LONDON, 24 October, 2007 –Kristian Shearsby,Morrison & Foerster MNP’s first trainee, has qualified as a solicitor with the Law Society of England and Wales.  Mr. Shearsby has now joined the firm’s corporate group as an associate.  This is a landmark for Morrison & Foerster’s training programme in London, which has grown to include five trainees.

Kristian Shearsby describes his trainee experience:  “I chose to join Morrison & Foerster because of the genuine enthusiasm shown for the firm by the people I met during the interview process and since then it has exceeded my expectations.  The firm combines the resources and high calibre work of a global heavyweight with a good sized London office where you can get to know everyone.  This mixture offers the opportunity of an excellent trainee experience, working closely with clients, partners and other lawyers on quality work in a friendly and non-hierarchical atmosphere.  I've had a great trainee experience,  being really involved in transactions from start to finish, having first-hand contact with clients and feeling a valued member of the teams with which I've worked.”

The next intake of trainees is scheduled for Autumn 2008, when the firm anticipates taking on three new joiners to the programme.  The training contract comprises four six-month seats, rotating between departments.  All trainees will take seats in Technology Transactions and Corporate, plus a contentious seat in either litigation or employment law.  The fourth seat will be in either Tax, Capital Markets or Financial Transactions.  

The London Trainee Programme is overseen by Corporate Partner James Gubbins and the London Director of Administration, Margaret Mannell.  James Gubbins commented, “Having a trainee programme confirms the commitment of the firm to developing the UK practice and is a mark of the growth and success of the office.”

Further information on Morrison & Foerster’s trainee programme and the application process is available at: http://www.mofo.com/career/careers.html