</a>, co-chair of the firm’s Investigations + White-Collar Criminal Defense Group and co-chair of the firm’s Latin America Desk, discusses what motivated her to become a leader, what skills she uses most often in her leadership role, and how she stays mindful of who’s at the table and who’s missing.Ruti’s practice focuses on complex litigation, with an emphasis on white-collar criminal defense, SEC enforcement, and corporate internal investigations. She is a member of the firm’s global FCPA + Anti-Corruption Task Force, and she regularly advises clients on cross-border investigations, global compliance programs, and anti-corruption due diligence for acquisitions, joint ventures, and private equity transactions. Ruti has represented individual and corporate defendants in cross-border criminal investigations, SEC enforcement matters, and other regulatory proceedings, including matters related to trade sanctions and anti-money laundering. She has experience conducting corporate internal investigations both domestically and internationally, often advising clients on remedial measures responsive to the issues that are being investigated. As a native Spanish speaker born and raised in Colombia, she is able to provide guidance to her clients without a need for translation.What motivated you to step up and become a leader at the firm?I have to admit that when I first became a leader it was not necessarily a conscious decision as much as it was the result of being presented with an opportunity. But what I quickly realized is that, by taking on these leadership positions, I could make a meaningful impact, particularly in helping to advance more junior attorneys. Early on in my career I learned the difference between mentorship and sponsorship, and while I think both are crucial to professional development, taking on leadership positions has allowed me to become a sponsor. I am now part of conversations where I can advocate for other lawyers and ensure that they are represented when decisions are being made.What skills do you use most often in your leadership role?My practice is focused on cross-border investigations, and one of the skills I find most crucial is the ability to listen. I think this skill translates well into my style of leadership because I believe it is critical to listen to others. I want to make sure people are respected and heard. Ultimately, this allows me to consider a diverse set of views before acting, even if what I decide is not the consensus point of view. I also greatly value transparency, and I make it a point to share as much information as is appropriate. I find that people are more likely to feel comfortable with decisions—even ones that they may not agree with—if they understand the rationale for the decision.As a leader, how do you stay mindful of who’s at the table and who’s missing?Throughout my career I have been fortunate to work with advocates who not only gave me a seat at the table but also ensured that I had a voice. Appreciating how important this has been for my own development, I make an intentional effort to provide opportunities for my teams to have meaningful client-facing interactions and to own substantive projects and presentations. What I have learned is that, while important, making sure they are at the table is not enough; they need to have an important role to play and an opportunity to showcase their skills and expertise. I want every member of my team to be heard, and I make a conscious effort to ensure that everyone—and not just the ones who may naturally be more outgoing, assertive, or confident—feels prepared enough to play a substantive role.What is the biggest challenge facing leaders today?At a law firm, people are our number one asset. Without talent, we have no product to sell.  And for that reason, a key priority for me is ensuring that we attract and, more importantly, retain our attorneys. In many ways, I don’t believe that the practice of law has necessarily kept pace with the expectations and needs of an evolving workforce. The challenge that I see for leaders today is that we cannot continue to demand that things be done how they used to be simply because that is what worked in the past. We also need to adapt and evolve to ensure that we can motivate and develop attorneys to achieve the ultimate goal—which has not changed—of delivering excellent client service.What leadership skills are you continuing to work on?Not to overgeneralize, but I think, like many other women, I sometimes struggle with a lack of confidence or the idea of impostor syndrome. Particularly as I started to assume leadership positions, I sometimes wondered if someone had made a mistake in selecting me. While being humble is a great character trait, there were occasions where I may not have spoken out when I had a good idea or strategy to share, especially if it was an unpopular one. But I continue to work on ensuring that I do not undercut my own abilities or sell myself short of my accomplishments, and my self-confidence continues to grow as I take on expanded leadership roles. I think some of the best advice I ever got was that I should accept and seek out new opportunities and challenges even if I don’t feel 100% prepared for them.

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As part of MoFo’s Leaders of Influence campaign, Ruti Smithline, co-chair of the firm’s Investigations + White-Collar Criminal Defense Group and co-chair of the firm’s Latin America Desk, discusses what motivated her to become a leader, what skills she uses most often in her leadership role, and how she stays mindful of who’s at the table and who’s missing.

Leaders of Influence: A Spotlight on MoFo’s Women of Color – Ruti Smithline

As part of MoFo’s <a href="https://together.mofo.com/topics/leaders-of-influence-a-spotlight-on-mofo-s-women-of-color">Leaders of Influence campaign</a>, <a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/christin-hill" target="_blank">Christin Hill</a>, partner in Morrison Foerster’s San Francisco office, discusses her leadership style, how she supports diverse women associates who are starting their careers, and surprises she has faced after becoming a leader at the firm.Christin is a member of the Securities Litigation, Securities Enforcement, and Investigations + White-Collar Defense practice groups. She has extensive experience representing clients in securities class actions, derivative actions, and other complex civil litigation in both federal and state courts, as well as in government and internal investigations.In what ways do you support diverse women associates who are beginning their careers?I consider it my duty and my honor to lift others – and particularly diverse women associates – as I climb. I do this by actively mentoring diverse women at all levels, including high school students, college students, law students, and certainly our associates. For me, active mentoring means taking a vested interest in my mentees’ career progression, understanding what they want to achieve and doing everything in my power to guide them to that outcome, even if that outcome is not being a Big Law partner. What skills do you use most often in your leadership role?One of my greatest strengths as a leader is empathy. I genuinely care about each member of my team. I care about them as a worker, and I care about them as a person. So, I ask them a lot of questions: What other matters are the working on that may create competing deadlines? What personal events are coming up that we could celebrate? What are their career goals? By leaning more about my team members, I’m better equipped to mentor and support them as individuals and create an environment where they are better equipped to meet client needs.What leadership skills are you continuing to work on?Delegation. Delegation is essential to accomplishing more as a leader. But delegation also takes time. When I delegate, I must make sure that I provide meaningful instructions, check in along the way, and provide feedback. I recognize the huge reward of this investment. Not only do I get more done in the short term, I develop stronger associates who can accomplish more in the long term.Were there any surprises you faced after becoming a leader at the firm?I’m continually surprised and impressed by the hard work of our staff. Even as a summer associate, I recall being amazed at the hard work of our recruiting team. They went above and beyond to give the summer associates an exceptional experience. Now that I’m a partner and a leader at the firm, I appreciate the hard work of various groups: from marketing to attorney development, to the DEI team. It takes a lot more than lawyers to help a firm run smoothly. If you participate in firm or office initiatives, please mention the initiatives you are working on as well as the impact you hope to achieve?I have several leadership roles at MoFo: I’m the SF hiring partner; I’m on the board of directors; and I’m a member of our Partnership Review Committee. Being the SF hiring partner is the most work, but also the most rewarding of my leadership roles. I love getting that first look into the associate pipeline. Our summer associate program is critical to our ability to meet client needs in the future, and to a foster a culture that allows everyone to thrive. It is a privilege to play a role in recruiting the next generation of MoFo lawyers.

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Christin is a member of the Securities Litigation, Securities Enforcement, and Investigations + White-Collar Defense practice groups. She has extensive experience representing clients in securities class actions, derivative actions, and other complex civil litigation in both federal and state courts, as well as in government and internal investigations.