New York - Morrison & Foerster LLP announced today that Jay Baris has joined the firm as a Partner in its New York office and will lead the firm's Investment Management practice. Mr. Baris represents investment companies, broker-dealers, investment advisers and other financial institutions in the full spectrum of financial services regulation. He helps clients develop new financial products. Mr. Baris counsels independent directors on governance matters and also advises mutual funds and investment advisers in mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, compliance, exemptive applications and innovative regulatory issues.

Before joining Morrison & Foerster, Mr. Baris was a partner of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP. Mr. Baris served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Investment Companies and Investment Advisers from 2003-2009, and currently serves as its Vice Chair. The Subcommittee is part of the American Bar Association's Section of Business Law Committee on Federal Regulation of Securities. Mr. Baris recently chaired the Task Force on Investment Company Use of Derivatives and Leverage. Mr. Baris has been recognized by the Chambers guide as a leading investment management lawyer.

"The addition of Jay Baris highlights the firm's focus on investment management and Advisers Act issues and the firm's continuing commitment to addressing regulatory matters affecting financial institutions and fund clients. Recent regulatory developments require clients to tackle new business challenges. We believe Jay will help clients address these developments," said Keith Wetmore, Chair of the firm.

Mr. Baris earned his J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law and his B.A. from State University of New York at Stony Brook. He is a member of the New York, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. Bar.