MoFo London
Your MoFo Story Starts Here...
Driven by Excellence
Where will your MoFo Story take you?
Allyship is Action
Inclusive to the Core
Pro Bono
Succeed As One
Why MoFo?
How to Apply and What to Expect
Where Will Your MoFo Story Take You?
Wellness
Committed to Service
Our Future Is Yours
Our Future is Yours
Choose MoFo, and you’ll find the legal career you deserve. Real matters. Real clients. Real experiences.
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Thrive in an environment that is inclusive to the core, where respect for people, ideas, and differences makes us stronger colleagues and advisors. Enjoy significant responsibility from early on in your career. Join a team that is committed to service, that makes a meaningful impact for our clients, communities, and society. Learn from mentors and peers alike. Exceptional people are hired, developed, and nurtured here.
Choose MoFo, and you’ll find the legal career you deserve.
Real matters.
Real clients.
Real experiences.
No matter where you start your MoFo story, the firm supports charting a career path that aligns with your interests and passions. Our collaborative approach to working across borders, practice areas, and industries ensures that we succeed as one firm. While each of our 2,200+ legal and business professionals have unique goals, we are united in our commitment to delivering results that best serve each other, our clients, and our communities.
No matter where you start your MoFo story, the firm supports charting a career path that aligns with your interests and passions. Our collaborative approach to working across borders, practice areas, and industries ensures that we succeed as one firm. While each of our 2,200+ legal and business professionals has unique goals, we are united in our commitment to delivering results that best serve each other, our clients, and our communities.
Morrison Foerster in London continues to go from strength-to-strength.For five consecutive years, our office has enjoyed annual growth of over 20%. Our team of around 100 exceptional lawyers handles top-of-market, cross-border mandates for global clients, and is central to our sustained success. We’re incredibly proud that our achievements are rooted in our collaborative and collegiate culture, and we are excited to work with and support the next generation of lawyers as we continue our journey in London.
Annabel Gillham and Andrew Boyd, Co-Managing Partners, London
Succeed as One
MoFo Values: A strong culture doesn't happen by chance.
Get to know who we are and why there really is a MoFo difference.
Work with the Best...
...and Do Your Best Work.
Morrison Foerster transforms complexity into advantage. With our collective intelligence, we shape powerful legal strategies that move our clients’ businesses forward while living our shared values. Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, Fortune 100 companies, and leading technology and life sciences companies. We represent organisations – whether established for decades or just an entrepreneur’s idea – as they grow, innovate, disrupt, and develop into leading industry players and household names.
At MoFo, you have the opportunity to work with and learn from the best legal minds in the industry. From early on, you’ll get exposure to training, support, and exciting projects where you’ll gain practical skills and make lifelong connections. Here, you’re encouraged to go beyond just embracing ideas to playing an active role in creating new ones.
Diversity
MoFo Values
Get to know who we are, and why there really is a MoFo difference.
Morrison Foerster transforms complexity into advantage. With our collective intelligence, we shape powerful legal strategies that move our client’s businesses forward while living our shared values. Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, Fortune 100 companies, and leading technology and life sciences companies. We represent organizations – whether established for decades or just an entrepreneur’s idea – as they grow, innovate, disrupt, and develop into leading industry players and household names.
Trainees are valued members of every team at MoFo – we are always encouraged to ask questions and voice our opinions. This culture has allowed me to develop my skills and confidence, and make the most of my training contract.
Emily Duffy MoFo Trainee
What We Look For
How to Apply
Celebrate Diversity
“MoFo's competitive advantage is that it values substance over appearances. In my summer there, I was pleased to discover that no games, politics, hierarchies, or egos impeded my ability to get involved, get working, get networking, and have a fantastic experience. This environment empowered me to do my best work and develop strong relationships within the firm.”
Palo Alto Summer Associate
San Diego Summer Associate
“I am so grateful for this experience and I know I will return to law school a better and smarter version of myself.”
“The things that really made my summer special (not ranked in order): (1) ability to work on many, short diverse substantive matters, (2) ability to work on pro bono matters, (3) ability to improve my writing and research skills, (4) having a good mix of social events/assignments, (5) being able to interact with the other summer associates, (6) being able to interact with attorneys outside the office, (7) getting to know the ins and out of the office (whether through work assignments or through conversations with attorneys), (8) attorneys making the work seem feasible, (9) attorneys being clear about expectations while also being respectful of time, (10) sense of collegiality throughout the office.”
Los Angeles Summer Associate
Boston Summer Associate
“I can't speak highly enough of the mentorship at MoFo – I was really impressed with how excited the mentors were to have us around, and I could 100% sense that they were looking out for our best interests.”
1,000+
Lawyers across 17 offices in the United States, Asia, and Europe
Deal of the Year Finalist
LexisNexis Legal Awards 2025
15
Practice area rankings in The Legal 500 UK 2025, with 43 individual recognitions
Deal of the Year
LexisNexis 2024 Legal Awards
Practice area rankings in the latest edition of Legal 500 UK, with over 60 individual recognitions
Lawyers across 18 offices in the United States, Asia, and Europe
What Our Trainees Say
High-quality work, alongside a welcoming and friendly culture at all levels of seniority, makes MoFo a special place to start your career.
Sakshi Rai, MoFo Trainee
On my first day I was already working directly with partners; by the end of the first week I had two pro bono projects.
William Quamina, MoFo Trainee
A Story of Doing Good
An essential part of the MoFo difference is our tradition of service in the public interest. We use our talents in a range of pro bono activities, from staffing legal service clinics, to counselling hundreds of nonprofit organisations, to handling high-impact litigation. We approach pro bono work the same as our billable work – with passion, dedication, and an exacting standard of service – simply because that’s who we are.
Femi Omisore MoFo Trainee
Pro bono work is a great opportunity to develop your skills as a trainee and interact with clients. The firm has a wide variety of pro bono matters you can get involved with, even as a trainee.
MoFo Attorneys Are Deeply Committed to Pro Bono Work
At Morrison Foerster, pro bono work is part of our DNA. Our dedicated pro bono team and our London Pro Bono Committee provide frequent opportunities for London trainees and associates to work on both domestic and international matters, ranging from providing direct services to low-income individuals, to counselling nonprofit organisations, to advising at law clinics. Attorneys in our London office partner with a variety of organisations on pro bono projects, such as Advocates for International Development, TrustLaw, JUSTICE, PILnet, Asylum Aid, Zacchaeus 2000 Trust (Z2K), The Chancery Lane Project, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Nature Conservancy, Prime Advocates, and the Public International Law & Policy Group.
Watch
Our latest pro bono video and learn about the remarkable work our lawyers have undertaken to help make an impact.
View
Our interactive pro bono brochure and learn about the remarkable work our lawyers have undertaken to help make an impact.
Listen
MoFo trial Partner Arturo González discusses his extensive experience handling civil rights cases involving police misconduct.
MoFo Attorneys are Deeply Committed to Pro Bono Work
At Morrison Foerster, pro bono work is part of our DNA. Our dedicated pro bono team and our London Pro Bono Committee provide frequent opportunities for London trainees and associates to work on both domestic and international matters, ranging from providing direct services to low-income individuals, to counseling nonprofit organisations, to advising at law clinics. Lawyers in our London office partner with a variety of organisations on pro bono projects, including Zacchaeus 2000 Trust (Z2K), The Chancery Lane Project, The Center for Reproductive Rights, The Nature Conservancy, Prime Advocates, Public International Policy Group, Advocates for International Development, and Asylum Aid. The London office is a member of the Collaborative Plan for Pro Bono in the UK, a law firm-led initiative to promote pro bono work, in which members commit to strive for an average of 25 pro bono hours per attorney, per year in their UK offices. Last year, our lawyers from London averaged over 51 pro bono hours per attorney. Examples of work our London-based lawyers have undertaken include:
The Center for Reproductive Rights
Supporting the Kenya office of the Center for Reproductive Rights in a variety of ways to assist it in its mission of advancing reproductive rights and maternal health in Kenya. This has included drafting an amicus brief on an important case at the High Court of Kenya on behalf of an adolescent who died after suffering from complications from an unsafe abortion. The case resulted in a landmark ruling issued by the High Court of Kenya that strengthens access to safe abortion in Kenya, where, on average, seven women and girls die from unsafe abortions every day.
Social Finance
Collaborating on disability benefit appeals with Z2K, a London-wide charity working to combat poverty. Since the partnership began in early 2018, numerous members of the London office — including partners, associates, trainees, and paralegals — have worked on cases for low-income, disabled clients who were receiving disability benefits that were inadequate to cover their needs. To date, we have taken on 76 individual cases, with a success rate of over 90% for those cases that have gone to hearing.
Zacchaeus 2000 Trust (Z2K)
Advising Social Finance, a not-for-profit organisation that partners with the government, the social sector, and the financial community to find better ways to tackle social problems. MoFo has worked with Social Finance on various projects, including structuring a development impact bond focused on decreasing infant mortality in Cameroon.
Commended Firm
Pro Bono Initiative of the Year The Lawyer Awards 2024
per London attorney in 2023
Attorney hours devoted to pro bono in 2023
100
77 Pro Bono Hours
Pro Bono Connect Award
LawWorks 2024
71 Pro Bono Hours
Per London lawyer in 2024
International Firm of the Year for Pro Bono
Euromoney Legal Media Group’s Women in Business Law Awards 2025
66,615
Lawyer hours devoted to pro bono in 2024
Every Voice is Heard
At Morrison Foerster, we place a high value on the varied perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas that our lawyers offer when it comes to serving our clients, colleagues, and communities. We’re certain that you’ll find numerous ways to connect with our talented group of legal professionals through networking events, speaking engagements, affinity groups, community engagement, and pro bono initiatives. Our priority will always be fostering a workplace where every story matters and every voice is heard.
Margaret Babalola & Stephanie Pong Associates & Co-Chairs of MoFo Together
“Tackling the underrepresentation of ethnic minorities in the legal sector and promoting an inclusive culture at MoFo are high priorities for our affinity group.”
Morrison Foerster is a place where you can be your personal and professional best; belonging and inclusion is in our DNA. It’s at the heart of everything we do, a core value of our ethos. We are an international firm with a global inclusivity strategy that is tailored to regional and local needs, while maintaining a one-firm approach, reflective of our people and the communities we serve.
“At Morrison Foerster, we remain dedicated to breaking down barriers to equal opportunity. We embrace the unique differences and shared strengths of our people, seek the best talent from all backgrounds, and strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive. We believe an inclusive and engaging workplace is essential to unlocking the full potential of our team and delivering exceptional legal services to our clients.”
Natalie Kernisant Chief Workplace Experience Officer
Ranked first overall among firms with 601+ lawyers in
Law360
's 2022 Diversity
Snapshot. MoFo also tops the list of biggest law firms with the most diverse equity partners.
Our Meet MoFo Global Litigation Department Co-Chair video with Christine Wong
13x
2022 Best Law Firm for Women Seramount
100%
rating on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index in 2023, marking the 20th year of inclusion as one of the best places to work for LGBTQ+ equality
37%
of lawyers promoted to partner worldwide in the past 6 years have been women
TOP 3
firm for partner diversity Law.com International’s 2023 UK Diversity Survey
Top Law Firm
most LGBTQ+ associates and trainees Law.com International’s 2024 UK LGBTQ+ rankings
Affinity Groups
MoFo Together aims to address barriers to equal opportunity by raising awareness and providing dedicated support to help every individual at Morrison Foerster live their potential. Valuing, respecting, and celebrating cultural differences are fundamental to growing and sustaining an inclusive workforce as well as to improving the experience of underrepresented groups. MoFo Together seeks to do this, and more, by spearheading initiatives to create a great place to work.
MoFo Women holds events addressing global topics and regional ones, with a packed agenda of programmes for women and allies. The group offers a forum to explore and openly discuss topics that women face in the profession now and in the future. Our senior women lawyers in London also work closely with firm leadership, including the firm’s chair, firmwide managing partners, and board of directors, to ensure that equal opportunity is a constant strategic priority.
MoFo London’s active LGBTQ+ affinity group, MoFo Proud, brings together members of this community and its allies. The LGBTQ+ affinity group provides a forum to discuss issues of concern to the LGBTQ+ community and works to advance networking opportunities within the London office and the broader firm, with clients and across the broader London business community. We’re proud that our chair emeritus was the first openly gay managing partner of an international law firm.
Our Commitment
MoFo seeks to be a workplace that supports mental health and well-being. Over the last few years, we have taken steps to integrate mental health as a firmwide priority. MoFo has invested in training, resources, professional development, and benefits to support workplace mental health but recognises that this is a journey that will need continued focus and action. As we look ahead to the future, we are committed to promoting an environment across MoFo that fosters everyone’s inclusion and well-being; we know this is imperative to a successful career in the profession.
Whether that’s forming special task forces to tackle issues of racial injustice, seeking new ways to amplify diverse voices, or partnering with legal partners and nonprofits to help those underserved in our communities and underrepresented in the legal profession. Learn more about how MoFo is putting allyship in action and responding to racial injustice.
MoFo seeks to be a workplace that supports mental health and well-being. Over the last few years, we have taken steps to integrate mental health as a firmwide priority. MoFo has invested in training, resources, professional development, and benefits to support workplace mental health, but recognises that this is a journey that will need continued focus and action. As we look ahead to the future, we are committed to promoting an environment across MoFo that fosters everyone’s inclusion and well-being; we know this is imperative to a successful career in the profession.
Well-Being at MoFo London
The firm’s Mental Health Steering Committee provides resources, sponsors training, and develops communications designed to encourage adoption of best practices for a mentally healthy workplace across the firm. Several lawyers and business professionals are trained Mental Health First Aiders which demonstrates the firms’ commitment to well-being. In addition, we have a partnership with Marquee Health, which provides all MoFo employees with access to a health coach and reflects our firm’s belief that health needs to be based on a balance of physical, financial, and mental well-being. We’ve partnered with Marquee Health and Virgin Pulse to run inter-office challenges that encourage and promote well-being, including exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness. Colleagues, including trainees, also have access to Talkspace and online counselling at the touch of a button. We also have benefits such as our Employee Assistance programme, which provides confidential emotional support, legal guidance, financial information, and support (which includes virtual and on-demand). We have dedicated wellness spaces in our office, which colleagues can utilise whenever they need them, as well as access to our wellness portal and Calm app. Colleagues can also access the Walking on Earth (WONE) app, which tailors recommendations to meet individual needs across mental fitness, physical activity, and nutritional health.
The firm's Mental Health Steering Committee provides resources, sponsors training, and develops communications designed to encourage adoption of best practices for a mentally healthy workplace across the firm. Several lawyers and business professionals are trained Mental Health First Aiders, which demonstrates the firm’s commitment to well-being. In addition, we have a partnership with Marquee Health, which provides all MoFo employees with access to a health coach and reflects our firm's belief that health needs to be based on a balance of physical, financial, and mental well-being. We've partnered with Marquee Health and Virgin Pulse to run inter-office challenges that encourage and promote well-being, including exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness. Colleagues, including trainees, also have access to Talkspace and online counselling at the touch of a button. We also have benefits such as our Employee Assistance Programme, which provides confidential emotional support, legal guidance, financial information, and support (including virtual and on-demand). We have dedicated wellness spaces in our office, which colleagues can utilise whenever they need them, as well as access to our wellness portal and Calm app. Colleagues can also access the Walking on Earth (WONE) app, which tailors recommendations to meet individual needs across mental fitness, physical activity, and nutritional health.
where will your mofo story take you?
17 cities. 3 continents.
Where will your MoFo story take you?
19 cities.
3 continents.
AMERICAS
From its deep roots in the Bay Area, MoFo has grown into a leading leading global law firm.
In recent years, Chambers USA has honored MoFo’s bankruptcy, IP, and privacy and data protection teams with Firm of the Year awards; the corporate/M&A team with a client service award; and the firm as a whole as Global USA Firm of the Year. MoFo has ten U.S. offices, including our East Coast offices in New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C., which provide top-rated financial services and capital markets services; our West Coast offices in San Francisco, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Denver, which provide world-class IP, litigation, and M&A services to our clients; and our newly opened Austin office, which provides premier technology and life sciences capabilities. Our Miami office serves its clients as a trusted local resource and a key gateway into the Americas and beyond. MoFo Miami combines our local bench strength across corporate, real estate, finance and litigation practices with the extensive resources of the firm’s 18-office global network to deliver strategic advice with a local perspective. The Miami group’s offerings include substantial experience in Latin America. Having worked in all major markets in the region for decades, our lawyers are familiar with local Latin American laws and cultures and have deep experience with their business, economic, and regulatory environments.
Our San Francisco and Palo Alto offices serve at the epicenter of the most recent technology revolution. Both offices offer full-service corporate, finance, IP, and litigation capabilities to clients at all stages of development, providing advice in transactions, regulatory programmes, and contentious matters. In Los Angeles and San Diego, our lawyers advise a diverse group of private and public companies in cleantech, electronics, entertainment and media, life sciences, medical technology, real estate, and venture and institutional investors, while lawyers in our Denver office focus on public and private financing, licensing, purchasing, and litigation. On the East Coast, our New York office, strategically located for many of our financial services, real estate, and corporate clients, is a global center for business, finance, and media. In D.C., we are home to some of the most powerful and influential players in both government and the private sector, providing regulatory, corporate, litigation, and IP counsel on behalf of financial institutions, investors, entrepreneurs, and Fortune 500 and technology companies. In Boston, we serve a growing and dynamic technology and life sciences market, representing emerging and established companies in global matters involving business, finance, IP, and litigation. In Austin, our lawyers provide companies, including emerging companies, and investors in the technology, life sciences, and healthcare sectors, access to MoFo’s full-service platform and global network, with a focus on IP litigation and transactional matters. Our Miami office serves its clients as a trusted local resource and a key gateway into the Americas and beyond, combining our local bench strength across corporate, real estate, finance, and litigation practices.
Asia
We are one of the preeminent law firms in Asia, providing integrated U.S. and local law advice.
With five offices in Asia — Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Singapore — we are the sixth largest (by number of lawyers) U.S. firm in the region. The strength of our Tokyo office, the largest of any global firm, resulted in Chambers Asia-Pacific naming us Japan International Law Advisers of the Year in 2021, marking the ninth year since the award was created in 2011 that the firm has received the honor. We have the only international litigation team in Asia. MoFo is an intellectual property powerhouse and leads the region in outsourcing, licensing, and technology transactions. Our highly regarded corporate finance and capital markets practice in Asia represents issuers and underwriters in debt and equity financings, as well as in domestic venture capital and private equity investments.
With five offices in Asia—Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo—we are one of the preeminent law firms in the region, providing integrated U.S. and local law advice.
The strength of our Tokyo office, the largest Japan-based office of any global firm, resulted in Chambers Asia-Pacific naming us Japan International Firm of the Year for the ninth time in 2021. MoFo is an intellectual property powerhouse and leads the region in outsourcing, licensing, and technology transactions. Our highly regarded corporate finance and capital markets practice in Asia represents issuers and underwriters in debt and equity financings, as well as in domestic venture capital and private equity investments. For more than 35 years, our Hong Kong office has served Chinese and international clients, including financial investors and institutions, Fortune 500 companies, institutional and state-owned PRC companies, entrepreneurs, and technology companies of all types, including telecommunications, clean technology, life sciences, entertainment and media, and semiconductors. Our China team has more than 50 U.S.-, Hong Kong-, PRC-, and England and Wales-qualified professionals, who work closely with attorneys throughout the firm to deliver calibrated and sound advice to clients. Our lawyers based in Hong Kong advise clients on capital markets, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital, China regulatory and direct investment matters, technology transactions, and intellectual property matters. We also have a full-service disputes team capable of conducting complex litigation, arbitration, investigations, national security, and pre-disputes counseling in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
europe
Morrison Foerster’s long-established European presence dates back to 1980 when we opened our London office. We collaborate across borders, practice areas, and functions to win together.
From our London office, UK- and U.S.- qualified lawyers advise clients on all aspects of corporate, finance, securities, taxation, privacy, real estate, and employment law. The office’s multijurisdictional litigation, arbitration, and mediation practices allow us to resolve even the most complex disputes. Our Berlin office represents clients in M&A transactions, corporate and commercial litigation, antitrust and sector-specific regulation, and tax, labor and employment, and privacy matters, with a particular focus on the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sector, as well as on other industries such as transportation, real estate, private equity, and financial services. MoFo’s Brussels office is a key element of our globally integrated antitrust and competition practice and our privacy and data security practice. Our lawyers in Brussels regularly deal with antitrust agencies, both at the level of the European Union and at the Member State level.
Succeeding as one is what distinguishes us as a firm...working across offices is the norm and drives incredible value for our clients and our people.
Eric McCrath, MoFo Chair
Succeeding as one is what distinguishes us as a firm. Working across offices is the norm and drives incredible value for our clients and our people.
Eric McCrath MoFo Chair
A Brief Summary of Our Practice Groups Click on each practice group to learn more:
Antitrust
Mergers + Acquisitions
Equity Derivatives
Business Restructuring + Insolvency
Venture Capital + Private Equity
Emerging Companies + Venture Capital
Digital + Technology Transactions
Financial Transactions
Tax
Litigation
Employment + Data Privacy
Finance
Capital Markets
Real Estate
Technology Transactions
Commercial Litigation
Global Ethics + Compliance
Financial Services
Employment
Competition + National Security
Global Tax
International Arbitration
Intellectual Property
IP Due Diligence
Privacy + Data Security
Private Equity Investments + Buyouts
Investigations + White Collar
AllAboutLaw Awards 2022
recognised MoFo London for its early career and graduate recruitment efforts, including:
140+
Practice areas rankings in Chambers and Partners’ various guides globally in 2022, including 24 Band 1 rankings
215
M&A transactions totaling $238 billion in 2021
Recognised Excellence
- Most Popular Virtual Event
AllAboutLaw 2023
- Most Engaging Event
Highly Commended
- Most Engaging Law Firm
- Most Popular Law Firm
Our recruitment process is designed so that you meet a variety of trainees and lawyers, giving you great exposure to the types of work we do and the values we hold. At MoFo, our future is yours.
Hattie Lodge, Attorney Recruiting Manager
Vacation Scheme
From day one, you’ll have direct contact with clients. You will feel valued and involved. The hands-on experience we offer will help you understand the legal and commercial context of the advice we give. You will quickly experience the satisfaction of going the extra mile for our clients. We’ll provide the opportunity for you to work with lawyers from a wide range of jurisdictions and also indirectly with lawyers in our network of offices across the United States, Asia, and Europe.You will work in at least three areas of law during your two-year training programme and typically spend six months in four different departments. Our three core areas of practice in the London office, in which you should gain experience, are Corporate M&A, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Finance and Banking. We also operate in other key practice areas such as Business Restructuring and Insolvency, Capital Markets, Antitrust/Competition, Data Privacy, Employment, Equity Derivatives, Financial Regulation, Litigation, Private Equity Real Estate, Real Estate Finance, Tax, and Technology Transactions.We believe that exposure to the broader MoFo network is an invaluable part of your development, so there are also opportunities to gain experience in our Singapore and Brussels offices through our trainee secondment scheme.Our trainee retention rate is high, and the variety of work you undertake will provide you with enough exposure to different areas of practice to help you decide on what area of law you want to specialise in when you qualify
We are looking for talented, ambitious individuals who value collaboration, teamwork, a commitment to excellence, and display a genuine enthusiasm for a career in law and interest in our core London practices. At MoFo, we collaborate as one firm across borders, practice areas, and business functions and value fresh ideas and innovation over conformity and competition. We ask that you be on track for, or to have already achieved, a minimum of a 2(i) degree (or the equivalent if you are studying/have studied outside the UK) and a minimum of AAB (or equivalent) at A Level. There is the option to add mitigating circumstances to your application. We are also pleased to confirm that we use Rare’s Contextual Recruiting System (CRS), which allows us to understand your grades within the context they were achieved. The firm encourages applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. If you are currently a law student, you should apply from the penultimate year of your degree. Non-law students should apply from the final year of your degree. If you have already gained industry experience and are considering training as a lawyer, you should decide which year you wish to start your training contract and apply before the relevant deadline.
Trainee Experience
Salary
First-Year Trainee Salary: £60,000 Second-Year Trainee Salary: £65,000
Our vacation scheme offers a comprehensive introduction to training at MoFo. As a summer associate, you will:
understand the level of responsibility given to trainees; experience what life as a MoFo Trainee is like; connect with MoFo partners, associates, business professionals, and peers; complete real client work, conduct legal research, and shadow client meetings; and actively participate in firm life, from social events to office-wide training sessions.
A vacation scheme at Morrison Foerster is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the firm and for the firm to learn more about you. Morrison Foerster recruits all London trainees from our vacation schemes, so it’s vital that you apply for one if you’re interested in a training contract.
Timeline
29 September 2025 | Applications open 5 January 2026 | Applications close 15 June – 26 June 2026 | Vacation Scheme 1 29 June – 10 July 2026 | Vacation Scheme 2
Vacation Scheme Timeline:
ongoing learning and development opportunities required to underpin their legal skills, from the initial trainee orientation sessions to regular skills-based training, significant daily responsibility, autonomy, and opportunity to contribute to our culture and future of the firm. This combined approach stretches trainees to develop core skills and team behaviours while understanding how the business of law delivers exceptional client service on complex global matters.
The training period consists of four six-month seats, with the potential to complete overseas secondments in some of our international offices or with our clients. Seat options are subject to business and client needs at the time of the rotations; however, trainees are invited to identify particular areas of interest or skills gaps during seat allocation discussions. During your training contract, you’ll have the opportunity to work in at least three distinct areas of law. The Transactions and Litigation teams are two of our core areas of practice in London, but there’s also a wide range of specialised practice areas to get involved in. Trainees have numerous opportunities to work with colleagues across the firm on practice-related or client matters, along with pro bono projects.
During your training contract, you’ll have the opportunity to work in at least three distinct areas of law. The Transactions and Litigation teams are two of our core areas of practice in London, but there’s also a wide range of specialised practice areas to get involved in. Trainees have numerous opportunities to work with colleagues across the firm on practice-related or client matters, along with pro bono projects
Partners and associates at the firm are committed to supporting trainees to succeed, so you will receive plenty of formal and informal support, including a trainee buddy (a second-year trainee), trainee supervisor (for each of the four seats), and trainee liaison. Your liaison will be a senior associate, who will act as your mentor throughout the training contract, helping you to identify strengths, areas for development and stretch opportunities, and offering personalised career guidance. There is an active mentoring programme, a formal evaluation and a feedback process every quarter, and business/career development workshops tailored to individual needs and interests. Trainees also have access to our health and well-being resources, such as a free subscription to the Calm app and a wealth of online information on our portal. In addition to the above, the Graduate and Trainee Committee is a constant source of resources, guidance, and support.
active mentoring programme, a formal evaluation and a feedback process every quarter and business/career development workshops tailored to individual needs and interests. Trainees also have access to our health and wellbeing resources, such as a free subscription to the Calm app and a wealth of online information on our portal. In addition to the above, the Graduate and Trainee Committee is a constant source of resources, guidance and support.
Curated Experience Our approach to learning and development at Morrison Foerster enables trainees to start strong in their legal careers, with an induction that is carefully curated to enhance professional and practical skills developed during formal education. This equips trainees with the essential tools to meet the needs of our colleagues and clients across the firm, both locally and globally. Trainees have access to a variety of mentors to guide them through new experiences and
Training Period The training period consists of four six-month seats, with the potential to complete overseas secondments in some of our international offices or with our clients. Seat options are subject to business and client needs at the time of the rotations; however, trainees are invited to identify particular areas of interest or skills gaps during seat allocation discussions.
Support and Mentorship Partners and associates at the firm are committed to supporting trainees to succeed, so you will receive plenty of formal and informal support, including a trainee buddy (a second-year trainee), trainee supervisor (for each of the four seats), and trainee liaison. Your liaison will be a senior associate, who will act as your mentor throughout the training contract, helping you to identify strengths, areas for development and stretch opportunities, and offering personalised career guidance. There is an
TRAINING PERIOD
SUPPORT AND MENTORSHIP
CURATED EXPERIENCE
Our approach to learning and development at Morrison Foerster enables trainees to start strong in their legal careers, with an induction that is carefully curated to enhance professional and practical skills developed during formal education. This equips trainees with the essential tools to meet the needs of our colleagues and clients across the firm, both locally and globally. Trainees have access to a variety of mentors to guide them through new experiences and ongoing learning and development opportunities required to underpin their legal skills, from the initial trainee orientation sessions to regular skills-based training, significant daily responsibility, autonomy, and opportunity to contribute to our culture and future of the firm. This combined approach stretches trainees to develop core skills and team behaviours while understanding how the business of law delivers exceptional client service on complex global matters.
Morrison Foerster believes that the lawyers who advise and represent our clients should be as diverse as they are. We place a high value on the varied perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas that our lawyers offer when it comes to serving our clients, colleagues, and communities. We’re certain that you’ll find numerous ways to connect with a diverse group of legal professionals through networking events, speaking engagements, affinity groups, community engagement, and pro bono initiatives. Our priority will always be fostering an inclusive workplace where every story matters and every voice is heard.
Jeremy Jennings-Mares Training Principal
“Our Vacation Schemes offer a fantastic opportunity to be a MoFo for two weeks. It is great fun to watch our Summer Associates in action after having met them during our recruitment process. We have always found the scheme to be not only mutually beneficial but also very enjoyable.”
A MoFo vacation scheme is a great introduction to what a training contract at MoFo can offer you. It is the best way for you to demonstrate your potential to us, and it is our sole method of selecting our future trainees. During your vacation scheme, you will be given real work for real clients. You will be included in every aspect of firm life, from social events to office-wide training sessions and from legal research to client meetings. You’ll get to meet others on the scheme as well as our partners, associates, and trainees. By the end of the scheme, you should have a good idea of whether law is the career for you — and whether MoFo is the right firm for you.
Our Trainees are prepared for a long-term career in the profession from their very first day. We provide an extensive range of support, training, and development opportunities designed to enable trainees to grow and thrive in their day-to-day work, their areas of interest, and their contributions to the practice and firm. The holistic and integrative approach we take equips our trainees with the essential tools to develop personally and professionally. Trainees play a vital role in our community of excellence, and we enable them to deliver exceptional client service on complex global matters, and to understand the business of law.
Usha Puri-Dewage
Associate Director of Attorney Learning & Development, Europe
“Although the work can be challenging, MoFo offers a great support network of business professionals, associates, and partners who are always happy to help with any questions or concerns. The firm’s open culture alongside exciting client work and numerous pro bono opportunities have allowed me to get most out of my training contract and develop essential professional skills.”
“Once of the most rewarding aspects of my training at MoFo has been the opportunity to participate in highly interesting, challenging work for which I have been given major responsibility from the outset. This is something I really value since I believe it has maximised my development. This is aided by the lean team structure as well as supervisors and partners' willingness to push their Trainees.”
“MoFo offers a wide range of support networks for trainees. These include a trainee buddy, an associate liaison mentor, 1:1 coaching, and more. These will be instrumental in my development during my training contract and beyond.”
“From the interview process, through to the vacation scheme and start of my training contract, MoFo has provided opportunities to thrive. The lean teams mean you’re integrated into matters from day one, giving you meaningful work and a platform to excel.”
“MoFo really values pro bono – there are variety of matters that, based on what you’re interested in, trainees can get involved with from day one of the training contract. As well as being very beneficial to help make a difference to the charities and individuals, trainees can take the lead on such projects, which really helps to develop your skillset.”
"The best thing about training with MoFo is that you aren’t limited to standard trainee work. If you’re enthusiastic and demonstrate competence you can be entrusted with more challenging tasks that are closer to associate level. This is the best way to reach your potential.”
“The working environment is truly collaborative, and the firm offers a varied range of unique pro bono opportunities in which trainees can immediately participate. From the moment I began my training contract, I expressed my interest and was able to work on a matter with Asylum Aid. In this way, it has been clear to me that pro bono at MoFo is something that is genuinely valued alongside the billable work that we do.”
What We Look For and When to Apply
What Do We Look For?
Mergers & Acquisitions
Business Restructuring & Insolvency
Venture Capital & Private Equity
Digital & Technology Transactions
Employment & Data Privacy
Private Equity Real Estate
MoFo realises that delivering results for our clients requires the best legal talent. We have long thought that our greatest asset is the last person hired. We seek out not only the best and brightest in academic pursuits, but also those with motivation, energy, creativity, an entrepreneurial spirit, drive, and confidence. At MoFo, we couldn’t write our own success story without yours. We collaborate as one firm, across borders, practice areas, and business functions, and value fresh ideas and innovation over conformity and competition. Strong academics are vital, and we require you to be on track for or to have already achieved a minimum of a 2(1) degree (or the equivalent if you are studying outside the UK) and a minimum of AAB (or equivalent) at A Level. If you are currently a law student, you should apply in the penultimate year of your law degree. Non-law students should apply in the final year of your degree. We also welcome applications from individuals with relevant industry experience who are considering changing careers.
Programme Dates:
Applications Open
Deadline for Training Contract in 2025 is January 2023
Apply at careers.mofo.com/london
Vacation Scheme Dates 2023 Scheme 1: 12 June – 23 June Scheme 2: 26 June – 7 July
First-Year Trainee Salary: £60,000 Second-Year Trainee Salary: £65,000 Newly Qualified Salary: USD $215,000
Gain insight into what life is like for trainees and associates at MoFo in London.
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