The 'incredibly smart, effective, responsive' team at Morrison Foerster is well-placed to handle appeals spanning IP, class action, antitrust, environmental law and ERISA. The group has particular expertise in IP appeals in the Federal Circuit, having successfully representing both patentees and defendants and presented over 75 oral arguments to the Court. Leadership is shared between a Washington, D.C.-based trio comprising Deanne Maynard, Brian Matsui and Joseph Palmore. Maynard recently led on a standout matter representing Walmart in a case in Texas state court alleging the misappropriation of trade secrets relating to Walmart’s mobile payment technology. Matsui, who garners client praise for his 'real mastery of the facts and law', has won 13 of his last 14 argued appeals in the Federal Circuit. James Sigel left the firm's San Francisco office in May 2024 and was replaced by Aileen McGrath, who joined from Akin, in July 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Incredibly smart, effective, responsive.’
‘Brian Matsui was fantastic. Incredibly smart, effective, responsive. Demonstrated a real mastery of the facts and law and skillfully explained all relevant substance and procedure in a way that made it accessible. Never had to think twice whether we were in capable hands.’
‘Honest, deliberate, and thoughtful assessments of critical matters - will creatively advise what to do and what not to do.’
‘Deanne Maynard gives practical advice on how to best succeed built from years of experience. Seth Lloyd intertwines his detailed knowledge of Federal Circuit practice with a robust understanding of the case law.’
Key clients
- County of El Dorado, California
- Malvern Panalytical
- Walmart
- Teradata
- C.R. Bard
- Spotify USA
- Boston Consulting Group and De Beers
- F5 Inc.
- VMware
- McKesson Corporation
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Joseph Palmore
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Aileen McGrath
Practice head
Deanne Maynard; Brian Matsui; Joseph Palmore
Other key lawyers
Aileen McGrath; Seth Lloyd