Editor's note: Read about Tessa DeFranco, who participated in MoFo’s 2024 Summer Associate Program in our New York office, in this installment of our MoFo Stories series.
When I was choosing where to begin my legal career, nearly everyone I spoke with gave me the same advice: “You will work hard wherever you go, so make sure to choose a firm where you will enjoy working with the people during stressful times and late nights.” With MoFo, I had no doubt; these were the people I wanted to join in the trenches.
Every MoFo attorney I spoke to throughout the recruiting process was authentic and generous with their time and perspectives. As a summer associate, I have had the opportunity to interact with so many amazing members of the MoFo community. On my first day, my associate and partner mentors, Alexandra Avvocato and Ruti Smithline, shared advice and told stories about their own formative experiences. They asked me what I hoped to get out of the Summer Associate Program and offered support in helping me achieve my goals.
At MoFo, mentorship extends far beyond scheduled events typical at most firms. This summer has been full of countless opportunities to connect with and learn from attorneys across practice groups. Before I even turned in my first assignment, the assigning attorney, Heather Han, asked if she could take me out for a snack. Over ice cream, Heather not only answered my questions but also offered guidance based on her own experiences at MoFo. I have continued to work with Heather throughout the summer and she has gone out of her way to provide constructive feedback, constantly offering her time and support to help me improve my skills. On one pro bono matter, for example, Heather went through several rounds of review with me to hone the project’s clarity and analysis before it went to the partner.
As a young associate, I find it is invaluable to work with lawyers who are patient and trustworthy. Surrounding myself with talented and supportive people transcends professional advancement; it represents a commitment to staying true to my personal values and drive to achieve a fulfilling work life. So many people at the firm have impacted my summer experience in a positive way. From Mike DeStefano’s helping me structure my research plan, to Laura Miller’s advising me on classes to take during my final year at Columbia, to Ken Sexauer’s constant presence as an advisor, the framework of mentorship at MoFo has permeated every one of my days at the firm. Even Jamie Levitt, the managing partner of MoFo’s New York office, and Cathy Lu, a senior attorney recruiting specialist, have taken much time out of their schedules to help guide me in ways to further my burgeoning career and build my confidence. And this is true not just for me; I have seen them show all of the summer associates that MoFo is a great place to grow and learn.
It has been extremely rewarding to be a part of a firm that shares my values, invests so much in its attorneys, and emphasizes mutual trust and integrity. I am proud to be a part of the MoFo community, and I hope that one day I can mentor younger attorneys to the same extent everyone has done for my fellow summer associates and me.