Morrison & Foerster

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers verdict on Morrison & Foerster

Morrison Foerster offers a compelling mix of high-end US firm work, lean teams and a notably approachable culture. Respondents were drawn to the firm’s ‘strong focus on technology transactions’, its ‘big tech clients’ and the chance to work on ‘cutting-edge matters for household names’, with several highlighting MoFo’s impressive international platform, particularly its strength in Asia. 

What appears to set the firm apart, however, is the way it combines its high-calibre work with a ‘friendly, non-hierarchical culture’. MoFo is ‘friendly, approachable, inclusive and down-to-earth, while still being unmistakably driven by hard work and a commitment to delivering excellence’. What’s more, trainees find it ‘refreshing’ to work at the highest level ‘without some of the things that are often associated with that kind of environment in a law firm, such as hierarchy, competitiveness and excessive formality’. 

The lean intake is another defining feature of MoFo. Trainees report receiving work ‘tantamount to NQ/junior associate level’ early on, with ‘tangible client-facing opportunities’, and scope to build substantive responsibility quickly. Highlights included being trusted to send work directly to a major client, presenting alongside a partner at a client’s offices, and even managing workstreams on ‘major high-profile matters’. 

That level of responsibility does come with pressure. Trainees cited ‘tough’ hours, with one noting having ‘consistently worked very long hours for a one-month period’. The most challenging moments included ‘balancing the competing demands of being in a split seat, during a busy period’ and managing work with ‘tight deadlines’. Others flagged ‘uncertainty around qualification’ and called for more transparency around seat choices, qualification and retention, as well as more practice-area-specific training and international secondment opportunities. 

For those who want early exposure to sophisticated tech-focused work in a smaller, collegiate London office, MoFo’s offer is distinctive: serious responsibility, standout clients and a culture that manages to stay genuinely human. 

A day in the life of... Safwan Akbar, Trainee Solicitor

Departments to date: Data Privacy/Technology Transactions; Litigation

Degree: History

8:15am: The morning starts with story time with my one-year-old daughter. Today she’s particularly keen on reading “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss and is beginning to repeat some of the words herself. Afterward, I begin my commute, swapping my usual Discover Weekly playlist for the crossword – Mondays are always the easiest. I exit at London Bridge station and make my way across the river into the City, ready to start the day.

9:30am: The office is filled with the usual morning buzz as colleagues arrive and settle in. I grab my latte from the coffee machine, taking a moment to watch the window washers expertly scale The Gherkin building opposite – our offices in The Scalpel building have floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of London. After snagging a few Biscoff biscuits from the snacks table, I make my way through the office to greet other members of the litigation team, enjoying the collegial atmosphere that sets a positive tone for the day.

9:35am: At my desk, I review any new emails that have come in overnight from MoFo’s other global offices, responding as needed to maintain continuity on active matters. I am currently collaborating with a senior associate and another trainee to edit a chapter in a practitioner’s treatise focused on human rights within the business landscape. I then skim through the morning’s newsletters on legal and regulatory matters to stay informed on current events and industry developments. To organise my day, I jot down a priority list of action items and set calendar reminders, ensuring that I meet both client and colleague expectations while managing my time effectively.

9:45am: I check in with my supervisor to see if there are any specific tasks or priorities for the day. At MoFo, trainees share an office with their supervisors, which provides ongoing support and facilitates regular guidance. This arrangement also allows me to listen in on calls and observe my supervisor’s approach to various matters, fostering a natural osmosis of skills and practical training throughout the day.

10:00am: The litigation team gathers for a scheduled training and check-in session, with today’s focus on “Privilege in Investigations.” Partners and associates lead a discussion on the topic, sharing practical insights and key takeaways for the team to apply in future matters. I take detailed notes throughout the presentation and offer to circulate a summary to the entire team. Following the training session, team members are invited to share updates on any notable matters they have been working on, as well as practical developments that may be beneficial to the group.

10:45am: On my way back from the training session, I stop by the office of another trainee. MoFo’s lean trainee intake fosters close ties and a strong sense of camaraderie among us, and we routinely spend time together both during the workday and outside of the office.

11:00am: My supervisor requests research to be completed by the afternoon on the topic of actual authority and the circumstances under which a principal is deemed to have ratified an unauthorised act. I begin by using MoFo’s bespoke AI Assistant tool for an initial search of relevant legislation and case law, and supplement this with research from the firm’s legal databases to gather pertinent articles, commentary, and judicial decisions. After collating a substantial amount of information, I focus on analysing and distilling the material into practical, client-focused guidance.

12:30pm:  I receive an email from one of the commercial litigation partners requesting that I address his comments on a draft legal alert article currently in progress with other team members and due to be sent to clients. The article examines recent class action developments, and trainees are often entrusted with preparing the initial draft, providing valuable exposure to substantive legislation and landmark decisions. To ensure I can respond effectively to the partner’s queries, I review the recent Merricks judgment from the Competition Appeal Tribunal and incorporate relevant insights into the draft.

1:30pm: With London enjoying an unexpectedly sunny day, I take the opportunity to head out for lunch. I meet up with a few trainees and we walk over to Petticoat Lane Market, where I choose a lamb curry with jollof rice from one of the many vibrant stalls. We decide to enjoy our lunch at a nearby public square close to Spitalfields and catch up about our day. I take some time to pray in MoFo’s allocated meditation room.

2:00pm: Upon returning to my office, I make my way to the office of one of MoFo’s investigations and white collar defence partners. We are assisting a large public corporation with a sensitive investigations matter, and I am tasked with attending a client phone call and preparing an attendance note summarising the discussion. Following the call, the partner briefs me further on the matter and relevant legal issues, and asks me to prepare a memorandum and chronology to update partners in our New York office. MoFo’s open-door policy and horizontal structure enable me to check in directly with the partner for clarification and instructions.

4:00pm: I head upstairs to our London Office Social Committee’s Churros & Gelato event and catch up with some colleagues from my previous seat in data privacy and technology transactions.

4:30pm: Back at my desk, I turn to a separate matter and conduct a review of the week’s EU and UK regulatory and case law developments related to litigation involving AI for a global technology client. In drafting the update, I note that the UK Information Commissioner’s Office is placing particular emphasis on the use of AI algorithmic systems. I highlight this development and proactively prepare a draft for one of the litigation associates to review.

5:30pm: Trial is imminent for one of our other litigation matters and I quickly send an email to one of our service providers to ensure that the e-Bundle for the Court is up-to-date with the most recent pleadings and documents.

5:45pm: I grab a quick decaf mocha from the coffee machine and head downstairs to meet with a counsel in MoFo’s IP group. Together, we discuss next steps and submissions strategy for our pro bono client, whom we are assisting with a disability benefits appeal. Following the meeting, I email the client directly to provide an update and arrange a time to speak next week.

6:30pm: I check in with my supervisor to confirm whether any tasks require immediate attention before the end of the day. All clear. I cross off items from my to-do list and enjoy the sense of relief and satisfaction that comes with a clean slate. I plan to log back on later in the evening, after bathtime with my daughter, to quickly check for any urgent emails or requests. For now, I head to The Grapes, a nearby pub, for a quick sugar-free cola and to catch up with a few fellow trainees.

About the firm

The firm: Morrison Foerster (MoFo) is a destination law firm for talented, ambitious individuals who value collaboration, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. We are known around the world not only for delivering innovative yet practical client service but also for serving as an incubator for our top-notch talent.

The clients: Amazon, OpenAI, SoftBank Group Corp., One Investment Management, Quantinuum, Coral Tree Partners, Fujitsu, TP ICAP.

The deals:

1. Fujitsu Services Limited in all matters arising out of the issues being examined by the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry.
2. SoftBank Group Corp. (“SoftBank”), as lead investor in a Series D funding round in UK-based autonomous driving company Wayve, valuing Wayve at USD $8.5 billion.
3. SoftBank Group Corp. on its agreement with ABB Ltd, to acquire ABB’s robotics business for US $5.375 billion.  The transaction involved the carve-out and acquisition of a leading international robotics and automation division from a Swiss-listed multinational industrial group.
4. Charles River Laboratories on the sale of selected European drug discovery services assets within its Discovery Services business to IQVIA Holdings Inc., a global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions and clinical research services.
5. The State Bank of Mauritius Group in connection with multiple proceedings arising out of its acquisition of a bank in Kenya. We were instructed to and secured ex-parte anti-suit injunctions from the English and Mauritian High courts and are advising in relation to parallel proceedings commenced before the Kenyan court and appellate proceedings in the Kenyan Court of Appeal.
6. Uber Technologies Inc, on multiple transactions including its acquisition of Dantaxi, Denmark’s largest traditional taxi company from private equity investor Triton and its agreement to acquire Blacklane GmbH (“Blacklane”), as Uber continues its expansion into luxury and executive travel.
7. Eagle Football Holdings on the sale of its 43% shareholding in Premier League side Crystal Palace Football Club to an entity owned by U.S. businessman and New York Jets co-owner Woody Johnson.
8. Coral Tree Partners in its acquisition of a majority stake in DMC International AB, a media production company. The transaction was structured as a primary equity investment in combination with a secondary sale, providing liquidity to DMC’s controlling shareholder, Stena Adactum.
9. Altera Infrastructure Voyager Holdings Limited, a global leader in offshore energy infrastructure services, in its $464,000,000 private placement of Senior Notes.
10. Tate & Lyle PLC, an FTSE 250 global supplier of food and beverage products for the food and industrial markets, in its $300,000,000 and €275,000,000 private placement of Senior Notes.
11. Bidcorp Foodservice (Europe) Ltd., a foodservice and product distributor for the hospitality, institutional, catering and retail sectors, in its €150,000,000 private placement of Senior Notes. The capital will be used to refinance existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.
12. Serco Group PLC, a FTSE 250 multinational defence, health, space, justice, migration, customer services, and transport company, on its proposed private placement of Senior Notes. The capital will be used to repay existing debt and for general corporate purposes including acquisitions.
13. Stellex Capital Management, a New York-based private equity firm with more than $5 billion in assets under management, on its acquisition of Crest Ultrasonics, a global industrial technology manufacturer with operations.
14. Upland Software, Inc., a US headquartered provider of cloud enterprise work management software solutions in connection with its new USD $240 million term loan advanced by Sound Point Capital Management and USD $30 million revolving facility to refinance Upland’s existing term loan facility.
15. As one of the world’s pre-eminent AI firms, we advise a vast array of clients on all manner of AI-related matters, from incorporating AI into their business models and products to developing AI-driven businesses and the particular implications of AI elements in M&A deals.
16. We assisted Twitch with strategic advice on its compliance requirements under the UK Online Safety Act. In addition to preparing risk-appropriate advice on scoping with obligations for this new law, we structured Twitch’s internal compliance approach, including by preparing templates on risk assessments.

Managing partner: Ben Summerfield

Other offices: Amsterdam, Austin, Berlin, Boston, Brussels, Denver, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Palo Alto, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C.

Who we are:

MoFo is driven by excellence, collaboration, and innovation, offering unparalleled opportunities to thrive professionally while working on cutting-edge matters with exceptional colleagues. Our values of inclusion, career development, and service set us apart, making MoFo not just a firm to join but a community where you’ll build a future that is uniquely yours.

With 1,000+ lawyers across 19 offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia, MoFo is a globally recognized global law firm dedicated to fully developing our talent and serving our clients, which include the largest financial institutions, Fortune 100 companies, and leading technology and life sciences companies. We represent organisations – whether established for decades or just an entrepreneur’s idea – as they grow, innovate, disrupt, and develop into leading industry players and household names.

Working in the heart of London’s financial hub, our UK- and U.S.-qualified lawyers handle complex, cross-border transactions and major disputes, helping clients grow their businesses and manage risk. We have roots in the tech sector and provide strategic advice to dynamic technology companies on matters shaping the future of the industry.

Collaborating with colleagues in the U.S. and Asia, we offer culturally and jurisdictionally tailored advice with a global approach. Our lawyers are recognised as leading authorities in their fields, regularly featured in prestigious rankings such as Chambers, The Legal 500, and Best Lawyers.

What we do: Capital Markets, Competition + Antitrust, National Security, Corporate M+A, Data Privacy, Employment, Financial Transactions, Financial Services Regulation, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Investigations, Disputes, Arbitration, Outsourcing, Tax, Technology Transactions, and Private Equity.

What we’re looking for:

We are looking for talented, ambitious individuals who value collaboration, teamwork, a commitment to excellence, and display a genuine enthusiasm for a career in law and interest in our core London practices. At MoFo, we collaborate as one firm across borders, practice areas, and business functions and value fresh ideas and innovation over conformity and competition.

We ask that you be on track for, or to have already achieved, a minimum of a 2(i) degree (or the equivalent if you are studying/have studied outside the UK) and a minimum of AAB (or equivalent) at A Level. There is the option to add mitigating circumstances to your application. We are also pleased to confirm that we use Rare’s Contextual Recruiting System (CRS), which allows us to understand your grades within the context they were achieved. The firm encourages applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds.

If you are currently a law student, you should apply from the penultimate year of your degree. Non-law students should apply from the final year of your degree. If you have already gained industry experience and are considering training as a lawyer, you should decide which year you wish to start your training contract and apply before the relevant deadline.

What you’ll do:

Our approach to learning and development at Morrison Foerster enables trainees to start strong in their legal careers, with an induction that is carefully curated to enhance professional and practical skills developed during formal education. This equips trainees with the essential tools to meet the needs of our colleagues and clients across the firm, both locally and globally. Trainees have access to a variety of mentors to guide them through new experiences and ongoing learning and development opportunities required to underpin their legal skills, from the initial trainee orientation sessions to regular skills-based training, significant daily responsibility, autonomy, and opportunity to contribute to our culture and future of the firm. This combined approach stretches trainees to develop core skills and team behaviours while understanding how the business of law delivers exceptional client service on complex global matters.

The Qualifying Work Experience undertaken during the training contract consists of four six-month seats, with the potential to complete overseas secondments in some of our international offices or with our clients. Seat options are subject to business and client needs at the time of the rotations; however, trainees are invited to identify particular areas of interest or skills gaps during seat allocation discussions.

During your training contract, you’ll have the opportunity to work in at least three distinct areas of law. The Transactions and Litigation teams are two of our core areas of practice in London, but there’s also a wide range of specialised practice areas to get involved in. Trainees have numerous opportunities to work with colleagues across the firm on practice-related or client matters, along with pro bono projects.

Partners and associates at the firm are committed to supporting trainees to succeed, so you will receive plenty of formal and informal support, including a trainee buddy (a second-year trainee), trainee supervisor (for each of the four seats), and trainee liaison. Your liaison will be a senior associate, who will act as your mentor throughout the training contract, helping you to identify strengths, areas for development and stretch opportunities, and offering personalised career guidance. There is an active mentoring programme, a formal evaluation and a feedback process every quarter and business/career development workshops tailored to individual needs and interests.

Trainees also have access to our health and wellbeing resources, such as a free subscription to the Calm app and a wealth of online information on our portal. In addition to the above, the Graduate and Trainee Committee is a constant source of resources, guidance and support.

Perks: 

25 days’ holiday; pension; private medical insurance; dental plan; group life assurance; group income protection; employee assistance programme; free Calm app subscription; WONE app subscription; Talkspace access; WorkLife Central access; subsidised gym membership; back-up dependants care; season ticket loan; cycle scheme; lifestyle coaching.

Sponsorship

We will sponsor future MoFo trainees who are completing non-law subjects through the PgDL and offer the SQE+ programme (in addition to SQE 1 and 2 preparation programmes) for all future MoFo trainees completing the SQE route.

This ensures that all future trainees have the essential knowledge and commercial awareness for the next steps of their legal career with the firm and provides our future trainees with a well-rounded introduction to the practice and business of law.

For future trainees being sponsored through the PgDL or SQE by MoFo, full course and exam fees will be covered by the firm, as well as a £20,000 maintenance grant for the PgDL and £20,000 maintenance grant for SQE to assist with living costs during study.

Seat options

Capital Markets, Competition + Antitrust, National Security, Corporate M+A, Data Privacy, Employment, Financial Transactions, Financial Services Regulation, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Investigations, Disputes, Arbitration, Outsourcing, Tax, Technology Transactions, and Private Equity.

Tips from the recruiter

1. Showcase relevant experience: Highlight experiences and transferable skills in your application materials that align directly with our vacation scheme and trainee programme.
2. Reflect firm values: Research MoFo’s core values and incorporate them into your application to show you’re a great addition.
3. Demonstrate firm knowledge: Understand MoFo London’s key practice areas, notable cases and recent news to effectively convey why you want to join and how you can contribute.

Diversity/inclusion