Editor's note: Read about Johnathan Shawel, who participated in MoFo’s 2024 Summer Associate Program in our Palo Alto office, in this installment of our MoFo Stories series.
For me, the decision to follow my career path to MoFo was clear. Before embarking on my legal journey, I spent 10 years navigating various corporate environments, from healthcare to tech. Each setting presented its own unique culture, with both opportunities and challenges. Over time, I realized that to thrive, I needed a place where I could grow, explore, make mistakes, and learn—all while receiving genuine guidance and mentorship. I was searching for an environment that was as invested in my success as I was.
As I started my first summer at MoFo, a few things immediately stood out to me: mentorship, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a supportive environment where people could be their genuine selves.
Mentorship can often feel disingenuous or forced in many corporate settings. But at MoFo, the value of mentorship is woven into the fabric of the firm. It extends beyond formal relationships. Informal mentorships flourish, with colleagues at all levels eager to offer advice, share their experiences, and support each other’s development. Everyone, from partners to junior associates and business professionals, is willing to share their knowledge and insights.
The mentors I encountered at MoFo shared genuine confidence in my abilities and were always willing to guide me through challenging tasks. This encouragement was invaluable in building my confidence and enhancing my skills. In my two summers at MoFo, I benefited from substantial support from partners like Tim Harris and Mike Krigbaum who ensured I was frequently receiving substantive feedback and constantly gaining exposure to new areas of law.
Coming from a non-traditional background, it was also great to connect and learn from attorneys like Lee Shepard, who, like myself, took a different career path to the law. His insights and experiences resonated with me and reinforced the idea that diverse paths can lead to success in the legal field. I also found a great mentor in Damien Holmes who always took extra time out of his busy day to explain complex concepts, provide background on the work I was doing, and emphasize its importance.
In addition to mentorship, at MoFo, diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords—they are core values that the firm actively champions. The Wetmore Fellowship, for example, provided opportunities to network and build meaningful connections with summer associates, associates, and partners who are committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Moreover, the setting at MoFo is one that encourages everyone to be their authentic selves from day one. In the first week, we were tasked with creating a one-page slide introducing ourselves allowing us to share our backgrounds, interests, and personal stories. This exercise highlighted the firm’s genuine interest in who we are as individuals, not just as professionals. From axe throwing to sushi making, the many summer program events also fostered a strong sense of community which showcased that MoFo is not just a place to work but a community where one can truly belong.
I am proud to be a part of the MoFo community and look forward to continuing my journey with the firm.