{"id":14672,"date":"2026-08-19T10:21:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T10:21:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/?post_type=profiles&#038;p=14672"},"modified":"2026-09-23T13:40:31","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T13:40:31","slug":"morrison-foerster","status":"publish","type":"profiles","link":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/profiles\/morrison-foerster\/","title":{"rendered":"Morrison &amp; Foerster"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","jurisdictions":[],"countries":[],"cities":[],"firms_companies":[],"universities_colleges":[],"lex_survey_questions":[],"publications":[828],"tc_location":[],"class_list":["post-14672","profiles","type-profiles","status-publish","hentry","publications-future-lawyers-2026-27"],"acf":[],"featured_image_urls":{},"appp_media":null,"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"lex-profile-list-intro\"><div class=\"letterhead\">\n            \n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"styled\">Morrison &amp; Foerster<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/morrison-foerster-2022.jpg\" alt=\"Morrison &amp; Foerster law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/morrison-foerster-2022.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> 52 Lime Street, The Scalpel, London, EC3M 7AF<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.mofo.com\/\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: LNRecruiting@mofo.com?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.mofo.com\/\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div><div class=\"instagram contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-instagram\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-instagram\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mofo_londongrad\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Morrison &amp; Foerster is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 3 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-salary-benefits-and-reward-package-is-good\/' target='_blank'> Salary<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/my-experience-with-pro-bono-and-or-csr-opportunities-at-the-firm-has-been-valuable\/' target='_blank'> Pro bono<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/your-firm-is-committed-to-creating-a-diverse-and-inclusive-workplace\/' target='_blank'> Inclusiveness<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"apply-buttons\">\n<div class=\"grad_web\"><button class=\"grad-rec\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-grad-site\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/careers.mofo.com\/london-trainee-programme\">Visit Graduate Recruitment Site<\/a><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\n                    \n        <\/div><span class=\"profile-link\">View Profile<\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"below_title":"<div class=\"letterhead\"><div class=\"letterhead\">\n            \n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"styled\">Morrison &amp; Foerster<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/morrison-foerster-2022.jpg\" alt=\"Morrison &amp; Foerster law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/morrison-foerster-2022.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> 52 Lime Street, The Scalpel, London, EC3M 7AF<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.mofo.com\/\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: LNRecruiting@mofo.com?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.mofo.com\/\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div><div class=\"instagram contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-instagram\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-instagram\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mofo_londongrad\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Morrison &amp; Foerster is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 3 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-salary-benefits-and-reward-package-is-good\/' target='_blank'> Salary<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/my-experience-with-pro-bono-and-or-csr-opportunities-at-the-firm-has-been-valuable\/' target='_blank'> Pro bono<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/your-firm-is-committed-to-creating-a-diverse-and-inclusive-workplace\/' target='_blank'> Inclusiveness<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"apply-buttons\">\n<div class=\"grad_web\"><button class=\"grad-rec\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-grad-site\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/careers.mofo.com\/london-trainee-programme\">Visit Graduate Recruitment Site<\/a><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\n                    \n        <\/div><\/div><div class=\"survey-scores\"><h2 style=\"color: #111;\">Trainee Feedback<\/h2>\r\n<ul style=\"list-type:none; color: #111;\">\r\n<li style=\"width:84.9%\">84.9<span class=\"score-title\">Work quality<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:84.5%\">84.5<span class=\"score-title\">Client contact<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:%\">87.6<span class=\"score-title\">Vac. Scheme<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:87.6%\">87.6<span class=\"score-title\">Inclusiveness<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:85.8%\">85.8<span class=\"score-title\">Approachability<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"profile-content-1\"> \n<article id=\"post-14672\" class=\"post-14672 profiles type-profiles status-publish hentry publications-future-lawyers-2026-27\">\n\t\n\t<header class=\"entry-header\">\n\t\t\n\t<\/header><!-- .entry-header -->\n\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n<div class=\"survey-results tab-listing\">  \n   \n        \n<h2>Survey Results - Trainee feedback on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Morrison &amp; Foerster<\/span><\/h2>\n\n           <style>\n#chartdiv {\n  width: 100%;\n  height: 800px;\n}\n\n<\/style>\n            \n  <!-- Resources -->\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/core.js\"><\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/charts.js\"><\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/themes\/animated.js\"><\/script>\n            \n<!-- HTML -->\n<div id=\"chartdiv\"><\/div>\n        \n<!-- Chart code -->\n<script>\n\/\/ Themes begin\nam4core.useTheme(am4themes_animated);\n\/\/ Themes end\n\n\/\/ Create chart instance\nvar chart = am4core.create(\"chartdiv\", am4charts.XYChart3D);\n\n\/\/ Add data\nchart.data = [{\n  \"question\": \"Satisfaction\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate your overall job satisfaction?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Expectations\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How far has the firm lived up to your expectations?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Work quality\",\n  \"result\": \"84.9\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the quality of work you are given?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Client contact\",\n  \"result\": \"84.5\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate your amount of client contact?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Work\/life\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How happy are you with your work\/life balance?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Social life\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How good is your firm\u2019s social life?\" \n},\n\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Vac. Scheme\",\n  \"result\": \"87.6\",\n  \"explanation\": \"If you did a vacation scheme with your firm, how would you rate it?\" \n},\n\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Confidence\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How confident are you that you will be kept on at the end of your training contract?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Remuneration\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How satisfied are you with your financial remuneration?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Inclusiveness\",\n  \"result\": \"87.6\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the inclusiveness of your workplace environment?\" \n},\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Approachability\",\n  \"result\": \"85.8\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How approachable are your supervisors?\" \n}];\n\n\/\/ Create axes\nvar categoryAxis = chart.yAxes.push(new am4charts.CategoryAxis());\ncategoryAxis.dataFields.category = \"question\";\ncategoryAxis.numberFormatter.numberFormat = \"#\";\ncategoryAxis.renderer.inversed = true;\n\nvar valueAxis = chart.xAxes.push(new am4charts.ValueAxis()); \n\nvalueAxis.title.text = \"Survey Score (\/100)\";\nvalueAxis.min = 0;\nvalueAxis.max = 100;\n\n\/\/ Create series\nvar series = chart.series.push(new am4charts.ColumnSeries3D());\nseries.dataFields.valueX = \"result\";\nseries.dataFields.categoryY = \"question\";\nseries.name = \"Income\";\nseries.columns.template.propertyFields.fill = \"color\";\nseries.columns.template.tooltipText = \"{explanation} {valueX}\";\nseries.columns.template.column3D.stroke = am4core.color(\"#fff\");\nseries.columns.template.column3D.strokeOpacity = 0.2;\n<\/script>\n\n\n<\/div>        \n        \n           \n\t\t\n\t\t    <h2 class=\"tab-listing\">The lowdown - Trainees (in their own words) on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Morrison &amp; Foerster<\/span><\/h2>\n        <p><p><strong>Why did you choose to join this firm?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018I wanted to work in Big Law at an elite US firm with an international client base\u2019, \u2018the London office is relatively small within the context of a much wider international firm\u2019, \u2018the lean intake, strong open-door culture, and cutting-edge matters for household names\u2019, \u2018its international stronghold, especially in Asia (Singapore, Tokyo offices)\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What is the best thing about the firm?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018Flat hierarchy and approachable partners who provide support\u2019, \u2018the teams are really small which gives you more exposure to partners and work\u2019, \u2018the supportive culture and the fact that people at all levels are approachable\u2019, \u2018lean intake means trainees immediately receive work that is tantamount to NQ\/junior associate level work\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What could the firm do to improve?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018Greater communication about the training contract\u2019, \u2018more visibility around seat choices\u2019, \u2018have more international secondment opportunities and be more transparent about qualification\/likelihood of retention\u2019, \u2018practice area-specific training\u2019, \u2018perhaps having more consistency in terms of regular check-ins and oversight\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u00a0has been\u00a0the best moment of your training?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018Having the opportunity to meet international clients in person\u2019,\u00a0\u2018having a supervisor who was at the top\u00a0of\u00a0her game;\u00a0as I earned her\u00a0trust, she gave me increasingly sophisticated work\u2019,\u00a0\u2018taking the lead on a matter and being the main point of contact for opposing counsel\u2019,\u00a0\u2018strengthening a client relationship between the firm and a household name tech client\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What has been the most challenging moment of your training?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018At times, managing constant late nights and busy workdays\u2019, \u2018reviewing and analysing large volumes of complex contracts for the first time\u2019, \u2018balancing the speed of work with the quality of work product has been the most challenging\u2019, \u2018trying to stay ahead of the market and geopolitical tides in terms of strategising seats\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n                \n               \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"verdict\">The Lex 100 verdict on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Morrison &amp; Foerster<\/span><\/h2>\n       \n        \n      \n             \n        <p>    \n\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Morrison Foerster offers a compelling mix of high-end\u00a0US firm work, lean\u00a0teams\u00a0and a notably approachable culture. Respondents were drawn to the firm\u2019s \u2018strong focus on technology transactions\u2019,\u00a0its \u2018big tech clients\u2019 and the chance to work on \u2018cutting-edge matters for household names\u2019,\u00a0with several highlighting\u00a0MoFo\u2019s\u00a0impressive\u00a0international platform, particularly its strength in Asia.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What appears to set the firm apart, however, is the way it combines its high-calibre work with a \u2018friendly, non-hierarchical culture\u2019. MoFo is \u2018friendly, approachable, inclusive and down-to-earth, while still being unmistakably driven by hard work and a commitment to delivering excellence\u2019. What&#8217;s more, trainees find it \u2018refreshing\u2019 to work at the highest level \u2018without some of the things that are often associated with that kind of environment in a law firm, such as hierarchy, competitiveness and excessive formality\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The lean intake is another defining feature\u00a0of\u00a0MoFo. Trainees report receiving work \u2018tantamount to NQ\/junior associate level\u2019 early on, with \u2018tangible client-facing opportunities\u2019,\u00a0and scope to build substantive responsibility quickly. Highlights included being\u00a0trusted to send work directly to a major client, presenting alongside a partner at a client\u2019s offices, and even managing workstreams on \u2018major high-profile matters\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That level of responsibility does come with pressure. Trainees cited \u2018tough\u2019 hours, with one noting having \u2018consistently worked very long hours for a one-month period\u2019. The most challenging moments included \u2018balancing the competing demands of being in a split seat, during a busy period\u2019 and managing work with \u2018tight deadlines\u2019. Others flagged \u2018uncertainty around qualification\u2019 and called for more transparency around seat choices, qualification and retention, as well as more practice-area-specific training and international secondment opportunities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For those who want early exposure to sophisticated tech-focused work in a smaller, collegiate London office, MoFo\u2019s offer is distinctive: serious responsibility, standout clients and a culture that manages to stay genuinely human.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n        \n             \n                \n        \t\t<p>        \n              \n\n\n           \n        \n         \t\t \n\t\t <h2 id=\"ditl\">A day in the life of... Safwan Akbar, Trainee Solicitor<\/h2>\n\t\t <p><img height=\"200\" width=\"200\" alt=\"Safwan Akbar, Morrison &amp; Foerster\" class=\"ditl-photo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/Untitled-1-7.gif\"\/>\t\t <p><strong>Departments to date:<\/strong> Data Privacy\/Technology Transactions; Litigation<\/p>         \n\t\t         \n\t\t <p><strong>Degree:<\/strong> History<\/p>    <\/p>  \n\t\t <p><p><strong>8:15am: <\/strong>The morning starts with story time with my one-year-old daughter. Today she\u2019s particularly keen on reading \u201cOh, the Places You&#8217;ll Go!\u201d 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 &#8211; 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>9:30am: <\/strong>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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>9:35am:<\/strong>\u00a0At my desk, I review any new emails that have come in overnight from MoFo\u2019s 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\u2019s treatise focused on human rights within the business landscape. I then skim through the morning\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>9:45am:<\/strong>\u00a0I 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\u2019s approach to various matters, fostering a natural osmosis of skills and practical training throughout the day.<\/p>\n<p><strong>10:00am:<\/strong>\u00a0The litigation team gathers for a scheduled training and check-in session, with today\u2019s focus on \u201cPrivilege in Investigations.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>10:45am:\u202f<\/strong>On my way back from the training session, I stop by the office of another trainee. MoFo\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>11:00am:<\/strong>\u00a0My 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\u2019s bespoke AI Assistant tool for an initial search of relevant legislation and case law, and supplement this with research from the firm\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>12:30pm:<\/strong>\u00a0 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\u2019s queries, I review the recent <em>Merricks<\/em> judgment from the Competition Appeal Tribunal and incorporate relevant insights into the draft.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1:30pm:<\/strong>\u00a0With 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\u2019s allocated meditation room.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2:00pm:<\/strong>\u00a0Upon returning to my office, I make my way to the office of one of MoFo\u2019s 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\u2019s open-door policy and horizontal structure enable me to check in directly with the partner for clarification and instructions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4:00pm<\/strong>: I head upstairs to our London Office Social Committee\u2019s Churros &amp; Gelato event and catch up with some colleagues from my previous seat in data privacy and technology transactions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4:30pm:<\/strong>\u00a0Back at my desk, I turn to a separate matter and conduct a review of the week\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>5:30pm:<\/strong>\u00a0Trial 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>5:45pm:<\/strong>\u00a0I grab a quick decaf mocha from the coffee machine and head downstairs to meet with a counsel in MoFo\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>6:30pm:<\/strong>\u00a0I 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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t \n        \n                <h2 id=\"about\">About the firm<\/h2>\n        <p><p><strong>The firm:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The clients:<\/strong> Amazon, OpenAI, SoftBank Group Corp., One Investment Management, Quantinuum, Coral Tree Partners, Fujitsu, TP ICAP.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The deals:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Fujitsu Services Limited in all matters arising out of the issues being examined by the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry.<\/li>\n<li>SoftBank Group Corp. (&#8220;SoftBank&#8221;), as lead investor in a Series D funding round in UK-based autonomous driving company Wayve, valuing Wayve at USD $8.5 billion.<\/li>\n<li>SoftBank Group Corp. on its agreement with ABB Ltd, to acquire ABB\u2019s robotics business for US $5.375 billion.\u00a0 The transaction involved the carve-out and acquisition of a leading international robotics and automation division from a Swiss-listed multinational industrial group.<\/li>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<li>Uber Technologies Inc, on multiple transactions including its acquisition of Dantaxi, Denmark\u2019s largest traditional taxi company from private equity investor Triton and its agreement to acquire Blacklane GmbH (\u201cBlacklane\u201d), as Uber continues its expansion into luxury and executive travel.<\/li>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<li>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\u2019s controlling shareholder, Stena Adactum.<\/li>\n<li>Altera Infrastructure Voyager Holdings Limited, a global leader in offshore energy infrastructure services, in its $464,000,000 private placement of Senior Notes.<\/li>\n<li>Tate &amp; Lyle PLC, an FTSE 250 global supplier of food and beverage products for the food and industrial markets, in its $300,000,000 and \u20ac275,000,000 private placement of Senior Notes.<\/li>\n<li>Bidcorp Foodservice (Europe) Ltd., a foodservice and product distributor for the hospitality, institutional, catering and retail sectors, in its \u20ac150,000,000 private placement of Senior Notes. The capital will be used to refinance existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.<\/li>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<li>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\u2019s existing term loan facility.<\/li>\n<li>As one of the world\u2019s 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&amp;A deals.<\/li>\n<li>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\u2019s internal compliance approach, including by preparing templates on risk assessments.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Managing partner: <\/strong>Ben Summerfield<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other offices: <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who we are:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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\u2019ll build a future that is uniquely yours.<\/p>\n<p>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 \u2013 whether established for decades or just an entrepreneur\u2019s idea \u2013 as they grow, innovate, disrupt, and develop into leading industry players and household names.<\/p>\n<p>Working in the heart of London\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>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\u00a0<em>Chambers<\/em>,\u00a0<em>The Legal 500<\/em>, and\u00a0<em>Best Lawyers<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What we do:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What we&#8217;re looking for:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll do:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>During your training contract, you\u2019ll 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Perks:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>25 days\u2019 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.<\/p>\n<\/p>         \n              \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"other\">Diversity\/inclusion<\/h2>\n\t  \n      <div id=\"diversity\"><p><strong>Inclusive to the Core<\/strong><br \/>\nMorrison Foerster is a place where you can be your personal and professional best. Belonging and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do, core values of our culture and our ethos. We are an international firm with a global inclusivity strategy that is tailored to regional and local needs, while maintaining a one-firm approach, reflective of our people and the communities we serve.<\/p>\n<p>Find out more by visiting our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofo.com\/culture\/diversity\">website<\/a>, to learn more about our inclusive initiatives.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Every Voice Is Heard<\/strong><br \/>\nFor over 40 years, MoFo has been committed to creating a work environment that respects and celebrates differences, while fostering an inclusive community where everyone\u2019s contributions are valued. It is essential to who we are as a firm. By each bringing our diverse experiences and perspectives to work, we strengthen the quality of the service that we provide to our clients, the legal profession and our communities.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve been a long-time champion for inclusivity within the legal profession and take pride in the diverse perspectives that our people bring to the workplace. We believe that lawyers with different backgrounds, interests, and experiences work together to create better solutions and offer innovative perspectives for our clients. We continuously work to attract, develop, and retain talented lawyers from all backgrounds.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Affinity Groups<br \/>\n<\/strong>MoFo\u2019s Affinity Programme is made up of 12 cross-office, partner-led networks, and has over 30+ affinity groups that host in-office social gatherings, community impact initiatives, and programming for culturally significant events. All attorneys and business professionals are invited to join our Affinity Programme regardless of background or identity. In the London office specifically, we have affinity groups for members and allies of a range of communities, but all are open to everyone.<\/p>\n<p><strong>MoFo London\u2019s<\/strong> active LGBTQ+ affinity group, MoFo Proud, brings together members of this community and its allies. The LGBTQ+ affinity group provides a forum to discuss issues of concern to the LGBTQ+ community and works to advance networking opportunities within the London office and the broader firm, with clients and across the broader London business community. We\u2019re proud that our chair emeritus was the first openly gay managing partner of an international law firm.<\/p>\n<p><strong>MoFo Together<\/strong> aims to address\u00a0barriers to equal opportunity by raising awareness and providing dedicated support to help every individual at Morrison Foerster live their potential. Valuing, respecting, and celebrating cultural differences are fundamental to growing and sustaining an inclusive workforce as well as to improving the experience of underrepresented groups. MoFo Together seeks to do this, and more, by spearheading initiatives to create a great place to work.<\/p>\n<p><strong>MoFo Women<\/strong> holds events addressing global topics and regional ones, with a packed agenda of programmes for women and allies. The group offers a forum to explore and openly discuss topics that women face in the profession now and in the future. Our senior women lawyers in London also work closely with firm leadership, including the firm\u2019s chair, firmwide managing partners, and board of directors, to ensure that equal opportunity is a constant strategic priority.<\/p>\n<p><strong>MoFo Access\u2019s<\/strong> mission is to address barriers and accessibility challenges into the legal profession. Both internally and externally, MoFo Access supports the social mobility agenda while ensuring the firm extends this support beyond the workplace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n            \n      \n            \n                 \n            \n              \n       \n                 \n        \t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-## --><\/div><div class=\"profile-content-2\">   \r\n\r\n<div id=\"profile-contents\">\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">Contents<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"contents\">\r\n<li><a href=\"#verdict\">The verdict<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#ditl\">A day in the life of...<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#about\">About us<\/a><\/li>  <li><a href=\"#diversity\">Diversity\/inclusion<\/a><\/li>          \r\n<li><a href=\"#facts\">Facts and figures<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\r\n        \r\n<\/div> \r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"application-process\">\r\n \r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">Application process for Morrison &amp; Foerster<\/h2>\r\n<p>How: Applications for our Summer 2027 vacation scheme, for a training contract commencing in 2029, should be made\u00a0online via our website.<\/p>\n<p>What&#8217;s involved in application:<\/p>\n<p>Answer 3 long-answer questions as part of your application, if successful your first-stage interview will be with a member of the attorney recruitment team and two associates. This is typically a competency style interview with a couple of technical legal questions (if you are non-law don\u2019t panic! You can answer these questions from a commercial angle)<\/p>\n<p>The second stage is comprised of two parts. You will be asked to give a presentation on a current affairs topic to the training principal or member of our graduate and trainee committee; a partner or of counsel and current trainee. You will then be asked to complete a case study and discuss your responses with two further associates.<\/p>\n<p>Person in charge of recruitment: Rebecca Nasskau, Senior Manager, Attorney Recruiting.<\/p>\n<p>When: By 4 January 2027<\/p>\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n <div id=\"vacation-schemes\">\r\n  \r\n <h2 class=\"widget-title\">Vacation schemes at Morrison &amp; Foerster<\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>Summer Scheme 1:<\/strong> 14th June \u2013 25th June (apply by 4 January 2027)<\/p>\r\n  <p><strong>Summer Scheme 2:<\/strong> 28th June \u2013 9th July (apply by 4 January 2027)<\/p>\r\n  \r\n    \r\n    \r\n<div id=\"salary\"> \r\n \r\n  <h2 class=\"widget-title\">Salary at Morrison &amp; Foerster<\/h2>\r\n  <p><strong>First year salary:<\/strong> \u00a360,000<\/p>  <p><strong>Second year salary:<\/strong> \u00a365,000<\/p>  <p><strong>Newly qualified salary:<\/strong> USD $225,000<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n <div id=\"facts-figures\">\r\n \r\n  <h2 id=\"facts\" class=\"widget-title\">Facts and figures<\/h2>\r\n  <p><p>Total trainees: 11<\/p>\n<p>Trainee places available for 2029: 4<\/p>\n<p>Applications received pa: Approx 700<\/p>\n<p>Percentage interviewed: Approx 7%<\/p>\n<p>Turnover of the firm in 2025: US $1,540,800,000<\/p>\n<\/p>\r\n  \r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n      \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<!--\t  \r\n\r\n    \r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">If  were a fictional character it would be\u2026<\/h2>\r\n        \t\t\r\n<br><\/br>\r\n<br><\/br> -->\r\n\r\n   \r\n\r\n<div id=\"videos\">\r\n\r\n       \r\n\r\n        \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<!-- <div id=\"twitter-feed\">\r\n<a class=\"twitter-timeline\" data-height=\"550\" data-theme=\"light\" href=\"\"><\/a><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\r\n<\/div>  -->\r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n\t\r\n<\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profiles\/14672","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profiles"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/profiles"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14672"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"jurisdictions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/jurisdictions?post=14672"},{"taxonomy":"countries","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/countries?post=14672"},{"taxonomy":"cities","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cities?post=14672"},{"taxonomy":"firms_companies","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/firms_companies?post=14672"},{"taxonomy":"universities_colleges","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/universities_colleges?post=14672"},{"taxonomy":"lex_survey_questions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/lex_survey_questions?post=14672"},{"taxonomy":"publications","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/publications?post=14672"},{"taxonomy":"tc_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tc_location?post=14672"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}