Nicole Serfoss is a litigation partner in MoFo’s Denver office. Her practice focuses on representing clients in SEC enforcement matters, corporate internal investigations, and securities class actions. With over a decade of experience, she is well-versed in representing companies, board committees, officers, and directors in a wide range of matters involving accounting and disclosure issues.
Nicole has tried over a dozen cases as a special prosecutor in the Denver City Attorney’s Municipal Court Trial Advocacy Program and has been recognized as a Colorado Rising Star by Super Lawyers. In addition to her regular practice, she is highly dedicated to pro bono service, receiving the Wiley W. Manuel award for Pro Bono Legal services. In addition, Nicole is an active member of the Colorado legal community, including being a member in the Minoru Yasui Inn of Court, the Women’s White Collar Defense Association, and the Colorado Women’s Bar Association.
What was it that initially drew you to this area of law?
My first matter as a junior associate at Morrison & Foerster in 2006 was an options backdating internal investigation, where I discovered that I enjoy the challenge of digging deeply into the facts, identifying potential issues, and piecing together the puzzle. Each investigation presents its own unique issues, facts, and challenges. Almost 15 years later, I continue to enjoy assisting audit committees and special committees with complex internal investigations.
Is there any evidence that you’ve seen indicating that diversity and inclusion is becoming more of a priority in your practice group, or suggestions on how it can do so in the future?
MoFo’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is increasingly reflected in our Investigations + White‑Collar Defense practice group. In recent years, the practice group has made several outstanding hires, including Jina Choi (former Director of the SEC’s San Francisco Regional office), Haima Marlier (former SEC Senior Trial Counsel), and Christine Wong and Joshua Hill, Jr. (both former AUSAs in the Northern District of California). At both the partner and associate level, the diverse backgrounds and experiences of attorneys in our practice group contribute to the quality of services that we provide to our clients. We likewise see our clients placing increased emphasis on the importance of diversity.
Can you speak to the importance of mentorship in your career, or perhaps why you are driven to mentor others?
Mentors have been a huge part of my professional development as a lawyer. Having someone to talk through issues with and who champions your work to others is invaluable. I feel a responsibility to pay that forward and to mentor and teach younger associates.