Mitchell A. Hokanson is a litigation associate in Morrison Foerster’s San Diego office. He represents technology companies and other leading businesses in high-stakes commercial disputes, consumer class actions, product liability and mass tort litigation, and government investigations.

Mitchell has substantial experience managing complex matters through all stages of litigation, with particular experience joining high-stakes disputes as they approach trial. He develops case strategy, manages fact and expert discovery, takes and defends depositions, and briefs dispositive and other significant motions.

Mitchell has particular experience with disputes involving technology and consumer-facing products, catastrophic events, and complex contractual relationships. He also represents companies and individuals in connection with government investigations by the SEC and DOJ and other sensitive matters involving potential civil and criminal liability.

Before joining Morrison Foerster, Mitchell practiced in the complex civil litigation group of an international law firm in Los Angeles. He previously served as a law clerk to Justice Susan M. Carney of the Alaska Supreme Court. Mitchell received his J.D. from Columbia Law School.

Representative Experience

• Wildfire Litigation. Representing a telecommunications client in litigation arising from the 2023 Maui wildfires. Mitchell worked to develop defense strategy from the inception of the litigation, conducted factual investigations, and assisted with briefing and discovery. A global settlement was reached in August 2024.
• Biotechnology Dispute. Defended a startup biotechnology company against business tort claims brought by a competitor. Mitchell joined the matter shortly in advance of trial and handled significant aspects of trial preparation, including motions in limine. The matter settled on the eve of trial on favorable terms.
• Breach of Contract Dispute. Defended a transportation startup against breach of contract claims brought by a former executive. The MoFo team appeared in this matter only two months before trial, ultimately settling the matter on favorable terms shortly before trial.
• Trade Secret Dispute. Represented a technology company asserting trade secret claims against a foreign technology company. The MoFo team appeared in this matter only a few months before trial. The matter settled on eight-figure terms.
• Prakash Investigation. Represented Vidul Prakash, the former CFO of a smart glass manufacturer, in an SEC lawsuit alleging negligence-based claims arising from the company’s accounting for defective products. Shortly before trial, the SEC dismissed the case against Mr. Prakash with prejudice.