Morrison & Foerster

Morrison & Foerster. Founded in San Francisco in 1883, the firm has grown into a global legal practice with a significant international footprint. It is recognized for its work in complex litigation, sophisticated corporate transactions, and cutting-edge technology law. The firm represents a diverse roster of clients, from Fortune 500 companies and major financial institutions to innovative startups and public sector entities.

History

The firm was established by Alexander Francis Morrison following his relocation from New York City to the burgeoning city of San Francisco. Its early growth was intertwined with the development of California's economy, particularly during the California Gold Rush and subsequent industrial expansion. A pivotal moment came in 1973 with a merger that created a presence in Washington, D.C., aligning the firm with the regulatory power of the federal government. Subsequent strategic expansions included opening an office in Tokyo in 1987, making it one of the first Am Law firms in Japan, and entering the London market in 1996 to serve the European Union and global financial centers. Further growth in Asia included launches in Beijing, Shanghai, and Singapore, solidifying its status in the Asia-Pacific region.

Practice areas

The firm maintains a full-service platform with several internationally recognized practice groups. Its corporate law department handles mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and venture capital financing, particularly for clients in the technology and life sciences sectors. The litigation practice is noted for its work in appellate law, white-collar crime defense, and complex securities litigation. A standout group is its global intellectual property practice, which prosecutes patents, manages trademark portfolios, and litigates high-stakes cases for innovators. Other key areas include a robust financial services regulatory practice, a leading privacy and data security team advising on laws like the General Data Protection Regulation, and a project finance group focused on renewable energy and infrastructure.

Notable cases and clients

The firm has been counsel in numerous landmark legal matters. It successfully defended Intel Corporation in a major antitrust suit brought by the Federal Trade Commission and represented Apple Inc. in significant patent litigation. In the financial realm, it has advised Goldman Sachs on complex regulatory matters and represented The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ in cross-border transactions. The firm acted for Uber Technologies in its initial public offering and has guided Alibaba Group on various corporate matters. Its pro bono work includes representing the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in civil rights cases and achieving a historic victory for marriage equality before the Supreme Court of the United States in the case of *Obergefell v. Hodges*.

Leadership and structure

The firm is structured as a limited liability partnership and is governed by a chairperson and a policy committee. Leadership has historically been drawn from its core practice areas, including veteran litigators and corporate partners from offices in San Francisco, New York City, and Washington, D.C.. Major strategic decisions, such as international expansion and practice group investments, are typically managed through this centralized governance. The firm emphasizes a collaborative culture across its offices, which is facilitated by integrated technology systems and firm-wide practice group management, allowing for the deployment of multidisciplinary teams on behalf of clients like Microsoft and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Recognition and rankings

The firm consistently ranks highly in industry publications such as *The American Lawyer*'s Am Law 100 and *The Legal 500*. It is routinely placed in Band 1 of *Chambers and Partners* for its intellectual property, privacy, and technology transactions practices. Individual attorneys are frequently listed as leaders in their fields by *Best Lawyers* and recognized as "IP Stars" by *Managing Intellectual Property* magazine. The firm has also received high marks for its diversity initiatives and pro bono commitment from the Human Rights Campaign and the Pro Bono Institute.

Offices

The firm operates 17 offices across the United States, Asia, and Europe. Its U.S. offices are located in major business and regulatory hubs, including San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Boston. In Asia, it maintains offices in Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Its European presence includes offices in London and Brussels, providing a base for engagements with the European Commission and the Court of Justice of the European Union.