Morrison Foerster > San Francisco, United States > Firm Profile

Morrison Foerster > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 1

Morrison Foerster provides a one-stop-shop service for consumer product manufacturers across the full panoply of their needs throughout the full product life cycle, from advice on regulatory compliance, product labeling, and litigation risk assessment, through to litigation, should the need arise. The US team also often works closely with European and Asian offices, a co-ordinated approach which is of particular benefit for clients in relation to global product recall matters. Although the team is focused on avoiding any formal litigation and the attendant potential reputational damage this may cause, it is also highly capable in this space, frequently taking the role as national co-ordinating and trial counsel in major product liability and consumer class actions. Indeed, the team which is co-headed from San Diego and New York by Erin Bosman and David Fioccola , respectively, has vast experience trying and achieving successful outcomes in California and New York State and federal courts, both hotbeds of product liability litigation activity. Fioccola has deep expertise in relation to federal and state unfair and deceptive acts and practices statutes and regularly takes the lead in aggregated consumer class actions, including his current representation of Cinch Home Services in proposed class action litigation related to warranty contracts that Cinch co-marketed with real estate agencies. Based out of Los Angeles, Purvi Patel handles a myriad disputes for consumer-facing businesses, including a considerable number of privacy-related class actions brought against social media, e-commerce and tech apps.

Finance > Financial services regulation

Handling both banking and consumer lending issues, Morrison Foerster offers considerable expertise in the financial services and fintech spaces. Within the context of banking regulation, the group excels in a range of compliance issues, covering enforcement matters, affiliate transactions, fund structuring and lending; regulatory advice surrounding lending products, payments processing, and strategic partnerships constitutes a large proportion of the team’s work in relation to consumer finance. Washinton DC-based Jeremy Mandell, who also acts as co-head of the firm’s fintech practice, focuses on payment and consumer credit products relating to emerging technologies, steering the financial services group alongside New York-based Barbara Mendelson, who is often sought by foreign and domestic banks in Volcker Rule, BSA/AML, OFAC and investigation matters. Marc-Alain Galeazzi accompanies the latter in New York, regularly advising clients on corporate governance, compliance and economic sanction issues, with fintech expert Crystal Kaldjob noted in DC. A key development was the arrival of Deborah Connor to the DC office in September 2022, who draws from her previous role as chief of the money laundering and asset recovery section at the US Department of Justice.

Government > Government contracts Tier 1

Offering ‘very pragmatic and commercially-minded advice’, Morrison Foerster‘s Washington DC-based group is highly rated for its ‘incredible depth of experience and expertise’. Well-known for its premier bid protest practice, the team presents leading technology, aerospace, healthcare and defense companies. Demonstrating strength across the whole spectrum of government contracts and procurement work, the department handles False Claims Act litigation, international investigations, M&A for private equity firms and contractors, complex classified matters and cybersecurity issues. Focusing on contract counseling and compliance, Tina Reynolds manages the practice alongside Kevin Mullen, who leads on M&A and procurement fraud matters, and Alex Ward, whose expertise spans bid protests, internal investigations and litigation at state and federal levels. Also recommended are M&A expert Damien Specht and David Churchill, who is sought after to advise on internal investigations, government inquiries and federal contract disputes. Locke Bell is a key associate and well versed in nontraditional acquisition arrangements and government acquisition of intellectual property.

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing Tier 1

Morrison Foerster focuses on patent licensing in regard to three central areas, namely technology, life sciences and financial services, offering subsector specialty groups in key disruptive tech fields. Practice head Aaron Rubin’s practice focuses on advising established and emerging companies in a number of data- and technology-intensive sectors in relation to software and cloud computing licensing, among other issues. Tessa Schwartz advises on a range of strategic transactions and commercial agreements, while William Schwartz is experienced in representing companies in business transactions and counselling with regard to IP issues. Another key name is Justin Haan, with his expertise in cutting-edge technologies. New York’s Anthony Ramirez strengthens the team with particular expertise in regard to digital media and content, among others. Lawyers are in San Francisco unless otherwise stated.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 1

Morrison Foerster specializes in global privacy compliance advice, involving cross-border transfers of data, localizations of data and security issues concerning large-scale outsourcing transactions, as well as data breach class actions. Team head and New York-based Miriam Wugmeister assists international companies with multinational compliance and data security incidents, often co-leading breach preparedness and incident responses to cyber-attacks with San Francisco-stationed Alex Iftimie. Regulatory and compliance matters for a range of clients in the media, retail and entertainment industries forms part of Kristen Mathews practice in New York, while Boston-based Julie O’Neill is the name for intersecting privacy and consumer protection law issues as well as privacy matters concerning cutting edge technology. Likewise, New York-based Marian Waldmann Agarwal advises clients on the impacts of existing and upcoming AI regulation and the Schrems II decision. Privacy litigator Tiffany Cheung, who works in the San Francisco office, defends various media and entertainment companies against BIPA and VPPA putative class actions. From the Los Angeles office Purvi Patel adds a dimension to the practice, defending clients against collection, use and disclosure of personal information claims. Washington DC-stationed Melissa Crespo offers a niche practice, routinely advising healthcare sector clients on privacy and cyber incident responses.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 1

Housing a ‘seasoned bench of attorneys with deep knowledge and a unique command of the real estate finance practice area‘ Morrison Foerster is well-equipped to handle sophisticated financing for hotel, office, condo, industrial, life sciences, student housing, senior living, and residential developments. Construction loans, conventional mortgages, loans involving interest rate swaps, net lease and other credit lease financing, are growing areas of activity. From New York, Mark Edelstein chairs the global real estate group and is an expert in CMBS loan arrangements, mezzanine financing, preferred equity, and complex intercreditor and co-lender agreements. As co-head of the distressed real estate practice, he is also well-placed to advise on debt restructurings and bankruptcies of high-profile real estate companies and developers. Both Edelstein and leader of the US practice, Jeffrey Temple , also in New York, are ‘standout attorneys in the industry‘- Temple’s practice spans all transactional work, and frequently advises on loan restructurings and workouts. For construction financing and securitized lending, Keith Print and of counsel Tushna Gamadia, are the other key New York-based attorneys. In Miami, fellow co-chair, Thomas Fileti is the go-to counsel for REIT clients.  

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 2

With a client roster that includes major corporations and individuals from the healthcare, tech, and financial services sectors, Morrison Foerster offers strong in-house experience from governmental agencies, with team co-chair Lisa Phelan‘s lengthy tenure as a senior DOJ enforcer standing out as a notable example. Phelan, a leading authority in criminal antitrust matters, takes the lead on major criminal investigations and litigation, representing multinational clients in high-profile international cartel actions. David Cross is another key litigator with a focus on monopolization and price-fixing matters. Co-chair Alexander Okuliar and David Shaw also have significant in-house experience from the Antitrust Division, specializing in civil enforcement and government-facing antitrust matters, respectively, while Megan Gerking leverages her experience as a DOJ trial lawyer to successfully represent healthcare and energy companies in criminal antitrust investigations. Eliot Adelson, based in San Francisco, focuses on cross-border cartel work, while Bonnie Lau, also in San Francisco, is an active litigator with an emphasis on multidistrict litigations. Unless otherwise stated, all lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Dispute resolution > Appellate: courts of appeals / Appellate: supreme courts (states and federal)

‘A very efficient, experienced and user-friendly team’, Morrison Foerster handles appeals in every area of law, and in all appellate courts, but is arguably best known for its formidable record in IP appeals before the Federal Circuit. In Washington DC, group co-chair Deanne Maynard is noted for her strong track record before the US Supreme Court, where she has argued 14 times, winning 11. Maynard recently obtained a positive result for Pivotal Software, when SCOTUS granted a petition for a writ of certiorari requesting review of a major securities law question. In another high-profile case, Washington DC-based Brian Matsui secured a victory for CR Bard in the Federal Circuit, winning a reversal and reviving CR Bard’s invalidity challenges to patent claims asserted against it in district court. Other key contacts include Washington DC office head Joseph Palmore, who co-heads the department, San Francisco-based James Sigel and of counsel Lena Hughes, who has significant experience in the Second Circuit, where she clerked on both the appellate and district courts.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

With a ‘very deep bench of former government attorneys’, Morrison Foerster stands out for its broad white-collar practice, which includes a number of former high-ranking government officials and federal prosecutors. Among the firm’s areas of expertise are securities fraud, insider trading, and FCPA violations alongside digital currency fraud and antitrust violations. New York-based Carrie Cohen and Ruti Smithline regularly advise clients on cross-border issues and government-facing investigations. In Washington DC, Charles Duross focuses on white-collar criminal matters, while James Koukios is noted for his extensive trial experience. Christine Wong and Craig Martin, both in San Francisco, are further key names. The firm was joined by New York’s Peter Skinner from Boies Schiller Flexner LLP in May 2022, who is praised for being ‘adept at Bank Secrecy Act matters’.

Finance > Fintech Tier 2

Morrison Foerster is noted for its ‘strength of knowledge across multiple areas,’ including technology, regulation, and business. The firm has a longstanding track record for representing major clients in the technology industry, including fintech disruptors and payments companies, who benefit from its strong cross-border capabilities. The firm’s well regarded regulatory and enforcement team includes Maria Earley, alongside practice co-chairs Crystal Kaldjob  and the ‘exceptional‘ Jeremy Mandell in Washington DC. Clients also reserve ‘specific praise‘ for the team co-chair Jeffrey Silberman in New York, who has strong credentials for advising on bank and fintech partnerships, and whose ‘level of care is extraordinary and hard to find‘. Haimavathi Marlier in New York is  noted for her experience in SEC enforcement proceedings, having previously been a former SEC Senior Trial Counsel, and also co-chairs the firm’s fintech and cryptocurrency task force. Of counsel Evan Minsberg has also developed a good name on the technology transactions and regulatory front.

Government > State attorneys general Tier 2

With a deep bench of former state and federal prosecutors, government lawyers and regulatory enforcement attorneys, Morrison Foerster‘s state attorneys general practice has significant experience in regulatory matters and investigations.  The group assists high-profile companies and their executive with a wide range sensitive matters involving data privacy, public corruption, securities fraud, consumer protection and antitrust. From New York, former state prosecutor Carrie Cohen manages the practice and represents clients in both civil and criminal matters. Also in New York is Nathan Reilly, who has extensive experience in handling parallel investigations by various enforcement bodies.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 2

Morrison Foerster‘s intellectual property litigation practice combines patent counseling with litigious prowess, providing clients with an integrated global service. The firm continues to expand, opening an office in Austin in 2022, while the acquisition of litigation boutique Durie Tangri LLP, led by standout figure Daralyn Durie, further strengthened the team. The group has strengths across all sectors, particularly in life sciences and tech, and has recently secured one of the largest settlements awarded in a life sciences patent case for Chugai. Notably, the team has also secured victories for Seagen Inc, Spotify, VMware, Xilinx, Target, and Intel Corporation. Richard Hung in San Francisco leads the team alongside Bita Rahebi in Los Angeles and Mark Whitaker in Washington DC. Michael Jacobs, based in San Francisco, is another key figure in the team.

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 2

The team at Morrison Foerster, noted for its ‘deep knowledge and real experience’ of trade secrets, has global intellectual litigation co-chairs San Francisco-based Richard Hung, LA-based Bita Rahebi and Washington DC’s Mark Whitaker, alongside trade secrets group co-leads Kenneth Kuwayti and Bryan Wilson ,who both work from the Palo Alto office, at its helm. January 2023 marked the merging of the firm with Durie Tangri LLP, which resulted in the significant additions to the San Francisco office of partner and specialist technology and life sciences litigator Daralyn Durie; experienced trade secrets attorney with a strong client portfolio Ragesh Tangri; experienced high-stakes litigator with a technology focus Tim Saulsbury; Eugene Novikov who has experience in relevant technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical companies cases; and Eric Wiener who is experienced in representing high-profile clients in high-value cases. The team has particular expertise in technology-related high-stakes work across industry sectors for renowned clients, notably representing Walmart in a matter concerning the alleged misappropriation of technology used for Walmart Pay.

International Trade > CFIUS Tier 2

Morrison Foerster’s team is comprised of ‘personnel with expert knowledge of the CFIUS process’, including specialist partners as well as senior non-lawyers, who act as advisers on complex national security matters. Consistently utilizing the wider firm’s close relationships with major technology companies and government contractor clients, the interdisciplinary practice has an impressive pedigree for representing both US and foreign investors in high-stakes, often political, CFIUS reviews. Department co-chair Brandon Van Grack is noted for his significant government side experience, earned during a two-year stint as Chief of the DOJ’s Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Unit. Van Grack recently teamed up with prominent partner Charles Capito (‘a strong technical lawyer’) to represent Japan-based SoftBank on the CFIUS aspects of a series of acquisitions and investments. Of counsel James Brower is also a key contact in the Washington DC-based team. Nicholas Spiliotes  has left the firm.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 2

Morrison Foerster fields a ‘well resourced team that his highly proficient within their domains‘. The firm has established a long track record representing global investors and disruptive companies across a wide range of technology and life science sub-sectors. All stages of the investment journey are catered for, and the team has established particularly good connections with some of the market’s most active incubators, in addition to major global funds such as Softbank. Practice co-heads Murray Indick  (‘more than a lawyer to our fund, he is a thought partner’) and Steve Rowles  respectively lead the team from San Francisco and San Diego. Other key individuals include Silicon Valley-based Timothy Harris, praised for his ‘ability to quickly come up to speed in complex financing situations and add value immediately‘, and San Diego’s Jim Krenn, in whom clients have ‘100% trust‘. Susan Mac Cormac  in San Francisco is noted for her energy and clean technology experience.

Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: litigation Tier 2

Morrison Foerster has a nationally focused advertising practice, focusing primarily on the technology, retail, and food and beverage sectors. It handles a range of lawsuits relating to deceptive or false advertising claims, with California’s False Advertising Law, the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act, and the Lanham Act being areas of particular expertise for the firm. Also of note is the firm’s capabilities in TCPA class action litigations. Erin Bosman, who is based between San Diego and San Fransisco, co-heads the team alongside David Fioccola, based in New York. In San Fransisco, Tiffany Cheung is noted for her expertise in class action litigations relating to marketing claims, while Claudia Vetesi specializes in advertising and litigation matters in the food and beverage industry, including those involving class action lawsuits. Meanwhile, Los Angeles-based Purvi Patel has significant experience handling CCPA-related litigation and compliance matters.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 2

Morrison Foerster has an all-encompassing technology practice with a good track record for representing global clients on cross-border transactions. Patent and technology licensing and acquisitions feature prominently on the agenda, as does advice on joint ventures and development projects, outsourcing, strategic alliances, and distribution and supply agreements. The team also has good credentials for support on related M&A and private equity work, and is noted for its strong portfolio of Asia-based technology clients. Aaron Rubin  leads the team from the well-stocked San Francisco office, which also includes Tessa Schwartz , William Schwartz, Justin Haan and firm chair and corporate partner Eric McCrath. Other key partners include Stephanie Sharron and Daphne Higgs in Silicon Valley, Vivian Hanson in New York and Matthew Karlyn in Boston.

Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 2

Morrison Foerster‘s ‘top notch’ practice acts on behalf of sponsors, issuers, and REIT underwriters across the full spectrum of asset classes. The group’s corporate and transactional work in the space includes M&A, debt and equity offerings, alongside secondary offerings, joint ventures, and IPOs. Jointly led by David Slotkin and Justin Salon, the team also has demonstrable experience on formation and conversion, OP unit transactions and other UPREIT and DownREIT issues. Larry Medvinsky maintains his diverse REIT practice, focusing on corporate, securities, M&A, joint venture and fund formation, while Alice Connaughton advises on corporate issues including public and private securities offerings, and tender offers. After the departure of Heath Linsky in 2022, the group was bolstered by the elevation of Austin’s John Hensley to partner level in April 2022.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 3

Morrison Foerster stands out for its expertise in the tech, telecoms, and life sciences sectors, advising major international names in these industries and others on merger clearances, including FTC Second Request investigations and investigations in Europe and Asia, with notable ongoing involvements in the semiconductor space. Major clients for the firm include Target, UPS, and newly-acquired clients Salesforce and Showingtime, who co-head Alexander Okuliar and Megan Gerking represented in its $500m acquisition by Zillow Group. Co-chair Lisa Phelan remains highly active in contentious investigations, as does Jeff Jaeckel, also a key name for cross-border merger approval processes. Former DOJ Antitrust Division official David Shaw is noted for his Big Tech expertise, and regularly handles litigation arising from contested and proposed mergers. All lawyers mentioned are in Washington DC.

Dispute resolution > International litigation Tier 3

Morrison Foerster draws on expertise across practice areas including intellectual property, antitrust, white collar and class action defense. The team, co-chaired by Christine Wong and Bradley Wine based in San Francisco and Austin respectively, has acted on a range of litigation matters involving injunctions, product liability, patent and copyright infringement cases, as well as antitrust violations, with a focus in jurisdictions across Asia. Technology and life sciences are sectors of expertise for the team. Nathaniel Mendell joined the firm from the US Attorney’s Office in early 2022.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 3

Arturo González – Morrison Foerster. Based in the firm’s San Francisco office, Arturo González represents both plaintiffs and defendants in a broad range of litigation including commercial, class actions and mass torts, patents, and trade secrets. The last year has seen Gonzáles heavily active once again, winning a summary judgment on behalf of technology company Lime in a highly contested breach of contract action, as well as representing a number of former Wisk Aero employees in a high-profile trade secret misappropriation case.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: pharmaceuticals and medical devices Tier 3

Leveraging broad-based overarching life sciences prowess, which includes litigation, regulatory and patents expertise, Morrison Foerster is a popular choice among pharma and medical devices manufacturers, handling work throughout the product life cycle. Most of the firm’s strength in the sector is centered around its West coast offices, with San Diego-based partner Erin Bosman  regularly acting as national coordinating and trial counsel in life sciences class action cases, including her ongoing work for MicroPort Orthopedics, both nationally and throughout Europe, in product liability cases relating to alleging injuries from hip or knee replacement implants. Leveraging significant private practice experience, as well as strong technical understanding she developed in her previous role as a medicinal chemist at Pfizer, ‘exceptional’ San Diego-based partner Julie Park has excellent credibility with clients in the sector. New York-based partner David Fioccola co-heads the class actions and mass torts team alongside Bosman.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: toxic tort Tier 3

San Francisco-headquartered Morrison Foerster is particularly effective at helping clients navigate the onerous legal and regulatory burdens facing them as a result of California’s position as an environmental standard bearer. The state’s Proposition 65 law accounts for much of the work flow, both from a compliance as well as litigation perspective. Indeed, the firm has over the years secured a number of high-profile successes in enforcement actions brought under the Act, including the only unanimous Proposition 65 decision ever reached by the California Supreme Court. In San Francisco, William Tarantino  has been central to much of this work, effectively liaising with regulators on behalf of his clients, as well as providing robust defense strategies in pursuant enforcement actions, in addition to private actions. San Diego-based Erin Bosman  co-heads the class actions and mass torts group alongside New York-based partner David Fioccola .

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

Morrison Foerster has experienced securities litigators across the country handling class actions, derivative cases, merger-related matters and SEC investigations. Jordan Eth San Francisco leads the securities litigation, enforcement, and white-collar defense group along with co-chair of the fintech and cryptocurrency task force Haimavathi Marlier in New York and co-head of the FCPA and global anti-corruption practice James Koukios in Washington DC. Eth is ‘a superstar with actual trial experience, who is even-handed, calm and very direct’. In San Francisco, Anna Erickson White ‘advises with confidence and ease on difficult issues and decisions throughout the litigation process’. She is handling parallel securities class actions for enterprise data platform company Cloudera, Inc., concerning statements about its products’ cloud capabilities and its merger with its former rival, Hortonworks. Jamie Levitt and Michael Birnbaum in New York also play key roles in the practice. Joel Haims and Mark Foster have left the firm.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 3

Jennifer Marines and Lorenzo Marinuzzi  head Morrison Foerster’s business restructuring and insolvency group, which is well known for representing companies in relation to Chapter 11 cases and out-of-court restructurings as well as for its expertise in distressed real estate matters. Marines is vice chair of the firm and has considerable experience representing debtors, creditors, and investors, while Marinuzzi has experience in bankruptcy cases, workouts, and litigation matters in multiple sectors, including airline and cargo transportation, mortgage origination and servicing, banking and finance, and telecommunications. Theresa Foudy is another key name in the team, while James Peck leads on cross-border restructurings. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 3

Noted for its cross-border capability, the ‘fully dedicated’ team at Morrison Foerster has demonstrable experience advising on commodities and physical commodities transactions, in addition to handling regulatory matters and enforcement issues. Insolvency risk mitigation is another key area of expertise, in addition to representing fintech start-ups with compliance and trading mandates. Based in New York, David Kaufman acts for financial institutions and end-user clients on structured transactions involving commodity, equity, fixed income and equity derivatives. Kaufman jointly leads the practice alongside Vladimir Maly, who divides his time between the firm’s offices in London and New York, and focuses on equity derivatives in cross-border financings, M&A and other corporate transactions. Of counsel Chrys Carey, who operates from Washington DC, is a key contact for derivatives regulatory and compliance matters.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 3

The ‘highly collaborative, diverse and exceptionally skilled' team at Morrison Foerster represents a number of international pharmaceutical companies and emerging biotech players. Practice head Michael Ward, who divides his time between San Francisco and Boston, has a great deal of experience in managing IP portfolios. California based practitioner Catherine Polizzi utilizes her ‘exceptional‘ knowledge of biopharmaceutical technology to advise on IP portfolio development and acquisitions. Also based in California, Janet Xiao - praised by clients as being a ‘creative, deep‘ thinker - focuses on cross-border transactions between the US and China, primarily advising biopharmaceutical companies.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (International Trade Commission) Tier 3

Morrison Foerster acts on complex ITC investigations for complainants and respondents, giving the team intricate knowledge of the process. The firm has a wide range of intellectual property litigators and patent attorneys with strong knowledge of the tech sector, strengthened by the merger of the firm with IP boutique Durie Tangri in December 2022. The last year has seen the team successfully secure victories for Renesas Electronics Corporation, and for Celanese in a multi-patent infringement dispute. Mark Whitaker, based in the firm’s Washington DC office, has longstanding experience in high-stakes patent litigation, focusing predominantly on semiconductors, photo/optical technologies, chemicals, and database analytics. Brian Busey also based in Washington DC is another integral member to the team, focusing on complex IP disputes.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 3

With a US-wide and strong global reach, Morrison Foerster works on outsourcing mandates, including a wide range of cross-border matters. The group also frequently works on global ERP deployments, banking as a service and facilities management outsourcing mandates. Chair of the sourcing practice, Vivian Hanson, in New York, works on multijurisdictional intersecting IT and intellectual property matters across a variety of industries, including financial services and life sciences. Experienced senior of counsel Joan Warrington is a key contact for clients in the retail financial services seeking advice on payment processing and merchant services arrangements. San Francisco-stationed Aaron Rubin, chair of the tech transactions group, assists established and emerging tech-driven companies, namely SaaS, cloud computing, AR, AI and e-commerce clients. Matthew Karlyn, in Boston, is the go-to for clients in the life sciences space. Anthony Ramirez is a name to note for outsourcing transactions involving software development, machine learning and cloud-based technology.

Real estate Tier 3

Morrison Foerster‘s nationwide practice advises on the acquisition and disposition of real estate assets and mortgage loans and purchase of large-scale development sites. It also represents numerous lease landlords and tenants in leasing transactions. Joint venture and co-investments are also growing areas of instruction; the firm acts for clients in development or ownership of hotels, office buildings, brownfield, multi-family and single-family residential developments. Global practice chair Mark Edelstein sits in New York office, which also houses Jeffrey Temple, who co-heads the US group alongside Los Angeles’ Thomas Fileti.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 3

Morrison Foerster is routinely engaged by leading global companies and emerging start-ups, as well as financial and strategic institutional investors. Practice head Anthony Carbone is well-versed in all manner of tax issues, ranging from M&A, reorganizations, fund formations, and leveraged buyouts. In San Francisco, Bernie Pistillo primarily handles transactions with a strong cross-border element. San Diego-based Shane Shelley‘s far-reaching skillset spans REITs, renewable energy, and financial products. Also experienced in REITs is Jay Blaivas, whose expertise further covers the tax aspects of real estate-related funds, joint ventures, and opportunity zone funds. Other recommended individuals include federal tax specialist Dave Sturgeon, and Brian Radigan, who joined from an in-house position in September 2022. Maureen Linch has left the practice, and Babak Nikravesh left to join Greenberg Traurig LLP in September 2023. All named lawyers are based in New York unless noted otherwise.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 4

The team at Morrison Foerster is principally known for its experience in defending clients in litigation concerning Sherman Act price-fixing and monopolisation claims particularly in the tech and life sciences space, and is increasingly advising digital platforms on antitrust matters such as algorithmic pricing systems. The team is jointly headed up by Washington DC-based Alexander Okuliar who represents clients in competition advocacy and litigation and Lisa Phelan, a criminal investigations, litigation and enforcement specialist. Also in DC is trial lawyer David Cross and Mary Kaiser, who represents domestic and multinational companies in a range of antitrust and competition matters including IP-related claims, class actions and other complex litigation. Situated in the firm’s San Francisco hub are Eliot Adelson and expert in antitrust litigation Bonnie Lau, who has extensive experience defending class actions, multidistrict litigation in a range of industries including tech, financial services and manufacturing.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 4

Concentrating on consumer litigation in the financial services industry, Morrison Foerster regularly represents banking clients in matters involving checking accounts, credit cards, mortgage transactions and consumer loans. The financial services litigation team is integrated with the class actions and mass torts practice to offer a cross-practice resource for clients. Key work for the firm includes consumer class actions and related regulatory proceedings, as well as unfair competition, false advertising and deceptive trading practices claims. The team is led by David Fioccola, serving as the co-chair of the class actions and mass torts practice group. Other key lawyers in the team include Grant Esposito, commercial litigation practitioner, Michael Miller, who specializes in antitrust matters, and Nancy Thomas, consumer class action and regulatory enforcement lawyer based in Los Angeles. Lawyers are in New York unless otherwise stated.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 4

Morrison Foerster  is particularly strong in advising development finance institutions, multilateral agencies, regional development banks and export credit agencies on their funding of essential infrastructure projects in developing countries, including sale and acquisition. The team is currently serving as lead counsel to the U.S. International  Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in connection with its $85m financing of the eCombustible hydrogen project in Brazil, which will be the first project-scale commercial application of the sponsor’s patented technology, transforming water into a 100% green hydrogen-based fuel. Co-lead Greg Smith is recognized for handling complex financing transactions, while co-lead Ann Lilienthal is a reputed agency finance lawyer, with a focus on emerging markets such as Latin America, South Asia and the Middle East. Christopher A. Pearson and Conrad E. Proulx are recommended for cross-border lending transactions. All mentioned lawyers are based in Washington D.C.  

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 4

Under the leadership of William Tarantino, Morrison Foerster’s environmental litigation practice has a strong track record in environmental remediation litigation and related class action lawsuits. It is often involved in superfund cases and represents clients before California’s administrative agencies and in state and federal courts. Proposition 65 is another key area of focus, and the practice has been handling these cases for 25 years. Tarantino is experienced in contentious matters pertaining to hazardous substances, mass torts, and consumer product safety and is supported by Erin Bosman, who has similar experience and also handles class actions. Named attorneys are based in San Francisco.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 4

Under the leadership of San Francisco’s William Tarantino and Susan Mac Cormac, the environmental group at Morrison Foerster handles regulatory issues and contentious matters. By virtue of its west coast presence, the practice has considerable experience of dealing with regulatory authorities in California and is particularly active in the manufacturing, utilities, alternative energy, transportation and real estate sectors. It offers clients strong expertise in compliance programs, emergency responses and consumer products law.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 4

The ESG team at Morrison Foerster handles corporate, finance, tax, regulatory, compliance and litigation matters for clients and is led by Susan Mac Cormac. It acts for high-profile businesses, social enterprises and impact investors on the environmental aspects of investments and transactions, as well as regulatory matters. Mac Cormac is a name for investments and capital markets work, and corporate governance matters, while William Tarantino handles environmental due diligence and liability risk on transactions. Named attorneys are based in San Francisco.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Morrison Foerster has a broad-based practice, covering a variety of debt instruments for a wide range of businesses. The firm represents global businesses down to emerging technology companies. Key industries include financial services, finch, energy, life sciences and biotech, technology, telecoms and REITs. Team members are spread across San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York, with key partners Justin Salon and Scott Lesme based in Washington DC. David Slotkin is also rated for REIT offerings and operates from the firm's Washington DC office.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings Tier 4

Morrison Foerster has an established equity offerings practice, noted for its expertise in REITs, along with financial institutions, consumer products, energy and cleantech, life sciences and biotech, retail, and technology. Dave Lynn is co-chair of the capital markets group and is former chief counsel of the Division of Corporation Finance at the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Co-chair Scott Lesmes is experienced in tech, life sciences, and financial institutions. Justin Salon and David Slotkin are leaders in REIT offerings. All are based in Washington DC.

Finance > Project finance

Advice on complex cross-border financing transactions in emerging global markets  is at the core of Morrison Foerster‘s agency finance practice. Co-lead Ann Lilienthal is sought out by agency and other lending institutions, and focuses her practice on Latin America, Central and South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, while co-lead Greg Smith is recommended for his expertise in development and financing of projects in a range of energy and infrastructure industries, such as financial services, hospitality, housing, manufacturing, mining, telecommunications, and transportation. Associate Christopher A. Pearson is recommended for his focus on project and corporate finance transactions. All mentioned lawyers are based in Washington D.C.    

Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings) Tier 4

Morrison Foerster‘s ‘diverse’ team has experience in advising its clients on the full spectrum of patent counseling and prosecution services, with a significant focus on and expertise in related life sciences work for such well-known biotech organisations such as Genentech. It has bases across the country, with key name Jonathan Bockman heading the Washington DC team. The team is headed by specialist in crop protection and plant IP Michael Ward, who works from both San Francisco and Boston respectively. Palo Alto’s Catherine Polizzi leads on many of the team’s most significant matters and is noted as being ‘exceptional in her knowledge of complicated biopharmaceutical technologies’. Palo Alto’s Janet Xiao is described as ‘excellent’.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 4

Morrison Foersterbenefits from in-depth expertise of negotiating on fiduciary aspects of investments by pension plans and non-qualified retirement benefits. The team’s roster of clients includes companies across the healthcare, technology, and private equity space, who approach the firm for advice on compensation and benefits aspects of cross-border M&A. From New York, Domnick Bozzetti leads the group, regularly working with public companies in preparing executive compensation disclosures for annual proxy statements and IPOs. Joshua Lerner is also New York-based, focusing on executive compensation issues arising in corporate transactions and restructurings, having joined from McDermott Will & Emery LLP in May 2022. Counsel Brooke Monahan operates out of Phoenix, handling employment law matters, and associates Yuan Xia and John O’Neill are key names in the San Francisco office.

Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions) Tier 4

Morrison Foerster's team is headed by Eric Tate in San Francisco, whose 'outstanding' expertise in trade secret matters and restrictive covenants is lauded by clients, and Tritia Murata in Los Angeles, who possesses extensive experience in wage and hour class actions and PAGA cases. The firm handles national and international work and specializes in acting for tech companies, with recent work including acting for F5 Networks on a breach of loyalty matter, with further strength in the retail, manufacturing, and life sciences sectors on issues such as trade secrets misappropriation and investigations.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: large deals ($500m+) Tier 4

With a major private equity presence in the business hubs of New York and California, the team at Morrison Foerster is noted for its specialist knowledge across key industries including technology, food and agriculture, healthcare, and ADG. The practice also boasts standout experience in SPAC and de-SPAC transactions, PIPEs, and other creative investment models. In New York, Mitchell Presser leads the team and is a trusted advisor to MGG Investment Group, Freedom 3 capital, and Pain Schwartz partners. Also leading the team in San Francisco is Patrick Huard, who represents PE firms and their portfolio companies in public and private acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and divestitures. Omar Pringle continues to develop his impressive practice in representing SoftBank Group, with the assistance of San Francisco-based ESG specialist Susan Mac Cormac , in a $9bn SPAC investment in WeWork’s merger with BowX. Aly El Hamamsy brings extensive experience in cross-border M&A and joint ventures, while Dario Avram advised Alpine Investors in its acquisition of Wilson Language Training. Joseph Sulzbach is a key up-and-coming name. Lawyers are located in New York unless stated otherwise.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 5

Though its team is active on both sides of debt finance transactions, Morrison Foerster offers particularly solid advice to private equity sponsors and corporate borrowers in sectors such as tech, real estate, and energy. The firm is frequently called upon for syndicated lending, acquisition financings and asset-based loans. Standing out for the diversity of its workflow, David Ephraim’s Boston-led team also regularly advises on secured facilities and refinancing matters. Key contact Dario Avram is based in San Francisco, while New York is home to the highly recommended Geoffrey Peck. Jay Gavigan has left the firm.

International Trade > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions Tier 5

Morrison Foerster strikes the right note for its ability to put forward ‘suggestions around technologies and techniques to employ to achieve compliance’. Sitting as part of the broader national security practice, the sanctions and export controls team is well versed across a range of compliance, investigations and prosecution-related issues. The Washington DC-based group additionally stands out for its inclusion of several former government officials such as department co-chairs John Smith, who is a former Director of OFAC, and Brandon Van Grack, who is a former Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, as well as of counsel Andrea Delisi, who also had a stint at OFAC.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 5

Bringing together ‘sophisticated, world-class M&A lawyers with a deep bench of technology experience‘, Morrison Foerster is especially well positioned to handle major deals in the tech space, but also excels in M&A involving the food, automotive, industrial, life sciences and financial services sectors. With deep California roots, the firm is a go-to destination for tech giants and Silicon Valley-based work with Brandon Parris in San Francisco leading on M&A, hostile takeovers and spin-offs for regional and global clients. In the same office, chair Eric McCrath is a prolific dealmaker who handles a mix of private and public M&A in the tech, media, gaming and consumer products sectors. The New York office also fields a dedicated team of M&A and private equity lawyers overseen by Spencer Klein, who has successfully closed numerous mergers, asset acquisitions and divestitures. Managing partner of the Miami office Randy Bullard is widely recognized for his cross-border capabilities. The firm recently expanded into Texas with the opening of its Austin office and arrival of corporate partner Steve Tyndall from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in March 2022.

Tax > International tax Tier 5

Morrison Foerster handles tax matters related to sovereign investors, wealth funds, public sector pension plans and other state-owned institutions. The firm has experience in advising both issuer and large financial institution clients on a broad range of capital market transactions, derivatives and financial instruments. New York-based practice head Anthony Carbone focuses on tax planning strategies for business, investment and capital market transactions. Babak Nikravesh left for Greenberg Traurig LLP in September 2023.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 5

Morrison Foerster represents clients in audits, appeals, and other dispute resolution proceedings before the IRS and state tax authorities. Team lead Anthony Carbone, based in New York, chairs the Federal Tax practice, and advises a range of domestic and international clients. Of counsel Rebecca Ulich-Balinskas, also in New York, handles SALT controversies at the audit, administrative and judicial levels. Other key names include counsel Edward Froelich, of Washington DC, who has experience in complex corporate refund cases, and Bernie Pistillo, in San Francisco, who specializes in international tax controversy.

Intellectual property > Copyright

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: transactions

Intellectual property > Trademarks: non-contentious (including prosecution, portfolio management and licensing)