Work-Life Programs
Morrison Foerster is proud to be recognized as one of the most family-friendly law firms in the industry. Since 2014, the firm has earned a place on Yale Law Women’s Top 10 Family Friendly Firms list four times and was also included on their inaugural Top 10 Female Friendly Firms list in 2018.
In addition, MoFo has been named one of Working Mother’s Best Law Firms for Women for nine consecutive years and, in 2019, was inducted into the publication’s Hall of Fame, honoring firms that have appeared on the list ten or more times.
The key to this continued recognition?
Our robust work-life programs, designed to meet the unique needs of our lawyers and foster a culture where opportunity, balance, and success go hand in hand.
Work-Life Programs - Achieving Balance Through Flexibility
At Morrison Foerster, we recognize that our lawyers have meaningful responsibilities beyond the firm—and we’re committed to supporting them. Our culture embraces the flexibility that everyone needs from time to time, while also providing long-term solutions for those requiring more sustained arrangements.
Through a range of innovative programs, we help our lawyers balance personal and professional commitments without compromising their growth or contributions to the firm.
Our flexible work options include:
- Reduced-hours arrangements
- Hourly compensated roles
- Remote work opportunities
- Flex-time schedules
- Backup caregiving support
Parental Leave
Morrison Foerster offers one of the most generous parental leave policies in the legal industry. All caregivers—regardless of gender—receive paid leave following the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child, with additional time available for bonding.
To further support new parents, we automatically offer reduced-hours arrangements for lawyers returning from parental leave and provide dedicated “transition time” to help ease the adjustment before and after leave.
Support for New Parents & Caregivers
MoFo’s Parents’ Resource List connects new parents with lawyers who are open to sharing their experiences and insights as working parents at the firm. Upon request, attorneys can also be paired with a dedicated mentor to provide guidance and support before, during, and after parental leave. The firm offers transition coaching to help prepare for and navigate return to work, as well as small group coaching for working parents & caregivers.
Lactation Resources
Morrison Foerster is committed to supporting the needs of nursing parents. The firm contributes to the cost of purchasing or renting breast pumps not covered by insurance and reimburses expenses related to the safe packaging and shipping of breast milk while traveling for work. In addition, MoFo provides resources and accommodations that enable parents to comfortably and privately pump in their offices.
Employee Assistance Program
MoFo provides free, confidential support services available 24/7, offering referrals for counseling, childcare, legal guidance, and financial resources before, during, and after leave.
Back-Up Child Care
Available at a minimal cost for employees in our U.S., London, and Berlin offices, back-up care can be used up to 20 times per dependent each year.
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Through open enrollment, employees may contribute pretax funds to cover eligible dependent care expenses.
Alternative Work Arrangements
U.S.-based lawyers returning from parental leave may opt for a reduced-hours schedule. MoFo’s Guide to a Successful Reduced Hours Arrangement provides best practices for both reduced-hours attorneys and their supervisors.