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 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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Morrison Foerster has a long-standing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and pro bono work. 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.

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Morrison Foerster has a long-standing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and pro bono work. 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.

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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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MoFo is proud to have sponsored the 2024 NAPABA Convention, which was held on November 7–10, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. The NAPABA Convention is an annual gathering of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, bringing meaningful insights, networking opportunities, and perspective to the legal community.Our firm was well represented at the convention by several of our distinguished attorneys, who participated in various panels and discussions:<ul class="li-text-orange"><li class="li-text-orange"><a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/bonnie-lau" target="_blank">Bonnie Lau</a>, Partner | Antitrust and co-chair of NAPABA’s Women’s Leadership Network, shared her perspective on two panels: “Go Network They Say: But what exactly is ‘networking’?” and a fireside chat with Michele Lee, GC of Pinterest, regarding how perfectionism has impacted their career paths.</li><li><a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/nicholas-fung" target="_blank">Nicholas Fung</a>, Partner | IP Litigation and co-chair of MoFo’s Asian Affinity Network</li><li><a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/julie-park" target="_blank">Julie Park</a>, Office Managing Partner | Class Actions + Mass Torts</li><li><a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/timothy-chen-saulsbury" target="_blank">Timothy Saulsbury</a>, Partner | IP Litigation</li><li><a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/aya-eguchi" target="_blank">Aya Eguchi</a>, Partner | Technology Transactions</li><li><a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/eric-min" target="_blank">Eric Min</a>, Partner | Financial Transactions</li><li><a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/hannah-jiam" target="_blank">Hannah Jiam</a>, Associate | IP Litigation</li><li><a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/bu-yin" target="_blank">Bu Yin</a>, Associate | Patent Strategy + Prosecution</li><li><a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/jean-nguyen" target="_blank">Jean Nguyen</a>, Associate | Patent Strategy + Prosecution</li><li><a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/evangeline-phang" target="_blank">Evangeline Phang</a>, Associate | Technology Transactions</li><li><a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/sumaiya-sharmeen" target="_blank">Sumaiya Sharmeen</a>, Associate | IP Litigation</li><li><a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/amy-chen" target="_blank">Amy Chen</a>, Associate | Mergers + Acquisitions</li><li><a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/yuan-xia" target="_blank">Yuan Xia</a>, Associate | Executive Compensation</li><li><a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/vi-tran" target="_blank">Vi Tran</a>, Associate | IP Litigation</li></ul>MoFo’s sponsorship of the NAPABA Convention underscores our longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. In 2023, MoFo was honored with the NAPABA Law Firm Diversity Award, recognizing our efforts to recruit, retain, and promote Asian Pacific American lawyers to equity partnership and firm leadership. This award reflects our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment that strengthens the quality of service we provide to our clients and communities.

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Partner

Bonnie helps clients navigate internal and government antitrust investigations, enforcement proceedings, and class action litigation in federal and state courts. She leverages her over 15 years of exp

Bonnie Lau

Nevro Corp. v. Stimwave Technologies, Inc.

Avago Techs. U.S., Inc. v. nanoPrecision Products, Inc. 

Investors Exchange LLC v. Nasdaq, Inc. 

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Nick Fung advises clients on a broad range of intellectual property issues, with a focus on high-stakes patent litigation and trade secrets disputes.

Nicholas Rylan Fung

Nick Fung advises clients on a broad range of intellectual property issues, with a focus on high-stakes patent litigation and trade secrets disputes.

Nicholas Fung

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.

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>

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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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Associate

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 earned her J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law where she was the Symposium Editor for the

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 is a corporate associate in the Boston office of Morrison Foerster.

Patricia Perez Elias

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Faces of MoFo: Patricia Perez Elias

During Latinx Heritage Month, we celebrate the many contributions Latinx individuals have made throughout history. In recognition of Latinx Heritage Month, we honor Ruti Smithline, co-chair of the firm’s Investigations + White Collar Criminal Defense group and co-chair of the firm’s Latin America Practice. Her practice focuses on complex litigation, with an emphasis on white collar criminal defense, SEC enforcement, and corporate internal investigations.Ruti is a member of the firm’s global FCPA + Anti-Corruption Task Force. She regularly advises clients on cross-border investigations, global compliance programs and anti-corruption due diligence for acquisitions, joint ventures, and private equity transactions. Ruti has represented individual and corporate defendants in cross-border criminal investigations, SEC enforcement matters, and other regulatory proceedings, including matters related to trade sanctions and anti-money laundering. She has experience conducting corporate internal investigations both domestically and internationally, often advising clients on remedial measures responsive to the issues investigated.As co-chair of Morrison Foerster’s Latin America practice and a partner in the Investigations & White Collar practice, how do you leverage your expertise to address the unique challenges faced by clients in the region?In my white collar criminal defense practice, I leverage my deep understanding of Latin America’s legal and cultural landscape, along with my U.S. legal training, to address the needs of our clients. Having been born and raised in Colombia and being a native Spanish speaker, I am well versed in navigating nuances of Latin America business practices, regulatory environments, and cultural differences. This background enables me to communicate effectively—without the need for translation—with local stakeholders and authorities, ensuring that our clients receive tailored advice that takes into account both local and international legal standards. My expertise in U.S. law further allows me to guide clients through cross-border issues, providing a strategic advantage in investigations, compliance, and risk management. My familiarity with the local business, economic, and political climates across the region, in addition to my language capabilities, has really helped me help clients bridge the gap between the compliance and enforcement landscapes of the U.S. and a variety of jurisdictions in the region.During your in-country visits to key markets such as Colombia and Brazil, what are some of the most pressing legal issues you have encountered, and how has your team addressed them?Given my practice, I see clients across the region being particularly focused on anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, and sanctions compliance and enforcement. Clients are constantly challenged by the complex legal, economic, and political realities of the region, which can be in tension with global regulatory and law enforcement expectations. For example, recent years have seen a backsliding of anti-corruption enforcement in Brazil and stalled enforcement in Mexico, while Latin America continues to be a key focus of U.S. enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. We have also seen countries develop hyper-technical regulatory requirements that present challenges for companies looking to implement and operationalize global compliance programs. Likewise, while the United States continues to enforce and tighten significant sanctions against Venezuela, countries like Colombia are redeveloping their relations with Venezuela, bringing both potential opportunities and significant risks. We are helping clients navigate these issues from proactive compliance counseling to reactive investigations as issues arise. By combining the team’s regional knowledge with a global perspective, we help our clients navigate complex legal landscapes and achieve their objectives efficiently and effectively.As we celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, what message would you like to share with young aspiring Latinx legal professionals?I want to share a message of encouragement and pride. Our heritage is a source of strength and helps us bring unique perspectives to the legal profession. Remember that cultural background, language skills, and life experiences give us a distinct edge, allowing us to analyze and address complex legal issues in ways that others may not. I encourage you to embrace your identity and let it be a guide in your career. Never underestimate the value of your voice and use your unique voice to provide excellent client service and drive change in the legal profession. Remember to lift others along the way and help create a more inclusive and diverse legal community.

Monitorship Team for a Large South American Company

Fortune 500 Company

A Multinational Agricultural Company

A Multinational Electronics Company

Audit Committee of International Company

Global Retailer

A Foreign Bank

A U.S. Holding Company for a Multinational Bank

A State-Owned Bank

Multi-Faceted Investigation of University Grants

Various Individuals in South America

Former Mortgage Executive

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Ruti Smithline, partner, has extensive experience in FCPA compliance, anti-corruption, and securities enforcement and white collar criminal defense issues.

Ruti Smithline serves as co-chair of the firm’s Latin America Desk, in addition to being a member of Morrison Foerster’s FCPA + Global Anti-Corruption group and a former co-chair of the Investigations + White Collar Defense group.

Ruti Smithline

Ruti Smithline | White Collar Defense + FCPA

Ruti Smithline’s work has involved a wide range of white-collar defense activities, including global, cross- border internal investigations, civil and criminal work with the U.S. Department of Justice and attorney general’s offices, SEC enforcement actions, anti- money laundering, and OFAC regulatory matters. The cases she is most proud of are the nonpublic matters where the government did not bring any action against clients.What do you like best about your work? Each matter presents its own challenges, and I love collaborating with clients and colleagues to reach practical solutions. I like that understanding the law in isolation is generally not enough and that each case requires learning the client and the client’s industry. Also, being a native Spanish speaker has enabled me to do white-collar work in Latin America and opened many opportunities for cross-border matters.What do you enjoy doing in your free time? My husband and I have always enjoyed traveling and seeing new places. Since having our daughter, we really appreciate seeing the world through her eyes.What is your favorite thing about living in your current city? I live in Hoboken, New Jersey – which is right across the river from New York City. What I like the most is the sense of community. It has that small-town feel, while still being a city in its own right with all the amenities you would expect. I love that when I walk my daughter to school in the morning, we literally pass dozens of families going to a number of different schools, but we know them all from activities around the city.

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Partner Spotlight: Ruti Smithline

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just a core value but a driving force behind the success of our <a href="https://www.mofo.com/capabilities/latin-america" target="_blank">Latin America practice</a>. With a team of lawyers who are native or fluent speakers of Spanish and Portuguese, and who possess a deep understanding of local laws and cultures, we offer global advice with a local perspective. Having worked in all major markets in Latin America for decades, our lawyers are familiar with the business, economic, regulatory, and cultural environments of countries throughout the region. Our clients include closely held family businesses, public and private multinational corporations, governmental and quasi-governmental organizations, Fortune 100 financial institutions, and investment funds and private equity firms, each operating and investing across a broad range of sectors.Our <a href="https://www.mofo.com/people?regions=Latin%20America">Latin America team</a> is led by experienced partners who bring deep regional expertise. Key members include Randy Bullard, co-chair and managing partner in Miami, and Ruti Smithline, co-chair and Investigations + White Collar partner in New York. Together, they provide comprehensive legal services to a diverse clientele, guiding our clients through the complex, ever-changing landscapes of Latin America.In addition to our legal expertise, our Latin America team devotes a significant amount of time throughout the year to be present in the region, in order to foster and maintain close relationships with our clients, learn about their businesses and markets, and maintain strong connections to stay current with the pace of legal and regulatory change in each jurisdiction. Our team hosts and participates in industry-wide conferences and events, along with MoFo- and co-branded panels and sessions for a curated audience of clients and client targets in strategic markets.Our Latin America practice has received numerous accolades, including recognition in Chambers Global – Latin America-wide: Corporate/M&A, Global – Corporate Crime & Investigations, Latin America – Corporate/M&A, and Latin America – Corporate Crime & Investigations. We have also been recognized in the Latin Lawyer 250 for Banking & Finance and Corporate/M&A and Anti-Corruption Investigations and Compliance and as one of Latinvex’s Top 20 International Firms. Additionally, we were awarded Latin Lawyer’s Private M&A Deal of the Year (2020).At MoFo, we believe that our strength lies in our diversity. Our Latinx colleagues bring a unique blend of talents, perspectives, and experiences informed by a heritage that enriches our work and helps drive our success. To learn more about diversity and inclusion, please visit our <a href="https://www.mofo.com/culture/diversity" target="_blank">Diversity page</a>.<a href="https://www.mofo.com/sign-up" target="_blank">Sign up</a> for the latest legal and industry insights, news, and events from MoFo.

Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month: A Spotlight on MoFo’s Latin America Practice