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

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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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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

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In this edition of Matters That Matter, we honor the many lawyers who have dedicated their time to important pro bono causes. This month, we highlight a variety of worthy projects, such as supporting Latinx filmmakers, ensuring the sport of football is accessible to all, and helping to put an end to sexual violence in schools. These are just a few examples of the many ways our lawyers are living out our proud pro bono tradition every day.Improving Living Conditions for Displaced Individuals New York litigation partner Amanda Aikman, with assistance from London associate Harriet Sassoon and trainee solicitor Ziqi Qi, are helping <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://everyshelter.org/about/">Every Shelter, Inc.</a> with developing a statement of supply-chain principles and expectations for suppliers. The nonprofit is dedicated to creating and developing low-cost, high-impact products geared toward improving the lives of refugees living in shelters.The statement will cover slavery, human trafficking, child labor, safe working conditions, and possibly environmental practices. Amanda will also draft a simple template clause for Every Shelter to include in its supplier contracts that will ensure compliance with the statement.Ensuring the Power of Football Is Accessible to All London attorneys <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.mofo.com/people/annabel-gillham.html">Annabel Gillham</a> and <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.mofo.com/people/oliver-spratt.html">Oliver Spratt</a> are partnering with the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.cafefootball.eu/">Centre for Access to Football in Europe</a> (CAFE) to review and amend a template service agreement and consultancy agreement, and draft an employee privacy notice for CAFE in the UK. CAFE uses the unique power of football (“soccer” in the U.S.) to ensure people with disabilities are able to take their rightful place in the game and the wider society.Working with the Union of European Football Associations, FIFA, football associations, clubs, and fans, CAFE provides training using audio-descriptive commentary, supports the creation and development of disabled supporter groups, collaborates with other NGOs in the sector, and performs research on advancing access and inclusion for people with disabilities.Putting an End to Sexual Violence in Schools The firm is participating in the launch of Equal Rights Advocates’ Pro Bono Attorney Network to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.equalrights.org/issue/equality-in-schools-universities/ending-sexual-violence-in-education-esve/">End Sexual Violence in Education</a>. The initiative will help students who have been victims of sexual assault, attempted assault, or harassment find support and seek justice before it threatens to disrupt their education.San Francisco litigation associates <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.mofo.com/people/shaelyn-dawson.html">Shaelyn Dawson</a> and <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.mofo.com/people/camila-tapernoux.html">Camila Tapernoux</a>, as well as Northern Virginia litigation of counsel Sue Borschel will participate in the network on a trial basis, with San Francisco partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.mofo.com/people/claudia-vetesi.html">Claudia Vetesi</a> supervising. As advocates in the ENOUGH Pro Bono Network, the lawyers will advise student survivors on their rights, help them understand their school’s Title IX protections, and weigh their legal options based on how students would like to move forward.Seeking Reproductive Justice in the Sixth Circuit Litigation senior of counsel Roxann Henry and San Diego litigation associate <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.mofo.com/people/alexandra-preece.html">Alexandra Preece</a> represented the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine as an amicus before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, opposing a Kentucky law that, if it takes effect, will effectively ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.Representing this specialized medical society, our attorneys explained to the court that the law’s requirement for a physician to induce fetal demise before performing such an abortion is not only clinically unnecessary, but would potentially endanger women seeking abortion while also depriving women who are attempting to complete high-risk pregnancies of the specialty care they require.Creating More STEM Education Opportunities Northern Virginia managing partner Charles Katz is assisting the Kitsi Foundation in setting up a nonprofit organization and obtaining 501(c )(3) tax exempt status. The Kitsi Foundation, which is in the very beginning of its funding stage, is dedicated to advancing STEM education and improving STEM opportunities for children globally. Washington, D.C. tax of counsel <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.mofo.com/people/linda-arnsbarger.html">Linda Arnsbarger</a> will assist with the tax portion.Supporting Up-and-Coming Latinx Filmmakers New York attorneys Tracy Bacigalupo and Elnaz Zarrini are helping <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.latinofilmmarket.org/">The Latino Film Market</a> in drafting a collaboration agreement that they can use with the filmmakers they work with. The Latino Film Market is an organization dedicated to showcasing and promoting Latinx content and upcoming filmmakers.They provide a space for eager Latinx filmmakers to learn and grow their craft and offer workshops, lectures, and panels in addition to networking opportunities. The agreement will include clauses on distribution of profits and permission to showcase short films to distributors, ensuring they are adequately protected and in compliance with relevant laws.xxxMatters That Matter looks at some of the most significant recently opened matters and developments in our global pro bono efforts, from staffing legal clinics and advising nonprofits on their legal needs to advocating for individuals who would otherwise be denied equal access to justice. For more examples of MoFo’s global pro bono efforts, visit our website.

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Matters That Matter: September Pro Bono Roundup

Matters That Matter: September Pro Bono Roundup

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In this edition of Matters That Matter, we honor the many lawyers who have dedicated their time to important pro bono causes. This month, we highlight a variety

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MoForever Network Hosts Northern California Alumni Reunion

On Wednesday, September 11, 2019, the MoForever Alumni Network hosted the MoFo Northern California Alumni Reunion, a special evening for reconnecting with frien

MoForever Network Hosts Northern California Alumni Reunion

Celebrating sports is a time-honored tradition at Morrison & Foerster (MoFo). So when <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.mofo.com/people/louise-stoupe.html">Louise Stoupe</a>, head of the firm’s Tokyo Litigation Department and co-chair of the firm’s Commercial Litigation & Trial Practice Group, presented the firm with the opportunity to become a major sponsor of the Samoa national rugby team (Manu Samoa) for the 2019 season, MoFo jumped at the chance.The sponsorship agreement, which was signed in March 2019, extended support to the team via pre-camps and provided overall assistance to the team during the regular season. For Louise, who has close ties to the region, the partnership is particularly meaningful because this year’s World Cup games will be held in Japan:“We’re grateful for the opportunity to do our part in supporting the development of Samoan rugby in the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup. We strongly believe in the abilities of Manu Samoa and cannot wait to see the team in action.”Sponsorships like these also help level the playing field for Samoa against some of its fiercest, most high-profile competitors on the global stage.In addition to cheering on Manu Samoa throughout the season, MoFo’s Japan office hosted a welcome reception for the players at the Palace Hotel Tokyo on September 10, 2019. Members of the office wished the players good luck for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which takes place September 20 – November 2, 2019.Visit the Samoa Rugby Union <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="http://www.manusamoa.com/">website</a> to learn more about Manu Samoa and the program.

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MoFo Proudly Supports Manu Samoa National Team for 2019 Rugby Season

MoFo Proudly Supports Manu Samoa National Team for 2019 Rugby Season

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Celebrating sports is a time-honored tradition at Morrison & Foerster (MoFo). So when Louise Stoupe, head of the firm’s Tokyo Litigation Department and co-chair

MoFo’s <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.mofo.com/offices/washington-dc.html">Washington, D.C.</a> office turned 40 this year. In honor of this milestone, they planned two days of service to give back to the D.C. community that has done so much for the firm. On August 27 and 28, 2019, 36 MoFo lawyers and staff volunteered at <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://foodandfriends.org/">Food & Friends</a>, a local organization that prepares and delivers nutritional meals to members of the community facing critical illnesses.The service project also featured a food drive that yielded over 1,500 food items. Fueled by a little friendly office competition, co-chair of the firm’s Appellate & Supreme Court practice <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.mofo.com/people/deanne-maynard.html">Deanne Maynard</a> led team K–Z to victory collecting the most donations. As part of a wager between team A–J and K–Z, the losing captain would have to eat five Triple Atomic Hot Wings during the winning team’s celebratory party, a challenge that team A-J’s captain and co-chair of MoFo’s Investigations & White Collar Defense Group <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.mofo.com/people/charles-duross.html">Chuck Duross</a> is actually looking forward to.MoFo Chair Larren Nashelsky addressed the D.C. office volunteers at a reception following the service days, stating “While I offer my congratulations to team K-Z, … all of your donations will go toward improving the lives of deserving members of your community, and I thank you for your efforts.” He also acknowledged the D.C. office’s ongoing commitment to community service and pro bono work, noting the D.C.-based pro bono team’s representation of Georgia voters in challenging the state’s unsecure and unreliable voting system ­— a matter that was recognized on National Law Journal’s Pro Bono Hot List.The D.C. office has a long history of giving its time to great charity efforts, such as Everybody Wins!, volunteering as reading mentors in local schools, organizing school supply and food drives, and collecting toys during the office’s holiday toy drive.<img sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" height="514" width="685" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blt5c0f2c00b839480f/6287fe000457495358474df1/picture4.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="aligncenter wp-image-4066" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">(L to R) Elizabeth Replogle, Christie Mizer, Rachael Plymale, and Bridget Rice get to preppin’<img sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" height="514" width="685" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/bltf02661e1abd8d4f7/6287fe00b4fa6b61ed70b453/picture5.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="aligncenter wp-image-4069" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">Benjamin Merenbloom and Julia Figurelli-Masucci loading food bags<img sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" height="514" width="685" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blte2e2c959582be24f/6287fe053b65ce548fba0eaf/picture6-1024x768.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="aligncenter wp-image-4073 size-large" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">Back Row – Teresa Brunot, Benjamin Merenbloom, Mia Queen, Cathy Woods, Michael Paganelli, Kathryn Ryan, Jen Reda, Heather McAuliffe, Evan Harris, Darren Loueiro, Richard Greene, Kevin Blafkin; Front Row – Evelyn White-Bey, Ann Cook, Julia Figurelli-Masucci, Rhonda Wright, Cheryl Sporleder, Wilma Smith<img sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" height="483" width="685" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blt48a7658a40184442/6287fe05bd980555189d7390/20190828_163434-1024x722.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4074" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">MoFo Chair Larren Nashelsky addresses the D.C. office during a reception following the days of service<img sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" height="514" width="685" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blta906980cddc21af3/6287fe066f81705517a1c9c7/picture1-1024x768.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4076" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">Team A-J’s food donation table<img sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" height="514" width="685" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blt1c73f3f361876c19/6287fe06b4fa6b61ed70b457/picture8-1-1024x768.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4077" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">Team  K-Z’s food donation table<img sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" height="481" width="685" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/bltbc6c9abb099af491/6287fe060457495358474df5/20190828_170007-1-1024x719.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="aligncenter wp-image-4067 size-large" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">Larren Nashelsky congratulates team K-Z captain Deanne Maynard, while team A-J captain Chuck Duross considers his fate.

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MoFo D.C. Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Food & Friends Service Days

MoFo D.C. Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Food & Friends Service Days

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MoFo’s Washington, D.C. office turned 40 this year. In honor of this milestone, they planned two days of service to give back to the D.C. community that has don

On Saturday, June 1, <a href="https://www.mofo.com/offices/boston.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MoFo Boston</a> participated in the 20th annual Best Buddies Challenge, which supports individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Every year, individuals and organizations team up in support of Best Buddies’ mission — to make the world a more inclusive place, one friendship at a time.MoFo’s Sarah Mackin, Greg Bilton, Ethan Kenerson, David Ephraim, Will Gerber, and Ian Hohmeister joined Team Silicon Valley Bank (Team SVB) to cycle, run, and walk their way across a scenic route from Boston to Hyannis Port.Team SVB brought together clients, employees, friends, and families to raise awareness and nearly a quarter of a million dollars that will support the organization’s 2020 initiative. The plan, created in 2011 with the goal of opening offices in all 50 states by 2020, includes training 4,000 new Buddy Ambassadors, developing 1,000 jobs for people with IDD around the world, and increasing the number of school-based chapters to 2,500.David Ephraim, who recently joined MoFo as managing partner of the Boston office, stated, “Our team has been involved with Best Buddies for seven years and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of it. The Hyannis Port event was a great success and we look forward to many more to come.”For more information on Best Buddies International, visit their <a href="https://www.bestbuddieschallenge.org/hp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">website</a>.<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3789" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blta2a4bff2f2e278a7/6287fe706f81705517a1c9e7/img_0696-1024x768.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" width="685" height="514" sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">Gearing up to start, (L to R) partner Greg Bilton, associate Ethan Kenerson, Boston managing partner David Ephraim, and associates Will Gerber and Ian Hohmeister<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3791" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blt4d015ca6bf2cec0a/6287fe70bd980555189d73bc/img_0712-1024x768.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" width="685" height="514" sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">Celebrating at the finish line, (L to R) Ethan Kenerson, senior paralegal Sarah Mackin, David Ephraim, Will Gerber, and Ian Hohmeister

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MoFo Boston Takes on the 2019 Best Buddies Challenge in Hyannis Port

MoFo Boston Takes on the 2019 Best Buddies Challenge in Hyannis Port

On Saturday, June 1, MoFo Boston participated in the 20th annual Best Buddies Challenge, which supports individuals living with intellectual and developmental d

MoFo’s Asian affinity groups planned a number of events during the month of May to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month and the instrumental role Asians and Pacific Islanders have played in shaping our firm, the legal field, and beyond.To kick off <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://asianpacificheritage.gov/">Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month</a>, the New York Asian Attorneys Affinity Group hosted a family-style congee and dim sum breakfast on May 1, 2019. The New York Asian Associate and New York Asian Women Affinity Groups also co-hosted an alumni reunion homecoming dinner bringing together MoFo APA alumni and current APA lawyers at the firm for an intimate celebration of culture.The inaugural homecoming dinner, held on May 13, spurred lively conversations and set the tone for a not-to-be-missed event for years to come. The evening began with drinks and appetizers, followed by a family-style dinner. Associates Jenny Wang and Joan Kim, co-chairs of the host affinity groups, thoughtfully organized the event, featuring local APA-owned restaurants and businesses.Jiang Liu, a partner in MoFo’s Financial Services practice and partner sponsor for the Asian Associates Affinity Group, noted that “it was really great to see such a diverse turnout representing the Asian Pacific American legal community. I enjoyed meeting newer lawyers to the firm while also re-connecting with familiar faces with whom I worked on previous deals. I’m already looking forward to the next one.”New York litigation partner Amanda Aikman and partner sponsor for the Asian Women Affinity Group echoed that sentiment, stating, “It was great to connect with current and former MoFo colleagues while celebrating the culture and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders,” and added that “affinity group events like this offer great opportunities for professional networking—both formal and informal—and are a wonderful way to build community.”The alumni event was just one of the many ways MoFo honored Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. On May 7, the San Francisco Asian Attorneys Affinity Group and the Asian Pacific American Heritage Committee co-hosted a panel discussion on Asian representation in the legal industry. Chair of the Asian Attorneys Affinity Group and corporate associate Mona Fang moderated the panel “Forging a Path of Representation in the Legal Industry,” featuring SLEW partners Christine Wong and Jina Choi, along with IP partner and practice group co-chair Rich Hung. The group provided advice on how to build a successful career and discussed their own paths and views on Asian legal representation.Three additional panel discussions took place in the firm’s San Francisco, New York, and Washington, D.C. offices in partnership with the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance. The discussions included corporate executives and leaders from Mastercard, Goldman Sachs, and Asians Advancing Justice. Litigation partner Joyce Liou provided welcoming remarks at the San Francisco panel.Other events included a Taste Around the World happy hour featuring live music and a variety of Asian food and beverages. MoFo litigation associate and chair of the San Diego Asian Attorneys and Patent Agents Affinity Group Kevin Kwon led a re-enactment of Vietnamese Fishermen v. Knights of the Ku Klux Klan at the James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep United States Courthouse. The San Diego office also hosted in-office movie screenings in connection with the annual San Diego Asian Film Festival.Alumni reunion homecoming dinner – images courtesy of Tanya Salazar<img sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" height="457" width="685" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blt306dd1f1960b155d/6287fe716f81705517a1c9eb/rezmorrison_foerster_alumnidinner_075.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3777" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">The well-planned menu prepared by local APA-owned businesses<img sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" height="457" width="685" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blt3fcc23935ee0fce0/6287fe761cd65960bcff062c/rezmorrison_foerster_alumnidinner_063.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3775" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">Right to left: NY associate Monica Chan, NY partners Amanda Aikman and Jiang Liu, and associates Joan Kim and Jenny Wang<img sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" height="457" width="685" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/bltbe04be470fde202e/6287fe7630bc9653db3ac41f/morrison_foerster_alumnidinner_026-1024x683.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3772" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">MoFo NY litigation associate Cecillia Xie and corporate partner Yasuhide Watanabe<img sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" height="457" width="685" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blta4ec166bb45d1655/6287fe761cd65960bcff0630/rezmorrison_foerster_alumnidinner_028.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3778" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">NY finance associate Jeff Xu and NY corporate associate Jenny Wang catch up with MoFo alumna Catherine Tran<img sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" height="457" width="685" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/bltca7fbdef8fe9e5e9/6287fe773b9b8554904a43e6/morrison_foerster_alumnidinner_067-1024x683.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3773" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">The table is set for a delicious family-style dinner <img sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" height="457" width="685" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blt12c65a759851bdd6/6287fe77ce671353d508166c/rezmorrison_foerster_alumnidinner_034.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3776" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">From left to right: MoFo alums Jinyoung Choi, Tomohisa Aiko, and Catherine Tran with MoFo’s Jenny Wang

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Celebrating a Long and Rich History of Asian Pacific American Heritage

Celebrating a Long and Rich History of Asian Pacific American Heritage

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MoFo’s Asian affinity groups planned a number of events during the month of May to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month and the instrumental role Asians and P

In celebration of National Volunteer Month and Earth Day, Morrison & Foerster partnered with the San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department for a community service day at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park.On Saturday, April 27, 2019, nearly 50 attendees—including MoFo lawyers, staff, and clients—worked together on a beautification project at the Conservatory of Flowers. The morning kicked off with breakfast and an orientation by members of the San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department before volunteers hunkered down on the service project, which included the removal of all winter season flowers and plants for a fresh spring planting the following week.Families and children of all ages worked together to clear the beds using hoes, pitchforks, and rakes. In a period of two hours, volunteers were able to clear all of the beds and finished the day with a delicious BBQ lunch.This was the first time a volunteer group has worked the main conservatory flower beds, so it was a special treat in Golden Gate Park. Golden Gate Park operates 356 days a year and the cost of upkeep is tremendous, so the work we did to help out the Park in just a few hours will have a huge impact. Members of the MoFo San Francisco office remarked that it was a great day and a wonderful opportunity to get together with friends of the firm to connect and give back to the community.<img sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" height="480" width="640" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/bltad2b9cc24d1c07d1/6287fe883b9b8554904a43ea/img_0580.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="wp-image-3691 size-full aligncenter" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download"> <img sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" height="480" width="640" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/bltd932602007e6a98d/6287fe89bd980555189d73c8/img_0604.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="size-full wp-image-3692 aligncenter" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download"> <img sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" height="480" width="640" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blt2b7c3726c79ee124/6287fe896f81705517a1c9f3/img_5810-1024x768.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="wp-image-3694 aligncenter" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download"> <img sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" height="438" width="640" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blt01e0cef8b21981e3/6287fe8a1cd65960bcff0636/img_5833-e1556730308356-1024x701.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="wp-image-3695 aligncenter" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download"> <img sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" height="480" width="640" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blta4cfb0cd4e4b09e7/6287fe8b0457495358474e1d/img_5877-1024x768.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="wp-image-3696 aligncenter" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download"> <img sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" height="480" width="640" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blt1503e2cfa0d3db91/6287fe8c0457495358474e21/img_5887.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="wp-image-3697 aligncenter" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download"> <img sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" height="480" width="640" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blt4980e479ed38f870/6287fe8d3b65ce548fba0ee1/img_5889.jpg?format=auto&quality=60" class="wp-image-3698 aligncenter" loading="lazy" type="asset" sys-style-type="download">

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MoFo Celebrates National Volunteer Month with a Community Service Day

MoFo Celebrates National Volunteer Month with a Community Service Day

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In celebration of National Volunteer Month and Earth Day, Morrison & Foerster partnered with the San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department for a community s

Jana Gold and Leecia Welch may have moved on from MoFo, but they haven’t forgotten the valuable learning experiences they had while they practiced here. In the winter 2019 edition of <a href="https://media.mofo.com/docs/pdf/MoForever-Alumni-News-Winter-2019/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MoForever</a>, both women discuss how their experiences and the support they received at MoFo advanced their careers.Former Palo Alto of counsel Jana Gold is using the analytical and issue-spotting skills she developed at MoFo to improve the lives of healthcare patients relying on access to drugs and treatments. As associate general counsel for<a href="https://www.jazzpharma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Jazz Pharmaceuticals</a>, she is helping to navigate the many risks and complexities associated with the heavily regulated pharmaceutical industry, such as regulatory disputes and government investigations.Jana points out that “The biggest difference between being an outside litigator and an in-house lawyer is that when you are part of the company, you hope to manage and avoid the risk of those things happening. It helps to work for a company where integrity and collaboration are some of the core values that define the work and the people.”She admits there was a steep learning curve in transforming from a generalist IP and commercial litigator to the complex world of pharmaceutical law. But she credits her litigation experiences at MoFo with being able to meet the challenge, since every new case was a new opportunity to learn and understand each client’s technology. “It’s true, I was mostly on the IP side of the Litigation Department—patents and later trade-secrets cases—but in a wide range of industries and areas. And I also did a lot of commercial disputes and even some securities work,” recalls Jana. “All of that gave me a fair amount of flexibility—and confidence that when a new opportunity came up I would be able to jump in.”Jana joined MoFo out of law school as an associate and later served in an of counsel role and—aside from a couple of breaks including maternity leave and a leave of absence—was with the firm for 20 years.MoFo alumna Leecia Welch is using her litigation experience to transform the lives of children living in extreme poverty by improving child welfare policies. Now senior director of child welfare and legal advocacy with the <a href="https://youthlaw.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Center for Youth Law</a> (NCYL), Leecia joins MoFo partner <a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/jack-londen.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jack Londen</a>, who serves on NCYL’s board of directors, and fellow MoFo alum and present-day NCYL senior director for strategic advocacy Seth Galanter in driving forward the organization’s long-standing mission to improve the system of care that thousands of children depend on.Founded in 1970, NCYL is one of the only legal advocacy organizations in the country that mobilizes such broad-scale litigation efforts to address system-wide change. For Leecia, it’s personal. The daughter of a social worker, she has witnessed firsthand what can happen to children who “get lost in the system” due to a lack of protection and limited opportunities to thrive.Leecia decided to pursue a legal career in children’s advocacy and completed a three-year children’s fellowship at Loyola Law School. During her time at MoFo as an associate in the San Francisco Litigation Group, Leecia gained significant experience working on landmark pro bono cases such as <a href="https://www.aclusocal.org/en/cases/williams-v-state-California" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Williams v. State of California</a>, which resulted in a settlement of nearly $1 billion that was allocated to improving California’s public school system.Leecia noted that during her time at MoFo, she saw firsthand the commitment to client-focused advocacy. “A big takeaway for me from the Williams case was the importance of amplifying the voices of our clients,” said Leecia. “When people hear directly from youth about their challenges, struggles, hopes, and dreams, it has a much greater impact than just having their lawyer talk and make legal arguments.”At NCYL, Leecia is handling a mix of litigation matters, from individual cases with the potential to make broad impacts to complex, system-altering class actions. Just after leaving MoFo, she had the chance to partner with MoFo pro bono attorneys on one of her first and most memorable cases, an impact litigation case filed in 1993 in Utah called David C. According to Leecia, their collaborative efforts “turned Utah from one of the worst child-welfare systems in the country to one of the best.”Leecia and NCYL are also focused on helping immigrant children detained at the U.S. border by setting up special protections regarding the conditions of detention facilities. MoFo pro bono attorneys have also stepped up to help zero in on fingerprinting delays resulting in an escalating number of children being held in federal custodyThese are just some of the stories featured in the winter 2019 edition of MoForever. You can also read about other MoFo alumni on the move, recent accomplishments, new alumni members, and firm additions, as well as a recap of the events where we reconnected with our alumni members.Access your digital copy of <a href="https://media.mofo.com/docs/pdf/MoForever-Alumni-News-Winter-2019/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MoForever: Winter 2019 here</a>.

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MoFo Women Alumnae on the Move

Jana Gold and Leecia Welch may have moved on from MoFo, but they haven’t forgotten the valuable learning experiences they had while they practiced here. In the 