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 talent with a wide range of experiences and perspectives 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 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

Partner

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 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 Celebrates Earth Day

Celebrating Black History Month with Maya Wiley, President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Faces of MoFo: Dominick Divine III

MoFo's Women of Color Collective: A Conversation with CCWC’s Laurie Robinson Haden

MoFo Wins Asylum for Cameroonian Political Refugee

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In honor of Black History Month, Morrison Foerster (MoFo) hosted an event featuring <a href="https://civilrights.org/about/our-staff/maya-wiley/" target="_blank">Maya Wiley</a>, the president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. The event, moderated by Tiffani Figueroa, a litigation partner at MoFo, provided a platform for Maya to share her insights on civil rights, her personal journey, and the current socio-political climate in the United States.Maya, a distinguished civil rights attorney, began by reflecting on the significance of Black History Month and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. She emphasized the importance of understanding the historical context of civil rights movements and the role of the Leadership Conference in advocating for federal action and public education on civil rights issues.During the discussion, Maya talked about what she views as the current constitutional crisis in the U.S. She underscored the importance of coalition-building and litigation as tools to protect civil rights. She also shared her personal journey, influenced by her activist parents, which shaped her career in civil rights law. Finally, she introduced her new memoir, Remember, You Are a Wiley, which delves into her family’s legacy and her own experiences in the legal field as a Black woman.Focusing on the next generation, Maya gave advice to young lawyers on how to navigate the legal profession. She stressed the importance of maintaining self-belief, seeking growth opportunities, and finding allies to support one’s career journey. In closing, she spoke about the importance of maintaining mental health and finding joy amidst challenging work. She encouraged everyone to draw inspiration from history and to remain hopeful and passionate about the potential for change.The event concluded with a Q&A session, where Maya addressed questions on racism, resilience, and the power of personal stories in advocacy. This event was a vivid reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the importance of collective action in the face of adversity. MoFo is proud to have hosted such a meaningful discussion honoring Black History Month.Learn more about inclusivity by visiting MoFo’s <a href="https://www.mofo.com/culture/diversity" target="_blank">diversity page</a>.

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Tiffani B. Figueroa is a partner in the Litigation Department and is based in Morrison Foerster’s New York office. Her practice focuses on complex litigation, with an emphasis on class action and commercial litigation.

Tiffani B. Figueroa

Tiffani Figueroa

Editors’ Note: Read about Dominick Divine III, a Los Angeles associate in the firm’s Transactions Department, in the latest installment of our ongoing Faces of MoFo series.My path to becoming an attorney wasn’t exactly set in stone. Sure, throughout my younger years, there was always the nudging encouragement from others that pursuing a law career was just the thing to do, but my understanding of attorney life was limited to the dramatized TV version. As I grew older, I began to think: Why should I go through extra years of school when I’m already tired of it? Why would I want to subject myself to the headache of arguing with random people in a courtroom all day?Instead, I opted to pursue a career in business marketing. Growing up in the vibrant cultural hotbed of Los Angeles, I thought marketing looked like the flashy and exciting path, and my undergrad major had a specific focus on applied learning in societal transformation. This pathway taught me a lot about understanding and remaining at the forefront of this diverse and changing society to try to develop skills needed to promote positive societal change. From developing a marketing strategy with Snoop Dogg on a line of vegan pork rinds, to pitching a marketing campaign to film executives for Dune (2021), the marketing work itself was exciting, but it didn’t feel fulfilling. The medium didn’t quite fit my needs. My interest in the marketing space became less certain, and, by chance, one of the general required courses in the business program was business law.The only business law class offered at my preferred time of day was with a new professor who had never taught at the university, which we all know is usually a red flag to avoid for fear of the unknown, potentially leading to a brutal semester. Long story short, I really took a liking to the class, and that “new professor” became and is still one of my most supportive mentors today. She was the one who ultimately convinced me to take a chance on a career in law, and she generously took so much time out of her busy schedule to help me prepare to make the leap. I’m a first-generation law student, so when I got to school, I still hardly knew a thing about the life of an attorney. The only guidance I had was that I knew I wanted to do something in business and, thinking back to my aversion to arguing with random people in court, I was going to avoid litigation like a moldy piece of bread.I joined MoFo during my first summer in 2021 as a 1L Wetmore Fellow, and I ended up never leaving. From the attorneys to the business professionals, each person I met at the firm brought kindness and support, and generally made my transition into firm life so smooth. The opportunities and experiences have also been incredible. In my second summer, the firm brought the summer Wetmore Fellows from across the U.S. to the San Francisco office for a few days to connect with each other and firm leadership. This past year, I also had the opportunity to attend a junior associate conference near Washington, D.C., where I was able to connect with associates from across the country and seasoned mentors that provided invaluable career and general life advice. I’d also like to give a special shoutout to my LA Real Estate Group, who have invested so much time and energy in supporting my growth as a real estate attorney and who have trusted me to handle many challenging assignments from real estate assistance on M&A deals to all matters of work in real estate-specific deals. In my pro bono work, I’ve had the opportunity to expand on the lessons I learned in my marketing course toward promoting positive societal change. I’ve volunteered for a FEMA Appeals Clinic to help disaster survivors seek assistance for home and property repairs, and I was able to provide assistance in a matter for the Nature Conservancy to secure a long-term lease of land for uses primarily associated with habitat restoration and conservation.Outside of work, I’m a huge anime buff, and I enjoy being immersed in all types of musical performances from one-off concerts to full-blown festivals. Finally, no profile of mine would be complete without mentioning that my favorite restaurant is Buffalo Wild Wings. My partner and I have been going every week for the past several years. It’s to the point where the staff has memorized our order, and they put it in for us the second we walk in the restaurant. Definitely my biggest flex.

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Associate

Dominick is an associate in the Real Estate Group in Morrison Foerster’s Los Angeles office, where he represents clients in complex commercial real estate transactions, including financing, acquisition, development, leasing, operations, and management matters.

Dominick Divine III

Dominick Divine

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We are excited to announce that MoFo is expanding our Affinity Program to include our Women of Color Collective (WoCC), led by San Francisco partner Christin Hill and New York partner Tammy Davies. The collective provides an opportunity for members to connect and celebrate their valuable perspectives. By fostering opportunities for meaningful engagement with clients, we aim to elevate and share our collective experiences as women of color in our industry.In January, we officially launched the WoCC with a kickoff event in the New York office, where Tammy was joined by <a href="https://ccwomenofcolor.org/founder-ceo/" target="_blank">Laurie Robinson Haden</a>, the founder, president, and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC), for a discussion about the importance of diversity and inclusion and supporting women of color in the legal profession.Laurie grew up in a predominantly African American community near Washington, D.C., where her parents’ professional roles instilled in her a strong sense of ambition and possibility. She attended North Carolina Central University, an HBCU, where she thrived in leadership roles, and later pursued her legal education at Indiana University School of Law at Bloomington, where she experienced being a minority for the first time, which shaped her understanding of diversity.Her career began with an internship with the National Football League in New York City, where she built her network from scratch using traditional methods. This led to positions at Epstein, Becker, and Green, and ultimately CBS Corporation, where she rose to Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of Litigation.In 2004, Laurie founded CCWC, inspired by her experiences of isolation and the lack of networks available to women of color in corporate legal environments. Initially, the organization began as a small gathering of 10 women who met to share their experiences and support each other in navigating their careers.Laurie recognized the potential for a broader network and created a directory that contained members’ details and facilitated connections among women of color in the legal field. The concept quickly gained traction, and within a week, the network expanded to 50 women, as members shared the directory with their contacts.CCWC's growth was exponential, and it now connects 30,000 attorneys globally. The organization provides a platform for women of color to network, share experiences, and access opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable.Laurie’s career progression at CBS Corporation was significantly influenced by her proactive networking and leadership skills, which she honed through her early experiences and the founding of CCWC. Her ability to create impactful connections and demonstrate her value was further exemplified in her relationship with her sponsor Louis Briskman, whom she credits as having played a pivotal role in her career development.Laurie first gained Louis’ attention through her active participation in company initiatives, which allowed her to demonstrate her leadership and organizational skills. Impressed by her work with the CCWC, Louis recognized her potential and offered her a position working directly for him, bypassing traditional hierarchies. Their relationship was mutually beneficial, as Laurie consistently delivered high-quality work, which led Louis to provide her with high-visibility assignments and introductions to key executives, further advancing her career. Laurie highlights this relationship as an example of how a sponsor can significantly impact one’s career by offering visibility and advocating for professional growth.Laurie’s new book, It’s Time to Shine: A Guide for Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career, is the culmination of over 20 years of professional experience and shares valuable insights and lessons she has learned throughout her career. She was motivated to write the book after observing many executives rise within corporations only to eventually stagnate or transition out without passing on their knowledge and experiences to the next generation. Designed to be a playbook that readers can refer to at different stages of their careers, the book offers guidance on setting and achieving career goals and encourages readers to advocate for themselves.Laurie concluded the discussion by emphasizing that in uncertain times, resilience and perseverance are crucial, urging individuals to know their value and identity to confidently navigate challenges.“No matter what happens—maybe somebody might yell at you or say you don’t belong here—you’ve got to shine,” she said. “You’re driving your career.”

Pearlstein v. BlackBerry Ltd.

Broadscale OC Investors v. Clayton

Murphy v. Precision Castparts Corp.

Klein v. Ellison et al.

Rosenow v. Facebook.

In re Ocera Therapeutics, Inc.

MaxLinear, Inc.

Technology Storage Company

Energy Company

AI Computing Company

Financial Services Company

Global Venture Investor

Former CFO of Pharmaceutical Company

Private Technology Company

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Christin Hill is a partner in Morrison Foerster’s San Francisco office and a member of the firm's Securities Litigation group.

Christin Hill

Christin Hill is a partner in Morrison Foerster’s San Francisco office and a member of the firm's Securities Litigation group.

Christin J. Hill

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Tammy Davies is a partner in Morrison Foerster’s New York office and member of the firm’s Finance Group.

Tammy C. Davies

Tammy Davies

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MoFo’s Disability Affinity Network recently hosted a fireside chat in its Boston office, moderated by partner and co-chair of the firm’s Appellate and Supreme Court practice <a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/joseph-palmore">Joe Palmore</a>, with Judge David Tatel. Judge Tatel recently retired as a senior judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and has served with distinction since his appointment by President Bill Clinton in 1994. His career spans private practice, where he founded the education practice at Hogan & Hartson (now Hogan Lovells), and public service, including his role as the Director of the National Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.Judge Tatel’s passion for civil rights began early in his career. Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he participated in a commission investigating the causes of the subsequent riots in Chicago. His role involved interviewing students, teachers, principals, and small business owners, which deepened his interest in civil rights and education. This experience was pivotal, as it coincided with the national expansion of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Judge Tatel seized the opportunity to become the founding director of the Chicago committee. His leadership there marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to civil rights, eventually leading him to serve as the director of the National Lawyers’ Committee and later the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare under the Carter Administration.Judge Tatel reflected on the collegial nature of the D.C. Circuit, highlighting how this environment fostered a collaborative approach to judicial decision-making. He cherished the opportunity to work closely with judges appointed by presidents from both political parties, which enriched the deliberative process and helped to mitigate the influence of individual ideologies on judicial outcomes. This collegiality, according to Judge Tatel, is crucial for producing legitimate judicial decisions. He also highlighted how collaborative attitudes can significantly improve all workplaces.At 15, Judge Tatel was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, an incurable genetic retinal disease that eventually leads to vision loss. He managed his condition privately for many years, fearing it might jeopardize his professional opportunities. However, his approach changed during a job interview in 1974, when he openly discussed his condition for the first time. The response from the interviewer, who simply asked what support Judge Tatel would need, exemplified the type of inclusive attitude he hopes more employers will adopt. That moment was a turning point for Judge Tatel, affirming that openness and support can remove barriers and create empowering environments for individuals living with disabilities.Additionally, Judge Tatel emphasized the role of technology in enhancing the lives and careers of individuals living with disabilities. During the discussion, he detailed how technological advancements have dramatically transformed his ability to independently perform his judicial duties. Initially, he relied on human readers to read everything that came across his desk. However, as technology advanced, Judge Tatel adopted various tools that reduced his dependence on human assistance. He demonstrated this during the discussion when he read an excerpt from his book, Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice, using a Braille computer—a device that operates similarly to a standard laptop but features Braille keys and auditory output.Judge Tatel expressed hope that his book and personal story will resonate with other individuals living with disabilities, providing them with a sense of solidarity and encouragement. He highlighted the importance of role models and mentors in his life, noting a lack of visually impaired role models during his earlier years. Through his book, he seeks to fill that gap for others, offering his life story as a testament to the possibilities that can unfold when individuals receive the support and accommodations they need.

Navigating Justice and Disability: A Conversation with Judge David Tatel

Joe Palmore co-chairs Morrison Foerster’s Appellate and Supreme Court practice. Chambers USA describes him as “an outstanding oral advocate,” who is “calm, focused, effective and doesn’t back down,” and has “complete command of the facts.” Joe “writes great briefs” (Chambers USA), with one client recounting that “the Court mirrored the language he thoughtfully chose in its ultimate order” (Legal 500).

Joseph R. Palmore

Joseph R. Palmore is co-chair of the firm's Appellate and Supreme Court Practice Group and Managing Partner for the Washington, D.C. office. Before joining Morrison Foerster, Joe was an Assistant to the Solicitor General at the United States Department of Justice and the Deputy General Counsel of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Joseph Palmore

Navigating Justice and Disability: A Conversation with Judge David Tatel

MoFo’s Disability Affinity Network recently hosted a fireside chat in its Boston office, moderated by partner and co-chair of the firm’s Appellate and Supreme Court practice Joe Palmore, with Judge David Tatel. 

MoFo is proud to have sponsored the 2024 Black Counsel Forum (BCF), which was held on September 27-28, 2024 at De Vere Beaumont Estate in Windsor, England. This two-day professional development experience brought together Black legal professionals to gain invaluable insights into achieving success, share experiences, cultivate resilience, and join a supportive community deeply committed to advancing the careers of Black lawyers.Partner, and co-chair of MoFo’s Europe Diversity Committee, Trevor James participated in two panels titled “Accelerating Your Career in Law Firms: Tools and Strategies for High-Performance Associates” and “The Gen Z Effect: Views from Lawyers.”“Diversity and inclusion have always been a central part of MoFo’s DNA. That’s why we are proud to support the Black Counsel Forum and its mission to empower Black lawyers to thrive. Our goal is to create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels they can grow professionally and make a meaningful difference,” said Trevor.Other MoFo attendees described the event as energizing and inspiring, allowing them to feel completely at ease but also providing them with practical insights and connections that are directly applicable and beneficial to their careers.“As a newly qualified lawyer, attending a conference specifically designed for Black lawyers has been an incredibly valuable experience for me. It was the first time I found myself in a room filled with people who truly understood the unique challenges of navigating this career. The insights I gained from their experiences have inspired me to make key decisions and lay a strong foundation for my career,” said associate Brittnie Moss-Jeremiah. “The networking opportunities were also invaluable, and I’ve built meaningful connections that I plan to nurture throughout my professional career. I can confidently say this has been the most impactful start to my career, and I would love the opportunity to attend again next year.”“BCF24 was the first networking event and conference that I attended where I walked away feeling empowered about the trajectory of my training contract and my future career as a solicitor,” stated trainee solicitor Angela Utubor. “The conference gave me access to around 400 Black lawyers, many of whom I connected with and have maintained relationships with since the conference took place a few weeks ago. Some will act as mentors for me who I can learn and grow from – making me a better lawyer, and others will be a great support network going forward. I met truly inspirational people who have been resilient in their careers and have inspired me to see that I can set goals in my career and take actionable steps to achieve them. This is so important as I very rarely come across legal professionals from similar backgrounds to myself, let alone have access to many as mentors or a support network. Attending the conference next year (and other similar events through the year) will allow me to build on this momentum and receive better guidance for my career at MoFo.”“I can’t emphasize enough just how crucial it is to see people with similar backgrounds to yourself in the positions that you aspire to be in. City firms can often be lonely and alienating environments for Black lawyers. There is a lot of work being done in the industry to rectify this and MoFo is a great example of a firm that actively supports its minority talent by fostering an inclusive community, but there is still work to be done,” noted trainee solicitor Marissa Oluwadare. “In the meantime, events such as Black Counsel Forum are picking up the slack by providing Black lawyers with a space to support and inspire each other.”BCF’s mission is to empower Black lawyers by fostering a vibrant community of top Black legal talent committed to mutual enhancement and support in safe and inclusive spaces where lawyers can connect, learn, and share. The organization empowers Black lawyers to take charge of their career journey and ensure they have the support, network, role models, and opportunities to thrive.<a href="https://www.blackcounselforum.com/" target="_blank">Learn more about BCF.</a><div data-reactroot=""><img class="rich-text-embed-image" alt="BCF panel 1" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blt89ce0feedc9be3d1/671263eb9c37a364afbb0cd6/241018-blog-photo-2.jpg?format=auto&amp;quality=60"/></div><div data-reactroot=""><img class="rich-text-embed-image" alt="BCF group 2" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blte2aecf8118d923b1/671263cde43e438cd89a03cf/241018-blog-photo-1.jpg?format=auto&amp;quality=60"/></div><div data-reactroot=""><img class="rich-text-embed-image" alt="BCF panel 3" src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/bltcade6721e386889f/67129d05134c18437067dd44/241018-blog-photo-3.jpg?format=auto&amp;quality=60"/></div>

MoFo Sponsors the Black Counsel Forum 2024

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Trevor has over 30 years of experience in providing corporate and international tax advice. His practice focuses on advising client on the tax planning aspects of international transactions and strat

Trevor James

Trevor L James

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Brittnie Moss-Jeremiah is an associate in the firm’s London office and a member of Morrison Foerster’s global Privacy + Data Security Group.

Brittnie Moss-Jeremiah

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MoFo Sponsors the Black Counsel Forum 2024

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MoFo is proud to have sponsored the 2024 Black Counsel Forum (BCF), which was held on September 27-28, 2024 at De Vere Beaumont Estate in Windsor, England.

Editors’ Note: As part of our ongoing Faces of MoFo series, Giselle Caridad Sardinas, a Transactions associate in the firm’s Miami office, discusses her career path and what led her to call MoFo home.I’m a first-generation Cuban American, the oldest of three sisters, and the first in my family to graduate from college and earn a professional degree. My parents came to the United States from Cuba in the 1980s with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Their resilience and hard work have been the foundation of my journey.From a young age, I watched them grow their business from a one-man operation locksmith van to a fully operational brick-and-mortar commercial security enterprise. Their story is just one of many similar stories you’ll come across in the vibrant immigrant community of Miami-Dade County, where I grew up. I have been fortunate to witness firsthand how my parents, and the Latinx community as a whole. have shaped Miami-Dade County into what it is today. There is beauty in seeing how the people of this community will consistently lift one another up, recognizing that many have had to bootstrap their way to success.In my own journey, I found that one of the glaring challenges for immigrants and first-generation Americans was the often limited access to information. For instance, when it came to applying for college, there was a prevailing mindset in the immigrant community that any college in America was a step in the right direction. It was only when I saw friends filling out applications to universities I had never heard of that I learned about how different schools offered different benefits and that I needed to be strategic in where to apply.Once enrolled at the University of Miami as an undergrad, I had to learn how to navigate the road ahead on my own—figuring out which courses to take, what to major in, what activities to get involved with, and so forth. I did not know what to choose and neither did my parents. Still, having always been a curious person, I explored various disciplines until I ultimately chose to focus on finance and legal studies (with a math minor because I enjoyed calculus) because of their practical implications. I found finance particularly insightful because it challenged how many in my Latinx community and I were raised to think about money. Growing up, money was meant to be saved (not invested) and debt was viewed negatively, with an emphasis on paying off mortgages quickly and avoiding revolving credit. During my years working in the commercial lending space and later in real estate development, it was clear that, when managed wisely, debt can be a powerful tool for growth and investment, which is especially important for immigrants like my parents and first-generation Americans seeking to achieve the American Dream and for younger cities to flourish and become booming metropolises. Over the last 15 years, I have seen a shift in this mindset in the Latinx community in Miami-Dade County, and I have had the privilege of watching small businesses like my parents’ enterprise bloom and the Miami skyline explode. Unsurprisingly, I am now a real estate and fund finance lawyer and feel deeply fulfilled in my practice.My journey thus far has also been purposeful in shaping one of my greatest passions: expanding access to information to help people get ahead. I greatly enjoy mentoring others and providing solutions to family, friends, and now, clients. From serving on the student government executive board in high school to being president of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity in undergrad, there was never a time when I wasn’t working for the benefit of others. Now at MoFo, I chair the Miami office Associate Committee, ESG Committee, and Women’s Affinity Group, and have worked on various immigration pro bono cases on behalf of Afghan migrants that helped the United States during the war in Afghanistan, unaccompanied minors that enter the U.S. border, and Dreamers renewing their Dream Act applications, among others. In my community, I currently serve on the Young Professionals’ Council for Legal Services of Greater Miami, where we help the organization raise money so it can continue to bridge the justice gap by providing high-quality, free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, and also serve on the Young Alumni Board of the University of Miami Law Review, where we mentor members of the Law Review as they look to pave their own path in the legal profession. I truly enjoy bringing people together, connecting those in my network, and being a resource whenever possible.My parents left everything they knew behind in the pursuit of the American Dream, and as I recount my own experiences, including working at MoFo, I can happily say that I’ve achieved my own version of this dream so many strive to reach, and this is only the beginning. I’m proud to work in a firm that values hard work and embraces authenticity and individuality. A favorite MoFo motto, which was said by our prior chair during my first-year orientation, is that “we do serious work without taking ourselves too seriously,” — a sentiment that perfectly captures the supportive and approachable environment I’ve found here. I have found a family at MoFo and feel honored to be a part of this firm.In my free time, I enjoy checking out the Miami food scene, boating with my family and friends, rollerblading, and belting out “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” by Celine Dion at karaoke.

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Giselle C. Sardiñas is an associate Morrison Foerster's Real Estate Group.

Giselle Caridad Sardiñas

Giselle Sardiñas

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Faces of MoFo: Giselle Caridad Sardinas

Editors’ Note: As part of our ongoing Faces of MoFo series, Patricia Perez Elias, a Transactions associate in the firm’s Boston office, discusses her career path and what led her to call MoFo home.I was born in Puerto Rico, a small, beautiful island in the Caribbean belonging to the United States. My parents had been young when they got married, finished college, and had me and my sister in their early twenties. From an early age, I was aware of my parents’ dreams and aspirations for me and my sister. Like many from their generation, they wanted us to succeed in school in order to be able to get into a prestigious university on the mainland. While I loved growing up in Puerto Rico, moving to the mainland would seemingly bring the financial stability my own parents never had growing up or raising us. But one week into making this dream finally come true, everything came crashing down.Twelve years ago, and one week into my first year of college at Boston University, I received an early morning call from my dad – my mom had been the victim of a hit and run while she was training for the Chicago Marathon alongside her two closest running friends. While I don’t remember much about that specific day as I waited for extended family from Connecticut to come pick me up, I have very distinct memories of the following weeks.I didn’t immediately fly to Puerto Rico, as my dad had convinced me that everything was going to be okay and that I should wait until things had settled down a bit. After my mom survived the first night, then the second night, and then a full week, her prognosis, while still delicate, seemed to be getting better. A week after the accident, I finally got to visit her. I was determined to be positive and make everything feel as normal as I possibly could.My dad, my sister, and I were in the car driving home after a day spent at the ICU when I said to him, “I’ll leave BU and stay here.” I knew very tough times were ahead.“No, you go back there and you make us proud, just like we know you can and just like I know your mom wants you to,” he said. Getting on that plane back to Boston was one of the most difficult decisions I have made in my life, even to this day.After months in the ICU and then in rehab in Atlanta for her traumatic spinal cord injury (thanks to hundreds of thousands of generous Puerto Ricans who fundraised for her medical costs), my mom pulled through. While she will never be able to walk again and the life my parents once imagined for our family was drastically changed, once again I saw my parents putting into action what they had taught me at a young age—you never give up, you keep fighting, you keep going.Through the remainder of my years in college, then through law school and now in my career, I put into practice the lessons I learned during that time. As an associate in Morrison Foerster’s Mergers and Acquisitions practice, my job requires me to adapt, to be solution-oriented, and to work efficiently with a team. Even more valuable to me is that I am able to connect with my clients and colleagues on a personal level because I know that even when times are difficult and problems seem insurmountable, sticking to the course, being grounded, and taking it one step at a time is the only way to achieve success. It is this determination and this ethos that I take with me in every deal and that allow me to represent my clients with integrity and passion. As many other experienced colleagues have told me again and again, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” and I’m not sure my colleagues know how true those words ring. Now, twelve years later, I will run the Chicago Marathon in October in honor of my mom and she, alongside my “team” of family and friends, will be cheering me on from the sidelines from the moment I toe the starting line through the crossing of the finish line. I can’t imagine a higher privilege than getting to do this for them.

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Patricia Perez Elias

Faces of MoFo: Patricia Perez Elias