Morrison Foerster > New York, 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

Led from San Diego by the ‘outstanding’ Erin Bosman following David Fioccola‘s departure for Proskauer Rose LLP in October 2023, Morrison Foerster‘s class action and mass tort group provides ‘business-oriented’ advice to established entities and growth companies on issues throughout the litigation continuum, from risk management advice and product recalls through to motion pleadings, settlement negotiations and representation at trial stage. The firm has deep roots in Silicon Valley and is regularly engaged in product liability mandates for manufacturers of hi-tech products. Bosman has noted expertise in the AI field, and is increasingly advising on product liability litigation involving AI elements. With a focus on the life sciences space, San Diego-based Julie Park‘s work extends to consumer products, where she is praised for her ability to ‘bring a human-centered approach’ to work, spanning product safety compliance and litigation. San Francisco-based William Tarantino is a key member of the team, particularly in light of his CPSC prowess, as is Purvi Patel in Los Angeles, who handles disputes for consumer-facing businesses, including privacy-related class actions brought against social media, e-commerce and tech apps.

Finance > Financial services regulation

Morrison Foerster handles the full spectrum of regulatory matters affecting the day-to-day operations of banks, fintechs and payment service providers and lenders, including advice on BHCA and International Banking Act compliance, the Volcker Rule and AML issues, while also supporting clients facing government investigations. The practice is led in tandem by ‘very best in the business’ Jeremy Mandell, who advises on both regulatory and commercial issues linked to consumer financial products out of Washington DC, while in New York Jeffrey Silberman specializes in fintech-related regulation, including as it relates to banking-as-a-service, payment systems and digital lending. New York’s Marc-Alain Galeazzi‘s practice is centered around compliance, covering AML, sanctions and OFAC matters and CFT issues, with Evan Minsberg, made partner in New York in January 2024, assisting clients with money transmission, licensing and broker issues. Val Dahiya, who joined the firm’s Washington DC office from Perkins Coie LLP in October 2023, dedicates her practice to capital markets and broker-dealer compliance, including dealing with the SEC and FINRA.

Government > Government contracts Tier 1

Combining an acclaimed bid protests practice with a stellar track record in investigations and false claims, cybersecurity matters, M&A transactions, and complex classified work, Morrison Foerster is a destination of choice for a broad range of government contracts and procurement clients. The team excels in the tech, defense, and intelligence spaces, with additional proficiency in healthcare and biotech. Seated in Washington DC, the group is led by Tina Reynolds, who enjoys strong relationships with tech industry titans and is highly specialized in cybersecurity and M&A, and Alex Ward, whose litigation-oriented practice encompasses investigations, classified work, and bid protests. Litigator David Churchill conducts claims and bid protests on behalf of some of the biggest defense contractors, and senior of counsel Jay DeVecchio has an established reputation in IP rights under government contracts. Kevin Mullen is frequently engaged in high-stakes, classified bid protests, while Damien Specht is pre-eminent in M&A, representing both contractors and PE investors. Sandeep Nandivada has demonstrated considerable mettle in litigation and investigations in the tech and defense spaces. Promoted to partner in January 2024, Locke Bell continues to hone his expertise in IP rights, particularly in the context of bid protests and FCA investigations.

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing Tier 1

Noted for its capabilities in complex patent transactions, Morrison Foerster‘s intellectual property department’s expertise ranges from patent and technology licensing agreements, acquisitions, and joint ventures to strategic alliances, supply agreements, and global outsourcing matters. Michael Ward primarily handles patent strategy and protection matters in the life sciences and tech spaces and co-heads the practice with Aaron Rubin, who advises start-ups and established companies on technology transactions. Tessa Schwartz is routinely involved in technology commercialization matters, while William Schwartz regularly represents companies in corporate and tech transactions and Justin Haan advises on commercial and licencing agreements primarily in the TMT sector. Boston’s Matthew Karlyn is a key name for companies in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, medical device and technology industries. In January 2023 patent litigators Timothy Chen Saulsbury,  Eric Wiener, and Daralyn Durie joined the department from Durie Tangri LLP alongside Los Angeles-based partner Kira Davis. Unless otherwise mentioned, all named lawyers are based in San Francisco.

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

Morrison Foerster‘s privacy and data security offer ‘does not merely practice law but understand the spectrum of challenges and solutions in a cyber data incident‘. The team is recommended for its global reach, counseling clients on international privacy compliance requirements alongside particular skill handling cross-border transfers of data. Practice head Miriam Wugmeister, based in New York, ‘brings a calm confidence to any crisis‘. Cybersecurity incidents are a key area of Wugmeister’s practice, bolstered by AI and data ethics expertise. In Boston, Julie O’Neill works at the intersection of privacy and consumer protection law, creating compliance programs and advising on the privacy aspects of large M&A deals. The implications of US state data privacy laws and their compliance requirements are an area of expertise for Kristen Mathews in New York, who has experience with clients in the media, retail, technology, and philanthropic sectors. Also in New York, Marian Waldmann Agarwal stands out for her business and in-house experience, making her a go-to for clients seeking to establish and build their privacy programs. In California, San Francisco-based litigator Tiffany Cheung  offers notable expertise regarding biometric information security, while Purvi Patel, in Los Angeles, is experienced in cases involving businesses’ collection of personally identifiable information; both are skilled in class action litigation in the practice area. Alex Iftimie departed the practice in July 2023.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 1

Renowned for its expertise in high-value and complex transactions, the team at Morrison Foerster handles an impressive array of work, ranging from corporate and private equity-backed deals in the tech space to tech licensing and commercialization matters. Domestic and international tech giants and software corporations benefit from the firm’s broad scope of expertise, which allows it to advise on transactions related to AI, life sciences, fintech, and cloud computing products. San Francisco-based Aaron Rubin chairs the group and focuses on data- and tech-intensive sectors. Also in San Francisco is Tessa Schwartz, who handles tech procurement agreements and IP issues, William Schwartz, who concentrates on e-commerce matters, Eric McCrath, a go-to for advice on healthcare and gaming projects, and Justin Haan, who is recognized for his knowledge of tech licensing arrangements. In New York, the ‘outstanding’ Vivian Hanson is valued for her strengths in cross-border tech transactions for clients in the financial services and media sectors, while Anthony Ramirez focuses on open-source software and tech and IP commercialization. In Palo Alto, Stephanie Sharron assists clients with data rights issues, while Daphne Higgs advises on patent and tech licensing. The ‘exceptionally insightful’ Matthew Ferry is based in San Diego and advises clients in the biotech and health-tech sectors on various commercial matters.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 1

Morrison Foerster is a go-to firm for clients on commercial real estate debt transactions. The team’s expertise in large syndicated term and construction loans, with CMBS, involving mortgage debt and mezzanine loans is of particular note. The firm has become increasingly involved in advising clients on potential issues related to the current distressed real estate landscape, boasting a specialized distressed real estate team to represent clients in these transactions which include global restructurings to single-asset and portfolio workouts. Mainly assisting lenders, clientele range from banks and investment banks to mortgage REITs and debt funds. In New York Mark Edelstein acts as global real estate chair for the firm, while fellow New York- based partner Jeffrey Temple and Los Angeles-based Thomas Fileti co-head the US real estate practice. Edelstein is an expert in real estate finance, representing lenders and equity players in issues from mortgage to construction loans, and acquisitions. Investment-related finance matters are handled by Fileti who specializes in real estate finance transactions and the full gamut of credit facilities. Co-chair Temple is experienced in representing both lenders and borrowers in complex real estate transactions, and is key in representing investors in large-scale acquisitions and dispositions of US commercial assets, and in loan restructurings and workouts. Christopher Delson resides in New York, Keith Print splits his time between New York and Miami, and New York-based counsel Tushna Gamadia are also noted for their roles in commercial real estate transactions. Alfred Williams was recently promoted to partner and focuses on acquisitions, financing, and development of US real estate assets from New York.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 2

Morrison Foerster’s team works together seamlessly with practitioners from the firm’s global office network, with a particular focus on the technology, telecommunications, financial services, transportation, healthcare and life sciences fields. Headed by Lisa Phelan and the ‘incredibly knowledgeable’ Alexander Okuliar, the group has a notable specialism in advising domestic and international tech companies, and frequently represents Japan-based clients facing antitrust issues in the US. Phelan’s recent workload includes the representation of a producer of expeditionary products in a bid-rigging DOJ investigation into shelter sales to the US military, as well as the support of two national healthcare companies with DOJ no-poach investigations and follow-on civil damage litigation. Described by clients as ‘smart, responsive and strategic’, San Francisco’s Eliot Adelson handles all aspects of internal and government investigations in various jurisdictions, while former DOJ Antitrust Division trial attorney Megan Gerking regularly advises clients on antitrust issues arising from industry consortiums and trade association activities, and is recommended for multidistrict antitrust litigation. Joseph Folio and Rob Manoso are both experienced trial lawyers and were promoted to partner in January 2024. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned practitioners are based in Washington DC.

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

The ‘smart and strategic team’ at Morrison Foerster is distinguished by its dominant position in IP appeals before the Federal Circuit, where its lawyers have collectively argued more than 65 times—on behalf of both patentees and defendants. That being said, the group also has a strong presence in the Ninth Circuit, which is the largest court of appeals covering nine states, and the Second Circuit, which includes New York City. Deanne Maynard co-chairs the department from Washington DC and has argued fourteen times in the US Supreme Court; she is currently representing F5 in two Ninth Circuit appeals. Washington DC office managing partner, Joseph Palmore, co-chairs the practice and obtained an appellate victory for US Oncology in the Second Circuit when the Court affirmed the district court’s dismissal of a False Claims Act-related action. Washington DC is also the seat of Brian Matsui, who is recommended for patent cases. In San Francisco, up-and-coming partner James Sigel is noted for his growing activity before the Ninth Circuit and the California Courts of Appeal. Lena Hughes recently left to join the White House Counsel’s Office.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Morrison Foerster offers a broad range of services that includes handling internal investigations, conducting risk assessment, implementing compliance programs, and defending clients before the DOJ. Heading the team in New York, Carrie Cohen is an expert on matters relating to public corruption, while Ruti Smithline has experience navigating cross-border investigations and advising on SEC enforcement cases. Christine Wong and Craig Martin lead the team in San Fransisco. Martin frequently counsels senior executives facing internal and government investigations. Wong is skilled at advising corporate clients on compliance with laws concerning bribery, corruption, and antitrust regulations. Charles Duross and James Koukios are based in Washington DC. Duross is especially capable at handling FCPA investigations, while Koukios is recommended for cases concerning health care fraud, insider trading, and money laundering.

Finance > Fintech Tier 2

Noted for its extensive experience in cryptocurrency enforcement and prosecution matters, Morrison Foerster often assists fintech companies and regulated entities on federal and state law compliance. In New York, practice co-head Jeffrey Silberman is knowledgeable of regulatory and transactional mandates surrounding digital lending and payment networks, while Boston-based co-head Haimavathi Marlier represents fintech clients in litigation and government investigations. In Washington DC,Jeremy Mandell handles cash back, digital deposit, and stablecoin matters, and Crystal Kaldjob is often engaged in compliance issues as well as network and Baas agreements. In Palo Alto, Stephanie Lynn Sharron is proficient in data rights surrounding Fintech licensing and partnership deals. San Francisco-based Alfredo Silva is informed in corporate and securities law, and in New York, Evan Minsberg is a key contact for banks, e-commerce platforms, and gaming sites on product development and strategic partnerships. In Washington DC, Calvin Funk specializes in consumer finance law, notably debt collection laws, credit services, and state lending.

Government > State attorneys general Tier 2

Firmly entrenched in the state attorneys general space, Morrison Foerster offers a tailored service representing high-profile companies and their executives in investigations and enforcement actions by AG offices across the country. Collaboration with the firm’s breadth of practice and industry groups, including banking, consumer products, privacy, technology, and healthcare, has allowed for an integrated approach to issues spanning public corruption, securities fraud, antitrust, cybersecurity, data privacy, and consumer protection. Former New York state and federal prosecutor Carrie Cohen is global co-chair of the firm’s investigations and white collar defense practice group, as well as leading the state and local government enforcement team, and is a recognized expert on public corruption, counseling corporations, boards, and C-suite executives in sensitive government-facing investigative and regulatory matters. Also based in New York, Nathan Reilly assists clients in navigating parallel investigations by multiple law enforcement agencies, with long-standing experience in public corruption, bribery, anti‑money laundering violations, financial crime, cybercrime, and national security-related issues.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 2

Bolstered by its January 2023 combination with San Francisco IP boutique Durie Tangri LLP, the group at Morrison Foerster leverages the bench strength of its team and the backing of a network spanning Asia, Europe, and the Americas, to represent major corporates in consumer products, education, and tech (including OpenAI and MetaPlatforms) involved in high-stakes copyright prosecution and litigation. The practice is co-chaired by a team of experienced tech litigators across the nation: Bita Rahebi in Los Angeles, Mark Whitaker in Washington DC, Brian Nash in Austin, and Timothy Chen Saulsbury in San Francisco. Joseph Gratz, the lead litigator for OpenAI, and firm IP practice co-founder Michael Jacobs, are key names in handling emerging tech matters, with an emphasis on high-profile cases involving the application of generative artificial intelligence. In Los Angeles, Allyson Bennett specializes in representing e-commerce platforms, TV studios, and social networks. Rose Lee was promoted to partner at the same office in January 2024, and provides expertise in copyright, patent, and trade secret matters.

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

Praised by clients as having ‘the deepest bench in patent trial attorneys,‘ Morrison Foerster has a global tech-focused intellectual property litigation practice capable of representing clients in disputes at all levels of US courts. In January 2023, the firm joined forces with the California litigation boutique Durie Tangri LLP, bringing on San Francisco based trial lawyer Daralyn Durie, who acts on the behalf of inventors in the tech and life sciences sectors. In San Francisco, Michael Jacobs is a patent litigation expert, Richard Hung is an ‘exceptionally responsive, helpful, and strategic partner‘ who handles patent and trade secret cases, and practice co-head Timothy Chen Saulsbury represents clients in a wide range of tech-related disputes. Co-head Bita Rahebi in Los Angeles is a trusted contact for tech companies in complex patent disputes, and co-head Mark Whitaker in Washington DC is well-regarded for his experience in high-stakes litigation. In Austin, co-head Brian Nash is praised for being ‘the attorney you want at your side‘ in the Western District of Texas, and Aaron Fountain is another name to note.

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

The trade secrets practice at Morrison Foerster is headed up by ‘true star’ Kenneth Kuwayti and Bryan Wilson who is experienced handling IP disputes for a range of well-known clients from the team’s impressive portfolio, which includes such notable names as Lime and Walmart. Wilson and Kuwayti, both based in Palo Alto, are supported by the firm’s global IP litigation co-chairs, being Los Angeles-based Bita Rahebi, Washington DC-based Mark Whitaker, Austin’s Brian Nash and Tim Saulsbury who works from San Francisco. The team’s caseload includes representing both defendant employees and plaintiff corporations in complex and high-stakes matters of alleged misappropriation, patent infringement and breaches of NDAs. Its cases often reach state Supreme Court level. Tech, life sciences, aviation and retail are key areas of industry focus across the team. Ragesh Tangri is particularly adept at advising major tech companies in significant disputes while Benjamin Fox is well-equipped to assist in relation to software and gaming. Eugene Novikov departed to private practice in January 2024.

International trade > CFIUS Tier 2

Morrison Foerster ‘operates well as an integrated FDI/CFIUS team globally’; as is evidenced by recent national security mandates linking up the Washington DC-based practice with colleagues in China and Europe. Drawing on a deep pool of CFIUS-specialist attorneys and national security advisors, the group specializes in advising on technology-related matters, in line with the wider firm’s signature strength. The group also had strong showings in the defense, financial services and energy areas over the past year. Brandon Van Grack chairs the national security group and is recommended for his robust practical experience, earned during his former position as Chief of Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Unit, as well as other government roles. Charles Capito divides his time between the national security and the government contracts practices and is recognized for his experience in the technology, defense, financial services and healthcare sectors, among others. Newly promoted partner James Brower is additionally noted for his ‘in-depth knowledge and experience with CFIUS’.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: middle-market (Up to $500m) Tier 2

Morrison Foerster excels at advising middle-market funds as well as a large roster of target and portfolio companies on growth investments and leveraged buyouts in the TMT sector, especially in connection with agritech, digital infrastructure, and healthcare tech transactions. The team is also noted for its deep-seated expertise in SPAC mergers, PIPE deals, and take-private transactions, and it frequently leverages its global firm network to guide its clients through cross-border investments. New York lawyer Mitchell Presser is an expert on public and private transactions in the food and agriculture sector and co-leads the team with San Francisco-based Patrick Huard, who maintains close relationships with clients such as Alpine Investors and handles a very broad range of buyouts and exits. San Francisco lawyer Susan Mac Cormac primarily handles investments in the energy space, while Omar Pringle, who is based in New York, is well-regarded for his expertise in the tech and life sciences sectors. Also in New York, Aly El Hamamsy is a key contact for restructurings and joint ventures.

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

Morrison Foerster has a national focus and offers comprehensive litigation services to a range of clients, predominantly from the technology and life sciences, consumer products, and food and beverage sectors. The group is well-versed in representing clients in false and deceptive advertising disputes under the Lanham Act and California’s Advertising Law. Leading the team is Erin Bosman who is based in San Diego. Other key team members include Tiffany Cheung and Alexis Amezcua, who are based in San Francisco, and Los Angeles-based Purvi Patel. Cheung has extensive experience defending high-profile clients in class action matters, while Amezcua focuses on representing clients in consumer class actions. Patel is recognized for her work on privacy matters, particularly cases involving the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. She has particular expertise in California privacy laws, which makes her adept at representing companies in enforcement matters brought by the California Attorney General. Claudia Vetesi, based in San Francisco, concentrates on compliance matters for her clients in the food and beverage industry.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 2

Situated within a globally integrated network, the team at Morrison Foerster handles complex outsourcing transactions involving cloud computing, emerging technologies, and data analytic tools. With sector expertise in logistics, insurance, and healthcare spaces, the firm also demonstrates skill in the fintech industry. New York’s Vivian Hanson chairs the sourcing practice and covers global ITO and BPO deals in addition to advising on SaaS agreements and IP licenses. Aaron Rubin chairs the tech transactions group in San Francisco and focuses on advising established and emerging companies on consumer electronics and AI deals. Boston-based Matthew Karlyn demonstrates commercial life sciences know-how and assists clients with business transactions related to the procurement and commercialization of life sciences and tech products. In New York, Joan Warrington’s scope of work includes retail financial services and emerging payment agreements, while Anthony Ramirez negotiates a wide range of outsourcing deals and content and data licenses.

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

Alice Connaughton and Larry Medvinsky jointly lead the REITs practice at Morrison Foerster from Washington DC, with Connaughton regularly representing a number of non-listed REITs in corporate transactions, while Medvinsky is noted for his ability to handle IPOs and secondary fundraises. David Slotkin handles major transactions for the practice including a preferred equity investment in the multifamily space and continues to represent underwriters and companies in debt and equity securities. Justin Salon is a capital markets expert and represents both public and private companies in transactions including debt-related transactions and common stock offerings. San Diego-based Shane Shelley is the go-to REIT tax attorney of the practice. Notable team members include Washington DC-based Andrew Campbell who has represented underwriters and privately held REITs in securities transactions, and John Hensley is well-versed in IPOs, follow-on offerings, and private placements and resides in Austin. Unless otherwise mentioned, all lawyers listed are based in Washington DC.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 3

Morrison Foerster offers a broad nationwide antitrust practice with a strong presence across New York, Washington DC and San Francisco, working with clients in regulated industry antitrust issues sectors, particularly in the tech, telecoms, and life sciences fields. The team is well-versed in merger clearance processes, including FTC Second Request investigations, as well as cross-border matters. The practice is jointly steered by Alexander Okuliar and Lisa Phelan. Praised as ‘smart, practical, and responsive’, Okuliar has deep agency experience and remains active on high-profile transactions, while Phelan is noted for her expertise in contentious investigations. Jeff Jaeckel is a key port of call for domestic and international corporations on a host of antitrust matters. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Dispute resolution > International litigation Tier 3

The international litigation practice at Morrison Foerster consists of a range of lawyers acting across commercial, securities, white-collar, antitrust, and product liability-related disputes. The US capabilities of the firm are bolstered by connections with offices in leading jurisdictions, frequently working with London, Brussels, and other key areas. A merger with Durie Tangri LLP in early 2023 saw the capabilities of the firm expand, particularly in the IP litigation space, with this expansion continuing, including Nathaniel Mendell in Boston. At leadership level, San Francisco-based Christine Wong and Austin-based Bradley Wine are key names. Also of note are Kenneth Kuwayti, who is based in Palo Alto and sustains a focus on intellectual property work, often in the tech space, and San Diego-based Brian Kramer, with a patent litigation focus, both in the US and further afield.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 3

Arturo González at Morrison Foerster is based in San Francisco, and maintains an extremely broad trial practice. Over the course of 2023, González appeared in a case for Lime in relation to fraud, intentional interference and unfair business practices.  González notably excels in IP litigation, including copyright and trademark disputes, and recently represented Novartis in a patent infringement case.

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

Instructed on a standalone basis, as well as generating some work from its well respected venture capital offering, West Coast heavyweight Morrison Foerster provides a comprehensive offering to large and emerging life sciences entities, from product development to market and beyond, in both a risk management and litigation context. On the litigation front, the team, which is led out of San Diego by Erin Bosman , ‘thinks creatively about how product liability litigation fits within the company’s larger risk management program’. Herself a former scientist, San Diego-based Julie Park is ‘attentive, responsive, efficient and results oriented’ and exemplifies the firm’s holistic approach, being adept at guiding clients throughout the product life cycle, from regulatory advice through to class action litigation.  

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

Morrison Foerster‘s toxic tort and environmental offering is well-versed in representing clients, including consumer goods, technology, and aerospace companies, in class actions and mass torts relating to alleged personal injury and property damage caused by a variety of toxins. Led by William Tarantino from San Francisco, the firm is currently representing a multinational aerospace and defense company in a putative class action and separate individual mass tort matters seeking to hold it accountable for damage to local residents from exposure to toxic chemicals allegedly caused by its historic manufacturing operations in New York. Tarantino is also at the forefront of the firm’s efforts helping clients navigate California’s unique environmental legislation, Proposition 65, both from a compliance perspective and in any enforcement actions. San Diego-based Erin Bosman chairs the firm’s class actions and mass torts practice and has toxic tort experience, including in the context of defending clients in alleged misleading advertising regarding products containing traces of PFAS.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

Morrison Foerster has ‘a breadth of knowledge and experience' regarding complex securities litigation defense cases. Whether it is securities class actions, derivative cases, or SEC investigations, the firm is able to call on experienced litigators across the US to handle high-profile conflicts. Jordan Eth in San Francisco, ‘spectacular attorney‘ Haimavathi Marlier in New York, and James Koukios in Washington DC are co-chairs of the securities litigation, enforcement and white-collar defense practice. Notably, Marlier and New York-based Jamie Levitt, defended venture fund LaunchCapital LLC and Woody Benson, a director of co-defendant Atonomi, in a securities class action. The case was successfully settled. Anna Erickson White is the key contact in San Francisco. She worked with Ryan Keats to assist enterprise data platform company Cloudera, Inc. with a class action alleging it made misleading statements about its cloud-native products.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 3

Morrison Foerster‘s business restructuring and insolvency group is led by Jennifer Marines and Lorenzo Marinuzzi  and is noted for their ‘outside of the box thinking‘ in creditor representation, including representing creditors’ committees. Gary Lee has a split practice in representing debtors and creditors in domestic and cross-border restructuring and liquidation proceedings, while Theresa Foudy‘s expertise extends to bankruptcy litigation, having represented Chapter 11 debtors, indenture trustees, secured and unsecured creditors. Miranda Russell is a name to watch for her representation of various parties in corporate restructurings and chapter 11 bankruptcy cases. Douglas Mannal is noted for his work with creditors and joined the team from Dechert LLP in March 2024. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 3

Morrison Foerster offers cross-border support to clients across an array of asset classes, including fixed income, equity, commodities and credit. The firm is also equipped to handle matters in emerging classes including carbon credits. David Kaufman chairs the practice from New York, concentrating on structured transactions and regulatory matters related to the CFTC and Dodd-Frank Act. In Washington DC, Chrys Carey aids banks, investment companies, hedge funds and corporate end users in their regulatory and compliance issues. Vlad Maly left the firm in July 2023 with Valerie Dahiya joining in Washington DC from Perkins Coie LLP in October 2023, while New York’s Rhys Bortignon joined as a partner from White & Case LLP  in April 2024, bolstering the firm’s expertise across a wide variety of products and derivatives transactions.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 3

Pairing an ‘unparalleled combination of legal and business acumen,’ Morrison Foerster is the firm of choice for several global pharmaceutical companies facing patent challenges, whether looking to gain patent coverage for their novel drugs, or to enforce existing patents via the courts. The January 2023 merger with litigation boutique Durie Tangri saw experienced patent litigators Daralyn Durie, Adam Brausa, both in San Francisco, and Los Angeles-based Kira Davis join the practice, further enhancing its ability to take on major patent disputes concerning cancer treatments, biosimilars, small molecules and more. Practice head Michael Ward maintains a practice between San Francisco and Boston, overseeing patent portfolios for both drug developers and clients active in the agriculture field, whom he advises on protection strategies and licensing for their unique plants. In Palo Alto, Catherine Polizzi and Janet Xiao assist clients with the development of their patent portfolios, as it pertains to therapies for cancer, autoimmune diseases and gene therapy, among others. Based out of Washington DC, Stacy Amin handles FDA regulatory issues, including enforcement actions.

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

The ‘organized and zealous advocates‘ at Morrison Foerster represent both claimants and respondents in Section 337 investigations before the International Trade Commission and demonstrate particular expertise in tech-related patent disputes. The Washington DC-based team is led by Mark Whitaker, who has extensive experience with patent and trade secret litigation, especially in cases relating to semiconductors, photo and optical technologies, chemicals, and date base analytics. Brian Busey handles cross-border patent disputes in addition to his active ITC litigation practice, and Daniel Muino is noted for his close relationships with blue-chip tech clients. Also a key member of the ITC group, trial lawyer Mary Prendergast ‘has deep knowledge of 337 practice and procedure and is a strong strategic thinker.’

Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings) Tier 3

The life sciences, food and agribusiness, and high-tech industries are focus areas for Morrison Foerster‘s ‘fantastic’ patent prosecution group which is equipped to handle high-value and often cross-jurisdictional work. Michael Ward who works between Boston and San Francisco oversees the practice and harnesses a niche specialism in crop protection and plant IP work, as well as impressive experience handling patent portfolios and securing protection for new plant varieties. Also standouts in San Francisco are Jie Zhou and Anita Choi. Biopharma and tech are areas of particular focus in an IP context for Catherine Polizzi in Palo Alto. In San Diego, Karen Potter is focused on assisting companies with patent preparation, prosecution, and strategic counselling. Potter and Polizzi, along with San Francisco-based Jie Zhou, are described as ‘exceptional patent practitioners’. Boston-based Jonathan Bockman leads the practice on the East Coast; Bockman has noteworthy capabilities handling domestic and international level portfolio management, prosecution, due diligence and validity determination cases, as well as related litigation.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 3

Morrison Foerster serves a diverse client base across sectors including technology, private equity, and finance, as well as healthcare, agribusiness, and consumer products. Experienced in ERISA-prohibited transactions, equity compensation plans, and retirement benefits, the group guides clients through transactions including IPOs and cross-border M&A. Domnick Bozzetti, co-leading the team from New York, offers public companies expertise in executive compensation disclosures, particularly in annual proxy statements and IPO contexts. His fellow co-chair in New York, Joshua Lerner, specializes in senior executive compensation matters, including severance packages and change in control arrangements. Of Counsels Marvin Swift and Brooke Monahan, based in Phoenix and San Francisco respectively, bring their ERISA and compensation expertise to the team, while associate Yuan Xia in Palo Alto is noted for her work with public companies, private equity funds, and startups.

Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions) Tier 3

The group at Morrison Foerster specializes in wage-and-hour class actions, PAGA cases, whistleblower mandates, and trade secrets litigation. Clients include private and public company boards of directors of companies in the retail, financial services, and tech segments. The team is co-led by San Francisco-based Eric Tate, who regularly represents C-suite executives in employment-related crisis matters and is praised by one client as being at the ‘top of his game’. Alongside him, Los Angeles-based Tritia Murata routinely acts in PAGA mandates and has significant experience defeating class certification in wage-and-hour cases.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 3

Morrison Foerster, with its ‘very deep bench strength of partners and associates’, supports emerging growth companies from initial financing rounds to exit strategies. Co-leading the practice from San Francisco, Murray Indick brings a wealth of experience in corporate law and investment funds, serving a diverse client base from entrepreneurs to later-stage companies. Michael Glaser, another San Francisco-based practice leader, specializes in guiding start-ups through venture capital transactions and M&A exits. In San Diego, Steve Rowles heads up the corporate practice, with Jim Krenn focusing on venture capital financings and M&A. Timothy Harris, based in Palo Alto, brings expertise in corporate and securities issues to the table.

Real estate Tier 3

With experience spanning hotel, hospitality, and resort through to large-scale office mandates, Morrison Foerster’s well-rounded global real estate group advises on high-value purchase and sale transactions, often assisting on large investments, financings and joint ventures. The firm routinely assists large asset management companies and financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo Bank, and Goldman Sachs, as well as several REITs, funds, and developers. The chair of the team is Mark Edelstein who is also known for his leading of the practice’s distressed real estate group; he is based in New York. In the same office, co-chair Jeffrey Temple has extensive experience handling multi-tiered finance transactions and credit facilities. On the West Coast, LA based co-chair, Thomas Fileti, regularly assists on transactions involving REITs, among other areas. The practice also has experience assisting on distressed assets and bankruptcies; here, New York’s Lawrence Ceriello is noted for his mezzanine debt, workout, and restructuring experience. Philip Levine is highlighted for his leading of the firm’s northern California real estate practice group in addition to his leading on several sizeable equity and debt transactions, construction loan mandates and retail lease work.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 3

Morrison Foerster’s transactional tax practice offers considerable combined expertise in the real estate and semiconductor sectors, last year advising the $5.2bn semiconductor IP company Arm Holdings Ltd in relation to its Nasdaq Global Select Market IPO. The group is also notably active in the biotech/pharma and sustainability spaces. New York-based practice chair Anthony Carbone advises clients on M&A, reorganizations, fund formation, and leveraged buyouts, with a client base that includes acquiring and target companies, private equity funds, deal sponsors, investment banks, commercial banks, and venture capital and hedge funds. Shane Shelley in San Diego focuses on federal income tax issues in the real estate, renewable energy, and financial products spaces. San Francisco’s Bernie Pistillo handles the tax aspects of international and domestic mergers, corporate restructurings, and spin-offs. Joy MacIntyre, also in San Francisco, has extensive experience forming partnerships, limited liability companies, Subchapter C and S corporations, real estate investment trusts, mutual funds, and tax-exempt entities. Brian Radigan in New York advises private equity funds, startup entities, REITs, and multinational corporations. Dave Sturgeon and Katherine Erbeznik, both in New York, play key roles in the team. Jay Blaivas departed the firm in September 2023.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 4

Fielding a strong bench with significant agency experience, the antitrust and competition practice at Morrison Foerster counts leading pharma companies, media entities, and prominent tech corporations among its impressive roster of clients. The group is particularly adept at handling class actions following cartel investigations, as well as litigated merger challenges and cases concerning market dominance claims. Alexander Okuliar and former Antitrust Division criminal enforcement chief Lisa Phelan jointly oversee the team from Washington DC; Okuliar is a key contact for competitor-on-competitor antitrust litigation. Other key individuals in Washington DC are David Cross, Megan Gerking, and Mary Kaiser. Cross has a broad antitrust practice that covers monopolization and price-fixing allegations, including algorithmic price-fixing; Kaiser is another name to note here. Additionally active in the algorithmic price-fixing space, Gerking, a former DOJ antitrust trial attorney, also takes point on litigated merger clearances. On the West Coast, San Francisco’s Bonnie Lau and Eliot Adelson have extensive experience advising tech sector clients on multidistrict litigations, government enforcement actions, and class actions.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 4

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 4

Morrison Foerster represents a roster of corporate and commercial clients across both plaintiff and defendant-side mandates across a broad range of industries, including banking and financial services, life sciences, real estate, tech, and transportation. Chair of the commercial litigation and trial practice group, Arturo González, is a key contact for high-stakes litigation and arbitration. Tiffany Cheung is a key name for consumer class actions, particularly those involving privacy and marketing issues, while Austin’s Bradley Wine predominantly focuses on disputes in highly regulated industries.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 4

Morrison Foerster is a trusted advisor for development finance institutions, regional development banks, and export credit agencies engaged in funding various infrastructure projects in developing nations. Recent undertakings involve guiding clients on financing funds focused on climate change, energy transition, and sustainability investing. The firm also advises on the financing of cross-border renewable energy projects, encompassing wind and solar power plants. Leading the team from the Washington DC office, Greg Smith and Ann Lilienthal are regularly supported by senior counsel Richard Jenney, who excels in project finance matters and cross-border investment transactions. Conrad E. Proulx adds valuable expertise, focusing on renewable and conventional power projects in emerging markets spanning Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 4

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 4

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 4

Morrison Foerster has a depth of expertise and experience in high-yield debt, investment grade debt, convertible debt and private placements in multiple industries, especially banking and finance, energy and cleantech, life sciences, and technology. It is also active in debt offerings by REITs. It benefits from a stable of clients that frequently tap the debt markets and has extensive global connections in Asia and Europe. The firm has extensive SEC regulatory expertise and is a growing force in ESG-related offerings. Washington DC’s Scott Lesmes and New York-based John Owen are key partners. Of counsel Emily Beers has an active role in many of the firm’s key debt deals.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings Tier 4

Morrison Foerster has made a particular impact in mid-cap and large domestic and global equity offerings; it represented Arm Holdings in its headline $5.22bn IPO on Nasdaq, one of the largest equity offerings of 2023. The firm has made a further impression in follow-on offerings, PIPE offerings and de-SPAC transactions. It focuses on issuer-side representations with a particular affiliation for the technology sector, along with REITs, energy, financial services and life sciences. Justin Salon is chair of the global capital markets practice and leads many of the firm’s headline deals, including the Arm Holdings IPO. Andrew Campbell is noted for REIT offerings and Austin based John Hensley is another key member of the team. Named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Finance > Project finance

Demonstrating cross-border capabilities and a depth of expertise across a wealth of financing transactions, Morrison Foerster advises major organisations including the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Inter-American Investment Corporation who seek out the firm's substantial international projects that span Africa, Asia and Latin America. Greg Smith is one of two team heads and possesses a diverse book of work that includes renewable energy, digital infrastructure and social infrastructure financings, as well as overseeing debt investments into private equity and impact funds. Second group lead Ann Lilienthal is another prolific agency lender specialist and has a similarly diverse financing practice, cover a range of debt and equity transactions, taking the lead on a number of projects based in Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. Conrad E. Proulx has been a crucial supporting presence on the full spectrum of departmental matters, building up a formidable book of work. All individuals work in Washington DC.    

International trade > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions Tier 4

With experience across the full gamut of compliance and enforcement work, Morrison Foerster’s export controls and economic sanctions team is commended by sources for ‘bridging the mindset of a regulator and the private sector’. The group’s regulatory insight is due in no small part to its formidable bench of former OFAC personnel, including high-profile national security co-head John Smith, who is a former Director of OFAC. The Washington DC-based team also draws on fellow national security co-chair Brandon Van Grack, who managed the DOJ’s Voluntary Self-Disclosure Program for sanctions and export controls violations; and of counsel Andrea Delisi, who previously served as Assistant Chief Counsel at OFAC.

Tax > International tax Tier 4

The tax team at Morrison Foerster handles tax matters relating a wide range of issues, encompassing M&A, private equity, venture capital, REITs,  tax treaties, and tax controversies. Practice head Anthony Carbone, who is located in New York, advises clients on tax planning strategies for M&A, reorganizations, fund formation and leveraged buyouts representing private equity funds, deal sponsors, investment banks, commercial banks and hedge funds, as well as venture capital, real estate and other funds, acquiring and target companies, and management groups. Dave Sturgeon supports clients with a wide range of complex business transactions, including domestic and cross-border M&A, joint ventures, spin-offs and other divestitures, as well as financings, refinancings, restructurings and other business transactions. Federal tax expert Joy MacIntyre, who is based in San Francisco, concentrates her practice on providing tax planning and transactional advice to U.S. and non-U.S. based businesses and their investors. Also based in San Francisco, Bernie Pistillo advises on the US federal income tax aspects of international and domestic M&A, corporate restructurings and spin-offs, and tax controversy matters in the international area, particularly transfer pricing, the development and exploitation of technology and intellectual property and the structuring of international operations for both start-up entities and existing corporate groups. San Diego-based Shane Shelley has significant experience counseling on the tax aspects of business transactions, including M&A, fund formations, joint ventures, international structuring and capital markets offerings. In New York, Katherine Erbeznik has a particular focus on the Latin America market, routinely advising on cross-border M&A. At the associate level, Lauren Keller, who sits in the Los Angeles office, is a name to watch.      

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 5

Despite being positioned on both the lender and borrower side, Morrison Foerster‘s ‘borrower side team is well steeped in debt finance transactions and can assist many different types of borrowers through complicated and significant deals.‘ The team has ample experience working on secured credit facilities, asset-based lending and leveraged lending transactions, especially in the context of the technology, private equity, professional services, manufacturing and life sciences sectors. Dario Avram leads the global finance team from the San Francisco office, regularly representing private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies in leveraged buyouts, refinancings and restructurings. Forming part of the New York offering, Geoffrey Peck is highly regarded for his work handling domestic and cross-border financing matters.

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

With a strong track record in overseeing cross-border M&A transactions across the tech, life sciences, and agriculture sectors, the Morrison Foerster team delivers ‘efficient and seamless’ results for a roster of global corporate clients. Based in New York, Spencer Klein co-heads the practice and specializes in stock and asset acquisitions, while Mitchell Presser is an expert on the financial services and insurance industries. Co-head Brandon Parris, who is based in San Francisco, regularly represents clients in major spin-offs and joint ventures. Also in San Francisco, Erin McCrath is an expert on matters arising in the tech sector, and Michael O’Bryan concentrates on divestitures and strategic transactions. In Miami, Randy Bullard is noted for his ability to handle cross-border transactions spanning the US, Europe, and Latin America. Denver-based lawyer Erik Knudsen is knowledgeable on leveraged buyouts.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 5

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation

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

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital)

Latin America: International firms > Compliance and investigations Tier 4

Morrison Foerster has a sizeable investigations and white-collar defence practice that has strong links to Latin America. New York partner Ruti Smithline  who was born and raised in Colombia - is co-chair of the investigations and white-collar defence practice group, and is also co-chair of the Latin America department. Her team has a prolific record in internal investigations, defending clients before the DOJ and SEC, third party and transactional due diligence, and compliance programmes and training. It also advised Odebrecht (now Novonor) on its compliance monitorship, following one of the largest FCPA settlements in history. Washington DC partner Charles Duross is co-chair of the investigations and white-collar defence practice group, and is a leader in FCPA cases.