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Overview

Introduction

Exemplary work is standard at MoFo, but as its nickname suggests, the firm—and its lawyers—don’t take themselves too seriously. Morrison & Foerster LLP, with 18 global offices and more than 1,000 attorneys, excels in many practice areas, including IP and privacy, and is a stand-out in the pro bono area, assisting in a wide range of matters. Diversity and related initiatives are key at MoFo as well, as DEI activities can count toward billable hours.

Firm Stats


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Total No. Attorneys (2023)

1K - 1.5K

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No. of Partners Named (2023)

18

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Featured Rankings

Vault Law 100
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No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2023)

85


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No. of Summer Associates (2023)

165 total (138 2Ls; 27 1Ls)


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Base Salary

Base Salary (2023) (U.S. Associates, U.S. Practice)
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Vault Verdict

For high-level work, dedication to diversity, and pro bono experience, associates would be hard-pressed to do better than MoFo. Law school attended, grades, clerkships, and work experience all impact hiring, but so do diversity and personality. Lawyers and staff are all friendly and respect one another, and while they enjoy social experiences together, they also understand having lives outside of work. Partners get along with associates and appreciate the work they do, but firm transparency and communication about policy decisions could be better. Associates learn a lot through a strong formal training program, and wish there were better informal training and mentorship opportunities. Training for lateral hires, as well as overall integration, ensures they feel like part of the te...

Firm's Response

With 1,000+ lawyers across 18 offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia, Morrison Foerster is a leading global law firm dedicated to delivering business-oriented results to clients around the world. Large financial institutions, Fortune 100 companies, and leading technology and life sciences companies choose MoFo for our diverse persp...

About the Firm

In 1973, those cats in San Francisco approved “MoFo” as Morrison Foerster’s official nickname, accentuating the firm’s unconventional modus operandi. Still, the firm is distinguished by much more than its rebel epithet. MoFo complements its expertise in IP, finance, life sciences, technology, and litigation with a long reach across the Pacific Rim and, more recently, into Europe. 

From the Golden Gate to the Great Wall

More than 140 years ago, Alexander Morrison and Thomas V. O’Brien founded the firm that became today’s Morrison Foerster in San Francisco. It wasn’t until the early 1960s that the firm ventured away from Northern California, hopping on for the ride when one of its major San Francisco clients, Crocker National Bank, decided to open an LA office. In the second half of...

Associate Reviews

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  • “The lawyers I have interacted with are mostly friendly and respectful, both to other lawyers and to the staff. They also respect your time if you set boundaries. While some groups are social, others keep to themselves, with little organized or unorganized socializing during or outside of office hours.”
  • “Super collegial, really great people to work with. Firm sponsors some activities after hours, but really emphasizes at-work bonding (lunches, coffees, etc.). Staff are a big part of our work, and respected as such. I look forward to coming in and seeing my colleagues and the partners.”
  • “Collegial. MoFo strikes a good balance between prioritizing client work and being respectful of everyone's personal lives and needs outside the office. Limited social interaction outside the office, which I actually prefer.”
  • “My practice group within the firm is nothing like the horror stories that one hears about with respect to ‘BigLaw’—the culture is pleasant, respectful, and fun, and even in times of increased pressure and long hours, the partners are in the trenches with you, and touch base with you throughout the process to ensure that you are mentally, emotionally, and physically well. Day to day, staff and attorneys are extremely respectful, and overall kind.”

Why Work Here


The World of MoFo

Morrison Foerster is an international firm with over 1000 lawyers in key technology and financial centers in the U.S., Europe and Asia.  Founded in 1883, the firm’s dedication to clients is reflected in the firm’s mantra that it is every lawyer’s responsibility to provide clients with “legendary service.”  Clients include some of the largest financial institutions, Fortune 100 companies, investment banks and technology and life science companies.   The firm is consistently included as one of America’s top 20 law firms in The American Lawyer’s A-List.  Their practitioners are recognized by their peers in reference guides including IFLR1000, PLC Cross-border Handbooks, Chambers Global and Legal 500.  The firm is consistently recognized for its commitment to the community and pro bono, recently honored by the Pro Bono Institute's John H. Pickering Award, given in recognition of the firm's unwavering commitment to pro bono.  PBI highlighted the firm's recent pro bono victories, including a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court protecting juveniles from life sentences without parole in non-homicide offenses, and another case securing the release of a man wrongly imprisoned for 20 years.

Diversity at Morrison & Foerster LLP

"Diversity has long been a core value of Morrison & Foerster LLP. More than 20 years ago, we formally implemented our diversity mission statement, which continues to define the firm's cultural values today. We understand that fostering an environment of inclusion enables us to offer a wide range of perspectives to provide exemplary services to our clients. In short, we aim to make our firm a model of diversity that others will follow. Our Legal Professionals • 19 percent of partners, 38 percent of associates, and..."

Getting Hired Here

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  • “The firm definitely looks at school, grades, clerkships, and prior work experience. Diversity is also an important consideration, and the firm has special positions (and programs) dedicated to diverse attorneys, which is wonderful.”
  • “I don't know much about criteria other than top-tier applicants at top law schools. MoFo does place a lot of emphasis on culture and ‘fit,’ and everyone is generally really great at the firm.”
  • “It does seem like the firm considers law school attended as certain schools seem to be ‘feeder schools.’ However, there are certainly several successful associates who have been recruited from non-target schools. I think the firm is friendlier to those with prior work experience. The people at MoFo who seem to thrive personality-wise are people who are simultaneously relatively ambitious go-getters, but who also don't take themselves too seriously and play well with others. Basically, take your work seriously, but not yourself seriously.”
  • “The practice group looks for attorneys who are confident in taking responsibility and action. The group also prizes attorneys who value collaborative work and social interaction.”

Perks & Benefits


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