‘Experienced in working across different company stages’, Morrison Foerster’s emerging companies practice is also lauded for its ability to ’mentor inexperienced management teams’. Primarily sought after by start-ups and investors in the technology sector, where it can join up with the wider firm’s top-tier industry offering, it also demonstrates strong activity in the life sciences, and food and beverage arenas. The team added a raft of new clients during 2023/24 on the back of of a series of high-profile lateral hires. Most notably, new department co-chair Peter Fusco joined in New York from Goodwin, while ‘impeccable lawyer’ Chuck Cotter arrived in Denver from Holland & Hart LLP. The department is additionally co-led from San Francisco by high-profile industry specialist Michael Glaser, whose ’counsel is always incisive and on point’, and Murray Indick, who provides full-spectrum advice to start-ups, growth companies, and investors. In Palo Alto, Timothy Harris is noted for his advice to companies and investors on venture capital financings, corporate governance, and technology development. Jim Krenn is an accomplished partner in San Diego.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team has been exceptional. We had the benefit of great solutions for our start-up from the day we incorporated, delivered at a pace, which matched our own breakneck speed, without any hiccups or delays.’
- ‘The practice is a reflection of Michael Glaser, its outstanding co-chair. The team is extremely professional, responsive, and coordinated. Under Michael's expert guidance, it delivers a very high standard of service and advice. As a founder and start-up CEO, I would recommend it without reservation.’
- ‘Experienced in working across different company stages and gives advice outside of just deal-specific engagements. For example, it has kept us abreast of relevant regulatory obligations that become relevant as we have grown. They also have sufficient breadth to give advice on HR, compensation, and IP.’
- ‘Provides incredibly detailed insight into market terms for fundraising. Able to mentor inexperienced management teams through significant fundraises.’
- ‘Murray Indick is a standout partner. He has an incredibly high level of inside knowledge into building fast-scaling companies. He helps to resolve internal team dynamics, manage the dynamics of investor relationships, and remains accessible and professional throughout.’
- ‘Timothy Harris is an exceptional venture capital lawyer, who has come to be an extension to our in-house legal team. A true expert in the field, providing commercial and pragmatic advice that gets our deals executed seamlessly. His prodigious work ethic and unwavering client dedication sets him apart.’
- ‘Michael Glaser is a truly extraordinary lawyer. He has an extremely thorough command of the law and his counsel is always incisive and on point. He is responsive, judicious, considerate, and always acts with the utmost integrity.’
- ‘Chuck Cotter is deeply embedded in the industry and has his finger on the pulse of terms, upcoming brands, deal structure, and much more. We work with Chuck not only because he's an impeccable lawyer, but also has unique industry and transaction experience.’
Key clients
- 9amHealth
- Aliment Capital
- Anima Group
- Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation, LLC
- Autodesk Ventures
- Base10 Partners
- BetterUp
- Biopharmaceutical Research Company
- Capital One Ventures
- Carlsmed
Work highlights
- Advised start-up Hume AI on its $50m stock financing.
- Advised Rakuten Medical on its $119m stock financing.
- Advised Just Climate on its investment in the funding of Ascend Elements.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Murray Indick
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Jim Krenn
Practice head
Peter Fusco; Michael Glaser; Murray Indick
Other key lawyers
Timothy Harris; Jim Krenn; Chuck Cotter; Alfredo Silva