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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Welcome to the Mofo+ Blog

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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’s 2024 Summer Associate Program has just wrapped up after providing an immersive experience into the firm’s dynamic operations across our U.S. and Tokyo offices. This program is not just about work; it’s a comprehensive journey that includes extensive training sessions, hands-on mentorship from seasoned attorneys, and a mix of challenging assignments. What’s more, our summer associates receive constructive feedback to foster growth and enjoy numerous social and networking events that build professional and personal connections.Our tailored learning and development programs are specifically designed to help summer associates get up to speed with MoFo’s operational framework and cutting-edge legal practices. Highlights of the training include engaging practice area spotlights led by MoFo practice group chairs, insightful pathways to partnership panels, a dedicated series on mental health and wellness, and essential bar preparation sessions. In addition, summer associates participated in a writing workshop, acquired skills to build effective relationships across differences, and learned trial basics and the lifecycle of a deal through a two-day, firmwide virtual summit. These opportunities ensure that every summer associate is well prepared and informed about the intricacies of legal practice at MoFo.Under the guidance of MoFo’s lawyers, summer associates dive deep into a variety of intriguing projects. Whether it’s litigation or transactional work, our associates refine crucial skills such as legal writing, research, and analysis. Each summer associate benefits from a personalized mentorship arrangement including a designated mentor and a work coordinator who facilitate meaningful connections across the firm and provide a clearer perspective on future legal career paths.The program also boasts a vibrant social calendar designed to foster camaraderie and community. From partner-hosted dinners and exciting sporting events to creative cooking competitions and community service projects, our summer associates enjoy a well-rounded experience.Several summer associates were invited to write about their personal program experiences and topics such as mentorship, pro bono, learning and development, and diversity and inclusion. Read their MoFo Stories here:<ul class="li-text-orange"><li class="li-text-orange"><a href="https://together.mofo.com/topics/personal-connections-in-professional-spaces-why-i-chose-mofo-alejandro-castro" target="_self">“Personal Connections in Professional Spaces: Why I Chose MoFo” – Alejandro Castro, Austin</a></li><li class="li-text-orange"><a href="https://together.mofo.com/topics/providing-opportunity-to-grow-and-support-to-succeed-johann-choo" target="_self">“Providing Opportunity to Grow and Support to Succeed” – Johann Choo, Washington, D.C.</a></li><li class="li-text-orange"><a href="https://together.mofo.com/topics/a-firm-is-measured-by-its-people-tessa-defranco" target="_self">“A Firm Is Measured by Its People” – Tessa DeFranco, New York</a></li><li class="li-text-orange"><a href="https://together.mofo.com/topics/advocacy-in-action-a-summer-of-pro-bono-excellence-at-mofo-delaney-ho" target="_self">“Advocacy in Action: A Summer of Pro Bono Excellence at MoFo” – Delaney Ho, San Diego</a></li><li class="li-text-orange"><a href="https://together.mofo.com/topics/navigating-legal-challenges-and-embracing-mentorship-a-pro-bono-success-story-jenna-kwak-tara-coughlin" target="_self">“Navigating Legal Challenges and Embracing Mentorship: A Pro Bono Success Story” – Jenna Kwak & Tara Coughlin, San Francisco</a></li><li class="li-text-orange"><a href="https://together.mofo.com/topics/mofo-s-summer-associate-program-equipped-me-with-the-skills-to-succeed-as-an-aspiring-attorney-hannah-mccollough" target="_self">“MoFo’s Summer Associate Program Equipped Me with the Skills to Succeed as an Aspiring Attorney” – Hannah McCollough, Boston</a></li><li class="li-text-orange"><a href="https://together.mofo.com/topics/enhancing-legal-skills-through-pro-bono-advocacy-soraya-morales-nu-ez" target="_self">“Enhancing Legal Skills Through Pro Bono Advocacy” – Soraya Morales Nuñez, Los Angeles</a></li><li class="li-text-orange"><a href="https://together.mofo.com/topics/a-journey-of-mentorship-and-growth-at-mofo-johnathan-shawel" target="_self">“A Journey of Mentorship and Growth at MoFo” – Johnathan Shawel, Palo Alto</a></li></ul>If you’re eager to kickstart your legal career and thrive in a collaborative environment, MoFo’s Summer Associate Program awaits your application. Visit <a href="https://www.mofo.com/careers-mofo-to-go">MoFo To-Go</a> to explore our digital resources, including our interactive Summer Associate Program brochure, virtual job simulations, and our YouTube channel with a wide range of topic-based playlists.<iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/abZoeHsdTgY?rel=0" title="iframe"></iframe>

MoFo's 2024 Summer Associate Program Provides Immersive Training and Personalized Mentorship

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MoFo's 2024 Summer Associate Program Provides Immersive Training and Personalized Mentorship

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MoFo’s 2024 Summer Associate Program has just wrapped up after providing an immersive experience into the firm’s dynamic operations across our U.S. and Tokyo offices.

Morrison Foerster recently hosted its 2024 Diversity and Inclusion (D+I) Fellowship Retreat, a multi-day event designed to support the successful integration and professional development of summer associates in the firm’s diversity-related fellowship programs.This year’s retreat brought together fellows from across the firm who are a part of our Keith Wetmore Fellowship for Excellence, Diversity, and Inclusion, the Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Law Fellowship, the 1L Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Scholars program, and client partnerships—all of whom have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.The retreat’s programming included a teambuilding cooking class and substantive sessions featuring MoFo attorneys and business professionals, and an outside consultant. One of the highlights of the retreat was the “Ask Me Anything” panel with Wetmore and SEO Law Fellowship alumni Jamis Barcott, <a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/malika-moore">Malika Moore</a>, and <a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/nishi-tavernier">Nishi Tavernier</a>. The panelists shared valuable insights on how to effectively navigate law firm life including managing work assignments, succeeding with clients, and developing strategies for success during their pre-law, 1L, and 2L summers.In addition, we hosted a session on <a href="https://www.discprofile.com/what-is-disc">DiSC</a>, a personal behavioral assessment tool that helps people understand and improve their working styles. Following this session, Tasneem K. Khokha from GrowthPlay provided a comprehensive framework on how to approach collaboration in the workplace. Her session covered essential skills such as soliciting and utilizing feedback, communicating clearly, and managing expectations, all of which are crucial for building relationships across lines of difference and developing a successful legal career.We concluded the day with a discussion among our Diversity Strategy Committee leaders, <a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/alexis-amezcua">Alexis A. Amezcua</a>, <a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/purvi-patel">Purvi G. Patel</a>, and <a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/mark-whitaker">Mark L. Whitaker</a>. Moderated by Morrison Foerster general counsel <a href="https://www.mofo.com/people/philip-besirof">Philip T. Besirof</a>, this session allowed the fellows to learn more about their respective backgrounds, practice leadership responsibilities, mentorship, and the culture here at Morrison Foerster.The D+I Fellowship Retreat is just one of the many ways Morrison Foerster invests in the next generation of legal professionals, ensuring they are well equipped to contribute to and thrive in the legal industry.Thank you to all participants who made the 2024 Fellowship Retreat a memorable and impactful event.More about the programsSince 2012, the Keith Wetmore Fellowship for Excellence, Diversity, and Inclusion program has recognized and provided exceptional first- and second-year law students with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, with the training, mentorship, and exposure necessary for their professional development and engagement. The fellowship program is named after former chair Keith Wetmore, in honor of his dedication and commitment to diversity and inclusion, both within the firm and in the legal profession. It is one of the many ways that Morrison Foerster actualizes its commitment to removing barriers and creating opportunities for talented individuals with diverse experiences in the legal industry.Since 2008, we have sponsored a group of pre-law interns through the Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) program. SEO provides educational and career programs to students from underrepresented communities to ensure their professional success.Through the LCLD 1L Scholars Program, each year MoFo partners with clients to host first-year law students who have opted to split their time between MoFo and our clients.This year, we welcome a Generate fellow, who will be splitting time between MoFo and our client Generate Capital. Learn more about diversity and inclusion at Morrison Foerster by visiting our <a href="https://www.mofo.com/culture/diversity">Diversity page</a>.

Morrison Foerster Hosts 2024 Diversity and Inclusion Fellowship Retreat

Morrison Foerster Hosts 2024 Diversity and Inclusion Fellowship Retreat

Morrison Foerster recently hosted its 2024 Diversity and Inclusion (D+I) Fellowship Retreat, a multi-day event designed to support the successful integration and professional development of summer associates in the firm’s diversity-related fellowship programs.

On Earth Day, and every day, MoFo is proud to undertake initiatives to advance environmental sustainability and conservation, including our unwavering commitment to providing pro bono legal services to organizations that advance this mission. Highlighted below are just a few organizations, among many, with whom we partner to drive impact and create a more sustainable world for everyone.<div data-reactroot=""><span class="rich-text-component-embed" data-component-info="{&quot;uid&quot;:&quot;blt5a1a81fc9b32b74f&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Ceros - MoFo Celebrates Earth Day&quot;,&quot;table_source&quot;:&quot;&lt;div style=&#x27;position: relative;width: auto;padding: 0 0 153.42%;height: 0;top: 0;left: 0;bottom: 0;right: 0;margin: 0;border: 0 none&#x27; id=\&quot;experience-6627f0b67eb37\&quot; data-aspectRatio=\&quot;0.65178571\&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe allowfullscreen src=&#x27;https://view.ceros.com/mofo/earth-day-pro-bono-2024-1?heightOverride=1120&#x27; style=&#x27;position: absolute;top: 0;left: 0;bottom: 0;right: 0;margin: 0;padding: 0;border: 0 none;height: 1px;width: 1px;min-height: 100%;min-width: 100%&#x27; frameborder=&#x27;0&#x27; class=&#x27;ceros-experience&#x27; title=&#x27;Earth Day Pro Bono 2024 Copy&#x27; scrolling=&#x27;no&#x27;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;script type=\&quot;text/javascript\&quot; src=\&quot;https://view.ceros.com/scroll-proxy.min.js\&quot; data-ceros-origin-domains=\&quot;view.ceros.com\&quot;&gt;&lt;/script&gt;&quot;,&quot;locale&quot;:&quot;en-us&quot;,&quot;_version&quot;:1,&quot;publish_details&quot;:{&quot;time&quot;:&quot;2024-04-24T20:30:57.063Z&quot;,&quot;user&quot;:&quot;blt02c6960575474003&quot;,&quot;environment&quot;:&quot;bltf4674cd9142c5020&quot;,&quot;locale&quot;:&quot;en-us&quot;,&quot;_trace&quot;:&quot;array_node;blog_global_fields;publish_details&quot;,&quot;_key&quot;:&quot;publish_details&quot;},&quot;_fetched&quot;:true,&quot;_content_type_uid&quot;:&quot;table_content&quot;,&quot;_trace&quot;:&quot;array_node;blog_global_fields&quot;,&quot;_key&quot;:&quot;key&quot;}" data-component-type="table_content" data-component-inline="false"></div>

MoFo Celebrates Earth Day

On Earth Day, and every day, MoFo is proud to undertake initiatives to advance environmental sustainability and conservation, including our unwavering commitment to providing pro bono legal services to organizations that advance this mission.

MoFo Celebrates Earth Day

Editor’s note: Read about transactions associate Mark Donovan, who participated in the 2023 MoFoundations Program in our Boston office, in this installment of our MoFo Stories series.After speaking to countless attorneys, professors, friends, and anyone who would listen, one theme defined all of my discussions regarding MoFo: its community. As one of my law professors and mentors liked to remind me, while MoFo offers engaging and demanding legal work, its collegial and friendly environment defines it. Although she was very fond of the legal work MoFo does, my professor was especially emphatic that MoFo offers a community unlike any other firm. To prove this, she connected me with several MoFo associates. Not only were these attorneys willing to speak with a law student they had never met, but they all genuinely wished to remain connected. Further substantiating my professor’s point, each of these attorneys personally reached out to me prior to my first week as an associate to congratulate me and welcome me to the firm over lunch, coffee, or conversation.Similarly, MoFoundations transformed a daunting experience (beginning my legal career) into a pleasant and enjoyable memory. From learning about my personality style though the DiSC Assessment, to attending trainings designed to prepare me for assignment meetings, MoFoundations was integral to my first few post-training weeks. As I had expected from my prior experience as a MoFo summer associate, the trainings were pragmatic and carefully constructed. However, much of my learning also occurred during very deliberately scheduled downtimes. For example, during one of the planned programming breaks, I attended a team meeting for the team I was to join following training. Not only did this meeting reintroduce me to many of my former colleagues from my time as a summer associate, but it also helped me orient my focus for the remainder of MoFoundations so I could develop skills that are particularly useful for and tailored to my team.Now, as I think about beginning my legal career, I look forward to developing and mastering my approach to general contract drafting. I also hope to learn more about the legal and business issues that arise in venture debt finance deals. I am eager to represent some major banks and financial institutions as they lend money to cutting-edge tech and startup companies. Most importantly, I look forward to positively contributing to my team and to the community at MoFo. Whether by serving as a resource for current law students or preserving the collegial and friendly atmosphere that defines the Boston office, I hope to embody the qualities that brought me to MoFo!

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Associate

Mark is a finance associate in Morrison Foerster’s Boston office.

Mark Francis Donovan

Mark Donovan

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MoFoundations MoFo Story: Mark Donovan

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After speaking to countless attorneys, professors, friends, and anyone who would listen, one theme defined all of my discussions regarding MoFo: its community.

MoFoundations MoFo Story: Mark Donovan

Editor’s note: Read about transactions associate Melinda Gilani, who participated in the 2023 MoFoundations Program in our San Francisco office, in this installment of our MoFo Stories series.Joining MoFo marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in my career, and I’m grateful to MoFoundations for equipping me with the practical skills and consistent guidance to thrive as a transactional associate.While law school built a strong theoretical foundation, MoFoundations equipped me with the practical skills to succeed as a transactional associate. MoFoundations took a deeper dive into contract drafting, review techniques, and due diligence, so I can hit the ground running in my first year of practice. The training program introduced essential due diligence skills, including identifying key issues and red flags. This knowledge empowers me to ask strategic questions and deliver effective client service.Yet, MoFoundations went beyond teaching the anatomy of an agreement and other legal intricacies in transactional work; it honed my skills within a supportive framework. The firm’s culture of teamwork, collaboration, and mentorship was immediately evident. Patient guidance from associates coupled with the camaraderie among my peers fostered a community that encouraged and uplifted one another. Any concern was met with genuine empathy and addressed with clear solutions, which created a sense of security and confidence. As I begin my career, I know I can rely on this community to help me overcome new challenges with resilience.MoFo’s culture reflects its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. I joined knowing my background would be embraced in a community where everyone can reach their full potential. MoFo actively fosters an environment where unique perspectives are celebrated and respected, and this commitment was apparent during MoFoundations. An unconscious bias training raised awareness of implicit biases and provided valuable tools to navigate them. Additionally, a DiSC assessment provided insights into our individual communication styles, followed by inclusive, small group discussions where every voice was heard and valued.My biggest takeaway from MoFoundations is the perfect alignment between its dedication to professional development and its core values of excellence and inclusivity. This ensures that everyone has the tools and resources to thrive. With the valuable lessons from training in my toolkit, I look forward to the challenges and triumphs that await me as I begin my career at MoFo.

MoFoundations MoFo Story: Melinda Gilani

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Melinda is a corporate associate in Morrison Foerster’s San Francisco office.

Melinda Gilani

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MoFoundations MoFo Story: Melinda Gilani

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Joining MoFo marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in my career, and I’m grateful to MoFoundations for equipping me with the practical skills and consistent guidance to thrive as a transactional associate.

The transition to the role of first-year associate is a significant step in a lawyer’s career. To facilitate this transition, our Attorney Learning & Development Group has developed MoFoundations, a curriculum tailored specifically for recent law school graduates and judicial clerks. MoFoundations is designed to equip new associates with the necessary skills and knowledge to kickstart their legal careers. It also provides opportunities for new associates to integrate into and engage with the MoFo community through educational presentations, experiential workshops, expert panels, asynchronous work, and collaborative exercises.MoFoundations aims to:<ul dir="ltr"><li>Develop the foundational practice and professional skills needed to succeed as a first-year associate at MoFo;</li><li>Introduce new associates to MoFo’s structure, innovative and collaborative culture, and shared values through community, pro bono, and diversity, equity, and inclusion; and</li><li dir="ltr">Provide opportunities for networking and relationship-building with peers, other associates, partners, and business professionals.</li></ul>“Before MoFoundations, I was intimidated about having to figure everything out on my own. Going through the trainings taught me about all of our departments and encouraged me to feel comfortable asking for help,” said Regina Campbell, Los Angeles Litigation Law Clerk.MoFoundations is aligned with MyMoFo, our framework for associate success, which outlines performance expectations for attorneys at all levels. The MoFoundations syllabus outlines learning objectives for each training session, helping associates understand how each program contributes to their overall career development. MyMoFo empowers associates to take ownership of their careers by providing transparent performance expectations.As Keniece Gray, Washington, D.C. associate, said, “Attending MoFoundations reaffirmed that firm leadership is committed to providing its attorneys with resources we need to effectively do our jobs and equipped me with fundamental tools to effectively utilize firm resources.”Several associates have shared their MoFoundations experiences, discussing topics such as professional development, community, and mentorship. Read their MoFo stories:<ul dir="ltr"><li><a href="https://together.mofo.com/topics/mofoundations-mofo-story-mark-donovan" target="_self">Mark Donovan</a></li><li><a href="https://together.mofo.com/topics/mofoundations-mofo-story-melinda-gilani" target="_self">Melinda Gilani</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://together.mofo.com/topics/mofoundations-mofo-story-keniece-gray" target="_self">Keniece Gray</a></li></ul>To learn more about MoFoundations and MoFo’s innovative approach to attorney learning and development, visit the <a href="https://careers.mofo.com/careers-training" target="_blank">Training + Mentoring website</a>, or contact <a href="mailto:cmizer@mofo.com">Christie Mizer</a>, Associate Director of Attorney Coaching & Career Development.

MoFoundations: Paving the Way to Success

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Keniece Gray is an associate in the Litigation Department of Morrison Foerster’s Washington, D.C. office.

Keniece Y. Gray

Keniece Gray

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MoFoundations: Paving the Way to Success

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The transition to the role of first-year associate is a significant step in a lawyer’s career. 

Editor’s note: Read about litigation associate Keniece Gray, who participated in the 2023 MoFoundations Program in our Washington, D.C. office, in this installment of our MoFo Stories series.My MoFo journey began in fall 2020 and has been a demonstration of mutual commitment to mentorship and professional development since. Initially, my positive interactions with MoFo attorneys and interns during my 2020 SEO Law Fellowship encouraged me to seek out the opportunity to work at MoFo in pursuit of my goal to receive exceptional legal training and promote DEI in the legal profession. My pleasant experience with the MoFo team during the 1L recruitment season solidified my interest in the firm. I appreciated the constant updates from the recruitment team and MoFo attorneys being accessible for informational interviews and willing to provide support during the process. Also, at the time of 1L recruitment, I had a keen interest in labor and employment law, and the D.C. office had recently begun further building an Employment & Labor Group, and I appreciated the idea of being a part of a growing practice.My experiences at MoFo over the past three years have instilled confidence that working at the firm provides an opportunity for me to take ownership of my career, build an impactful legal practice, continue contributing to the progression of inclusivity in the legal profession, receive training and support from attorneys who are among the best in their field, and be connected to an influential alumni network.My first summer associateship at MoFo established a solid foundation for success to build on and put a spotlight on the firm’s value for mentorship and feedback. I met a diverse group of attorneys through completing substantive legal assignments covering a myriad of matter topics, including labor and employment and education—two of my primary legal interest areas. The firm welcomed my curiosity about legal matters and inquisitiveness about DEI progression. I co-authored blog posts with former SCOTUS clerks and completed impactful pro bono work that involved co-drafting a public response to OMB comment request for methods to advance federal workforce diversity and speaking on the firm’s Intentional Impact podcast series. By the end of my first summer associateship, I received informal and formal mentorship from attorneys at every level of practice, including the firm chair, D.C. office leadership, and junior and senior associates across the firm.My clerkship and second summer associateship at the firm provided the opportunity to work directly with attorneys and clients on litigation and transactional matters in preparation for matriculation as a first year. Through work assignments and client interactions, I gained exposure to the breadth and depth of work in my practice areas of interest and appreciated the way the teams I worked with considered my input.Current MoFo attorneys and alumni have continuously displayed an eagerness to support my development as a law student and continue to do so in my tenure as an associate. For example, during law school, my partner mentors advised me on classes to take and experiential learning to pursue to enrich my legal skillset. During the 3L year, I was invited to stay connected with MoFo colleagues by attending local office events and conferences, including the ABA’s Labor and Employment conference. I also was fortunate to meet U.S. Supreme Court Justice and MoFo alumna Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and was elated to receive her encouragement to do well at MoFo and finish law school strong.Since becoming an associate in November 2023, the MoFo attorneys and staff I work with most closely have invested in my development by supporting my learning, engaging in the feedback process, and collaboratively planning for success in a way that incorporates my experiences at the firm and beyond. I appreciate the culture of support and encouragement for career ownership that I’ve experienced thus far. Attending MoFoundations reaffirmed that firm leadership is committed to providing its attorneys with resources we need to effectively do our jobs and equipped me with fundamental tools to effectively utilize firm resources. Resourcefulness is an essential skill. One of our responsibilities as attorneys is to find solutions to complex issues for our clients, and to do that we have to be able to decipher how to figure things out. When computing how to get things done, there are two factors that must be in the equation: a resourceful mentality and resource availability. The best attorneys know how to leverage both factors to serve clients. MoFoundations introduced our class to the abundant resources the firm supplies its attorneys to promote progress in our professional and personal lives. More importantly, MoFoundations provided a great reminder that people at MoFo enjoy helping each other deliver great client service, which increases my comfortability with asking questions.As I begin my legal career, I am looking forward to optimizing opportunities to sharpen my ability to be an effective legal advocate, building a practice that yields impact in various sectors, doing pro bono work, learning from my colleagues and mentors, and leveraging my experiences to create a more inclusive legal profession.I understand that my career is a marathon rather than a sprint. Every assignment, every workshop, every event along the journey presents a learning opportunity, and I plan to approach my career with a growth mindset to make the most of the opportunities. I am eager to see what the future holds and even more excited to be attentive to the process.

MoFoundations MoFo Story: Keniece Gray

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MoFoundations MoFo Story: Keniece Gray

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My MoFo journey began in fall 2020 and has been a demonstration of mutual commitment to mentorship and professional development since.

We continue our celebration of National Mentoring Month by focusing on MoFo’s sponsorship efforts. Sponsorship is a step beyond mentorship, occurring when a partner takes on the responsibility of promoting the career advancement of a high-performing associate (i.e., their protégé). Sponsors leverage their own influence, power, relationships, and reputation to support the advancement of their protégé.We invite you to learn about <a href="https://www.mofo.com/mofo-navigate" target="_blank">MoFo Navigate</a>, a global initiative that unified the firm’s formal mentoring sponsorship programs. Through MoFo Navigate, we aim to provide attorneys with the right kind of support at the right points in their careers and to promote greater inclusion. Overseen by the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion (D+I) Group, MoFo Navigate helps participants develop more effective mentoring and sponsoring relationships across difference.

MoFo Celebrates National Mentoring Month: The Important Role of Sponsorship

MoFo Celebrates National Mentoring Month: The Important Role of Sponsorship

We continue our celebration of National Mentoring Month by focusing on MoFo’s sponsorship efforts. Sponsorship is a step beyond mentorship, occurring when a partner takes on the responsibility of promoting the career advancement of a high-performing associate (i.e., their protégé). 

At MoFo, we understand that effective mentorship is critical to each attorney’s success. That is why we are excited to celebrate National Mentoring Month and the role effective mentorship plays in attorney development.Listen to MoFo partners Kelley Howes and Lily Li as they discuss the attributes of a great mentor.<div data-reactroot=""><span class="rich-text-component-embed" data-component-info="{&quot;_version&quot;:2,&quot;locale&quot;:&quot;en-us&quot;,&quot;uid&quot;:&quot;blt93b24051f1ac2e1c&quot;,&quot;card_information&quot;:{&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&lt;p dir=\&quot;ltr\&quot;&gt;MoFo Celebrates National Mentoring Month&lt;/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;_trace&quot;:&quot;array_node;blog_global_fields;card_information&quot;,&quot;_key&quot;:&quot;card_information&quot;},&quot;description&quot;:{&quot;_trace&quot;:&quot;array_node;blog_global_fields;description&quot;,&quot;_key&quot;:&quot;description&quot;},&quot;display_title&quot;:{&quot;description&quot;:&quot;&lt;p dir=\&quot;ltr\&quot;&gt;MoFo Celebrates National Mentoring Month&lt;/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;_trace&quot;:&quot;array_node;blog_global_fields;display_title&quot;,&quot;_key&quot;:&quot;display_title&quot;},&quot;page_meta&quot;:{&quot;meta_description&quot;:&quot;Listen to MoFo partners Kelley Howes and Lily Li as they discuss the attributes of a great mentor.&quot;,&quot;open_graph_meta&quot;:{&quot;og_description&quot;:&quot;Listen to MoFo partners Kelley Howes and Lily Li as they discuss the attributes of a great mentor.&quot;,&quot;og_type&quot;:&quot;website&quot;,&quot;og_site_name&quot;:&quot;Morrison &amp; Foerster&quot;,&quot;_trace&quot;:&quot;array_node;blog_global_fields;page_meta;open_graph_meta&quot;,&quot;_key&quot;:&quot;open_graph_meta&quot;},&quot;twitter_card&quot;:&quot;summary_large_image&quot;,&quot;social_share&quot;:{&quot;hashtags&quot;:[&quot;MoFo&quot;],&quot;related_accounts&quot;:[&quot;MoFoLLP&quot;],&quot;_trace&quot;:&quot;array_node;blog_global_fields;page_meta;social_share&quot;,&quot;_key&quot;:&quot;social_share&quot;},&quot;_trace&quot;:&quot;array_node;blog_global_fields;page_meta&quot;,&quot;_key&quot;:&quot;page_meta&quot;},&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MoFo Celebrates National Mentoring Month&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;/video/mofo-celebrates-national-mentoring-month&quot;,&quot;video_id&quot;:&quot;mofo-celebrates-national-mentoring-month&quot;,&quot;youtube&quot;:&quot;https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/H1RTE8__Zfk?rel=0&quot;,&quot;publish_details&quot;:{&quot;environment&quot;:&quot;bltf4674cd9142c5020&quot;,&quot;locale&quot;:&quot;en-us&quot;,&quot;time&quot;:&quot;2024-01-07T20:49:48.588Z&quot;,&quot;user&quot;:&quot;bltb8dfc2c109d32f0d&quot;,&quot;_trace&quot;:&quot;array_node;blog_global_fields;publish_details&quot;,&quot;_key&quot;:&quot;publish_details&quot;},&quot;_fetched&quot;:true,&quot;_content_type_uid&quot;:&quot;video_content&quot;,&quot;_trace&quot;:&quot;array_node;blog_global_fields&quot;,&quot;_key&quot;:&quot;key&quot;}" data-component-type="video_content" data-component-inline="false"></div>In 2022, MoFo launched <a href="https://www.mofo.com/mofo-navigate" target="_self" dir="ltr">MoFo Navigate</a>, a global initiative that unified the firm’s formal mentoring sponsorship programs. Through MoFo Navigate, we aim to provide attorneys with the right kind of support at the right points in their careers and to promote greater inclusion. Overseen by the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion (D+I) Group, MoFo Navigate helps participants develop more effective mentoring and sponsoring relationships across difference.How do you make the most of your mentoring relationship?There are practical things you can do to set your mentoring relationship up for success. Consider developing expectations and goals for your mentoring meetings. For example, your first meeting should focus on building rapport and establishing how your mentoring relationship will work. Take the initiative to schedule your regular meetings, take notes during the meetings, and have an agenda of the items you would like to discuss during each meeting.

MoFo Celebrates National Mentoring Month

MoFo Celebrates National Mentoring Month

At MoFo, we understand that effective mentorship is critical to each attorney’s success. 

Earlier this month, 15 MoFo associates took part in a partner-led immersive Trial Skills Training program in San Francisco. The program gave associates an opportunity to practice their trial skills so that they are ready to hit the ground running when they go to trial.The program was led by MoFo partner Daralyn Durie, one of the United States’ preeminent trial lawyers and a recent inductee into the <a href="https://www.mofo.com/resources/news/230925-california-lawyers-association-trial-lawyer" target="_blank" dir="ltr">California Lawyers Association Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame</a>, and Matthaeus Martino-Weinhardt, an associate in MoFo’s Intellectual Property Litigation Group. Other MoFo trial lawyers involved in the program included Christine Wong, co-chair of the Global Litigation Department; David Cross, co-chair of the Global Antitrust practice group; Whitney O’Byrne, a partner in the Class Actions + Mass Torts Group; James Koukios, co-chair of the Securities Litigation, Enforcement, and White Collar Defense Group and co-head of the FCPA + Global Anti-Corruption practice; Kyle Mooney, an Intellectual Property partner; and William Frentzen, a partner in the Securities Litigation, Enforcement, and White Collar Defense Group.“I was so excited to be part of this inaugural trial training. I don’t think there’s any substitute for learning by doing, and it was wonderful to see the participants gain skills and grow in confidence over the course of the two days,” said Daralyn. “It was also a great opportunity to meet other lawyers who are enthusiastic about trial practice and maybe even to make a few converts! I’m very much looking forward to a repeat next year.”Associates appreciated the opportunity to learn and grow as litigators. After preparing and presenting mock trial arguments—including opening statements, direct examinations, cross examinations, and closing arguments—participants received personalized feedback from partners across the firm who all have differing approaches to trial. “The trial skills training was a terrific opportunity to hone on-your-feet skills with immediate feedback from experienced trial lawyers. Everyone who attended was very generous with their time and shared a wealth of concrete tips for improvement,” said associate Michael Komorowski.“The skills I gained from this training are not exclusive to trial and will most immediately serve me in future on-my-feet opportunities as I have now gained more confidence in my oral advocacy skills. Another immediate benefit is I now see discovery from a different light, especially with respect to how I can strategically and artfully draft deposition outlines that will be more useful for impeachment at trial,” said associate Allyson Bach. “Above all, what I really enjoyed from this training was the opportunity to meet and collaborate with colleagues from across offices.”To learn more about MoFo’s innovative approach to attorney learning and development, visit the <a href="https://careers.mofo.com/careers-training" target="_blank">Training + Mentoring website</a>, or contact <a href="mailto:acurren@mofo.com">Amy Tenney Curren</a>, director of Attorney Learning & Development.  <div data-reactroot=""><img src="https://media2.mofo.com/v3/images/blt5775cc69c999c255/blt6d02839df3149cbd/653664b7c41fbc7fa7b6a0ce/231023-mofo-trial-training.jpg?format=auto&amp;quality=60" alt="mofo trial training"/></div>

MoFo Associates Learn Practical Trial and Litigation Skills through Immersive Partner-Led Training

Microchip Technology Incorporated v. Aptiv Services US LLC 

Atari Interactive, Inc. v. Redbubble, Inc.

Genentech, Inc. et al. v. Amgen Inc.

Eli Lilly and Company et al. v. Genentech, Inc. et al.

The Authors Guild et al. v. Google Inc.

Keller v. Board of Trustees of California State University

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Partner

Daralyn Durie is among the top trial lawyers in the country, acting as go-to trial counsel for both plaintiffs and defendants. 

Daralyn Durie

Daralyn Durie | Trials + Intellectual Property

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Michael is an associate in the Litigation Department and is a member of the firm’s Securities Litigation, Securities Enforcement, and Investigations + White Collar Defense groups. He represents corpor

Michael Komorowski

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MoFo Associates Learn Practical Trial and Litigation Skills through Immersive Partner-Led Training

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Earlier this month, 15 MoFo associates took part in a partner-led immersive Trial Skills Training program in San Francisco. 