Morrison Foerster

• “As a summer associate, I was given the opportunity to work on multiple substantive assignments for both criminal and civil antitrust matters. I completed legal research assignments, worked on chronology development for a large MDL [multidistrict litigation], attended and took notes at a deposition, and helped with client intake for an amicus brief on a pro bono matter.”
• “We had an intensive training program throughout the summer that involved adding value to teams, finding success internally, and delivering excellent work product. We also underwent writing boot camps and seminars multiple times throughout the summer. I conducted legal research, drafted several memoranda, and wrote portions of a motion for a summary judgment brief.”
• “MoFo provides summers with ample training and mentorship opportunities. For the most part, the summer program has a free market system, where associate liaisons help place you on projects with practice groups of interest. I experienced privacy law, government contracts, white collar, antitrust, employment law, and IP [intellectual property], all in the span of 10 weeks!”
• “The firm struck a good balance of giving me substantive assignments that actually contributed to ongoing matters but not making me feel like I'd been thrown into the deep end. I received plenty of guidance on each assignment to make sure I succeeded.”

• “The firm had a lot of social events during my summer associate program. A particular highlight was the boat party at the end of the summer. Many attorneys were present at the events, including associates at all levels and partners. People were friendly and approachable and open to discussing their practice.”
• “I thought that the New York office did a great job! We had at least one to two events per week, there was always food and drink, and they were always really fun. … MoFo summer classes are also always pretty small (my class was 25, and we were considered big for the NY office), and so you get to know everyone really well, and many of us came back. We actually meet up once a month with the people from our summer class who started at the firm.”
• “During my summer, there was one large weekly event (concerts, boat tours, dinners, etc.). There were smaller events during the work week, from breakfasts and lunches to casual social hours. Almost everyone got along really well, and the summer class really looked out for one another!”
• “The social events were always fun, and it was always easy to connect with both firm attorneys and members of my summer associate class. It was easy to approach everyone from partners to junior-level associates.”

• “I think I expected not to do pro bono projects until I had been with the firm for a few months. However, my first MoFo project was pro bono in immigration. So, as a corporate associate, I found that the project was a welcome surprise.”
• “I have been pleasantly surprised by the free market system of getting work. There are no formally assigned practice groups. If you want to work with a certain partner, ask them out for coffee and see if they have anything coming down the pipe that you can help on.”
• “Less structure on finding projects (over the summer they held your hand more to make sure you always had work opportunities). But I've been surprised at how quickly everyone has treated me like a part of the team, with respect and trust.”
• “Now that the drama of picking a practice group is over, I have enjoyed being embedded in one group. I got the group I would have chosen, and I think it's easier to get substantive assignments and forge relationships when you are narrowly focused on a small group of people. One thing I was surprised by is how much it is on us to get work. We have a work coordinator technically, but in reality, we are solely responsible for managing our workload and finding assignments. That part is a bit daunting when you're brand new to the firm and don't quite understand how the culture works yet.”

Why MoFo?

Real Work: You’ll receive a mix of assignments tailored to your interest, ranging from writing briefs, motions, contracts, and client memoranda to assisting in drafting and negotiation sessions, helping with depositions and witness preparation, performing due diligence in transactions, and working on pro bono assignments. 

Real Skills: Our program is designed to give you the necessary tools and skills to succeed and provide a realistic view into what a MoFo career might look like. You’ll participate in tailored learning and development programs that’ll introduce you to the full capabilities of the firm. 

Real Guidance: You’ll be assigned mentors to help you acclimate to the firm and introduce you to the team members in their practice group and office. Our attorneys understand the importance of providing students guidance and a welcoming environment where you’re encouraged to ask questions and contribute to the team.