Our clients come to us with their most challenging questions. That's what keeps us focused and motivated. We know that generating the best ideas requires intellectual curiosity and different perspectives. We are a collection of individuals with different personalities, outlooks, backgrounds and experiences. We value the perspectives that the diversity of our lawyers and staff brings to our firm. We believe that our open-minded and collaborative environment encourages individuals to say what they really think, to conceptualize new solutions to problems and to embrace fresh ideas.
A Long History
Morrison & Foerster has a long history of nurturing tolerance, inclusion and mutual respect. We have had an active diversity program for more than fifteen years, which focuses on issues related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, identity and expression. Morrison & Foerster consistently ranks at the top of surveys addressing workplace diversity, the hiring of minority lawyers and women. We are among the top firms in The American Lawyer’s "A-List" rankings of U.S. law firms, which measures associate satisfaction, lawyer diversity, pro bono work and financial performance.
Our Initiatives
Women, minority and openly gay and lesbian lawyers currently serve, or have served, in important leadership positions within the firm, including as Chair of the Firm, as Department Chairs, as Practice Group Heads, on our Executive Committee and on our Board of Directors. The Advocate has named us one of the ten most enlightened employers for gays and lesbians five times in the last six years. Our lawyers are active in leading and participating in bar and other initiatives to promote diversity within the legal community. Our commitment to mentoring our lawyers and maintaining a diverse workplace contributes to associate retention and flows upward to the diversity of our partnership.
For more on our recruiting and outreach efforts, see Careers—Diversity.