Whitney O'Byrne Recognized on Daily Journal's Top 40 Under 40 List

Whitney O'Byrne, a partner in Morrison Foerster’s Complex Litigation + Advisement Group, has been named on the Daily Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 list, which recognizes California’s most accomplished up-and-coming lawyers for their leadership in high-stakes matters and their impact on the legal profession.

The recognition reflects Whitney’s growing reputation as a first-chair trial lawyer handling complex disputes at the intersection of technology, intellectual property, class actions, and mass torts. Over the past year, she helped steer a landmark AI copyright class action to a $1.5 billion settlement on the eve of trial, served as first-chair trial counsel in a closely watched multibillion-dollar DMCA jury trial, and secured favorable outcomes for clients in significant technology, healthcare, higher education, and product liability disputes.

The Daily Journal also recognized Whitney’s leadership beyond the courtroom. She serves as hiring partner for Morrison Foerster’s Los Angeles office and co-founded the firm’s Middle East North Africa (MENA) Affinity Network. She is also deeply committed to pro bono service, including leading litigation following the 2025 Eaton Fire that established inspection and remediation protections for tenants returning to smoke- and ash-contaminated homes. Whitney also serves on the boards of Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County and the Southern Center for Human Rights.

Read more about Whitney and the other lawyers recognized in the Daily Journal’s Top 40 Under 40. (Subscription required.)