Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions)

Morrison Foerster

Morrison Foerster is a key port of call for boards of directors in need of employment-related crisis management and assistance with executive employment disputes, whistleblower claims and internal investigations. The group is also active in class, collective and representative actions. San Francisco-based Eric Tate and Washington DC-based Andrew Turnbull are the duo responsible for heading up the team. Tate is often called upon by clients to assist with trade secrets, employee raiding and whistleblower litigation. Turnbull excels at litigating, investigations and advising companies on discrimination, harassment and whistleblower claims. Cooper Spinelli is also a notable name in the San Francisco office for his involvement in litigation focused on trade secrets and restrictive covenants. Tritia Murata departed in February 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The level of talent is high (smart, pragmatic, experienced, high level of professionalism), the work product is very strong, and the client interaction is top notch (responsive, direct, efficient).’
‘Eric Tate and Andrew Turnbull are at the top of their game. High level of expertise and bedside manner is also top.’
‘The firm clearly works well together as a team. They clearly look like they appreciate and enjoy working collectively with is important to me as that is one of the core values of my organization.’
‘Andrew Turnbull is exceptional. A trusted partner and very direct, responsive and knowledgeable.’
‘Great responsiveness, high caliber of expertise and strategic and practical advice.’
‘They have strong expertise in helping employers strategically navigate critical employment legal, HR and general personnel matters related to corporate transactions.’
‘The team is led by an extremely knowledgeable and experienced individual, Eric Tate, who combines expertise with excellent judgment and demeanor.’
'Morrison Foerster is an excellent labor and employment firm, with a deep bench of solid practitioners across many parts of the country. They are largely known for their west coast and litigation practices but have recently begun expanding to other areas.'

Key clients

Nakedwines.com
Lime
Nevro Corp.
F5 Networks
Arm
Alpine Investors
Staples
Rivian
Nikon America
Main Post Partners

Work highlights

Defended Nakedwines.com in a wrongful termination lawsuit originally filed in federal court by the company’s former president.

Defended Glydways in litigation by former CEO in California Superior Court, alleging breach of employment contract, wage payment violations, and other claims.

Acting as strategic counsel to Fearless Foundation in defending Section 1981 claims against their grant program for black women, brought by activist anti-DEI organization, AAER.

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