Last updated:
Morrison Foerster
An international US law firm recognised for its expertise in technology, corporate transactions and complex cross-border disputes.
About Morrison Foerster
Morrison Foerster, commonly known as MoFo, is an international law firm founded in San Francisco in 1883, with more than 1,000 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. The firm is particularly recognised for its expertise in technology, intellectual property, corporate transactions and complex litigation, advising major financial institutions, multinational corporations and emerging technology businesses. Its London office, established in 1980, has experienced significant expansion in recent years, with the firm's recruitment materials reporting five consecutive years of annual growth exceeding 20%. The London practice comprises approximately 100 lawyers and is particularly active in technology transactions, private equity, finance and commercial disputes. MoFo's longstanding relationships with technology companies distinguish it from many traditional City firms, with its lawyers regularly advising on matters involving digital innovation, data protection and international investment.
Morrison Foerster recruits a small cohort of London trainees annually, offering a two-year training contract comprising four six-month seats. Trainees have opportunities to work across the firm's transactional and contentious practices, including corporate M&A, finance, technology transactions, commercial litigation and investigations. The programme is designed to provide experience in at least three distinct areas of law, with trainees invited to discuss their interests and development needs before seat allocations are finalised. International and client secondments may be available depending on business requirements, although neither is guaranteed. The firm's relatively small trainee intake allows trainees to work closely with partners and associates, with each trainee receiving a supervisor for every seat, a second-year trainee buddy and a senior associate mentor who provides guidance throughout the training contract. Formal performance reviews take place quarterly, alongside regular skills training and professional development workshops.
Morrison Foerster covers the full cost of the PGDL for non-law graduates and the SQE preparation programme, including the relevant examination fees, with the University of Law serving as its preferred training provider. Future trainees receive a £15,000 maintenance grant for the PGDL and £17,000 for the SQE, providing financial support during their postgraduate legal education. Candidates who have already begun their legal studies with another recognised UK provider may also be eligible for reimbursement of course fees after receiving a training contract offer, subject to the firm's academic requirements. The firm additionally offers structured mentoring, wellbeing resources and opportunities to undertake pro bono work, with London trainees regularly contributing to projects involving access to justice and charitable organisations
Practice areas & rankings
In the 2026 edition of Chambers UK, Morrison Foerster received three practice area rankings and seven individual lawyer recognitions, reflecting its specialist strengths in technology, capital markets and corporate investigations. The firm achieved a Band 3 ranking for Information Technology & Outsourcing, alongside Band 5 rankings for Corporate Crime & Investigations and Capital Markets: Debt. Its individual recognitions include Alistair Maughan, ranked Band 1 for Information Technology & Outsourcing, and Ben Summerfield, ranked Band 4 for Commercial and Corporate Litigation. The firm's London lawyers also received recognition in data protection, banking litigation and international arbitration, demonstrating expertise beyond its three department-level rankings.
Morrison Foerster was shortlisted for Deal of the Year at the LexisNexis Legal Awards 2025 for its work on an investment in British autonomous driving technology company Wayve. The firm also highlights its Deal of the Year recognition at the LexisNexis Legal Awards 2024 in its London recruitment materials. These recognitions reflect MoFo's involvement in significant transactions within the technology sector, where its international practice combines corporate expertise with specialist knowledge of emerging technologies.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Explore the practice areas
Technology is one of Morrison Foerster's defining strengths, with its London practice ranked Band 3 for Information Technology & Outsourcing in Chambers UK 2026. The team advises technology companies, financial institutions and multinational businesses on complex technology transactions, outsourcing arrangements and software licensing agreements. Its expertise includes negotiating commercial agreements, advising on technology-related regulatory requirements and supporting businesses developing or implementing new digital services. The practice is particularly recognised for its understanding of the legal issues affecting technology companies operating across international markets. Partner Alistair Maughan is individually ranked Band 1, while Mike Pierides and Mercedes Samavi also receive recognition in the 2026 guide.
Morrison Foerster's corporate practice advises multinational corporations, private equity sponsors and technology businesses on acquisitions, disposals and strategic investments. The London team regularly works alongside the firm's US and Asian offices on cross-border transactions, particularly those involving technology and life sciences companies. Its expertise includes private equity investments, corporate reorganisations and strategic transactions involving emerging businesses. The firm's involvement in investment activity surrounding Wayve demonstrates its position in the UK technology investment market. Although corporate M&A is not separately ranked in Chambers UK 2026, it remains an important part of the firm's London transactional practice.
Morrison Foerster's capital markets practice is ranked Band 5 for Capital Markets: Debt in Chambers UK 2026, reflecting its expertise in debt financing and international capital markets transactions. The team advises issuers, financial institutions and corporate borrowers on debt securities offerings, high-yield financing and complex refinancing arrangements. Its London practice works closely with the firm's US lawyers on transactions involving both English and US law considerations, particularly where companies seek access to international debt markets. The firm's wider finance capabilities include leveraged finance and restructuring, allowing lawyers to advise clients on financing arrangements throughout major corporate transactions. Partner Scott Ashton is individually recognised for his capital markets expertise.
Morrison Foerster's corporate crime and investigations practice is ranked Band 5 in Chambers UK 2026, with particular expertise in cross-border investigations involving financial misconduct and regulatory enforcement. The team advises corporations, financial institutions and senior executives on allegations of bribery, corruption, fraud and sanctions breaches. Its international network allows lawyers to coordinate investigations involving multiple jurisdictions, particularly where clients face scrutiny from UK and US enforcement authorities. Chambers UK recognises the firm's experience representing clients in the energy and financial services sectors, while partner Hayley Ichilcik is individually ranked Band 4 for her work on complex corporate investigations.
Morrison Foerster's disputes practice advises corporations and financial institutions on high-value commercial litigation, international arbitration and financial disputes. The London team handles contractual disagreements, shareholder disputes and litigation arising from complex financial transactions, frequently involving cross-border elements. Its lawyers work alongside colleagues in the firm's international offices on matters involving multiple legal systems and regulatory frameworks. Although the practice does not hold a department-level Chambers UK 2026 ranking for commercial litigation, partner Ben Summerfield is individually ranked Band 4, while Susana Cao Miranda is recognised for banking litigation and Chiraag Shah for international arbitration. These individual recognitions demonstrate the firm's capabilities in specialist contentious matters.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
Morrison Foerster recruits all London trainees exclusively through its vacation schemes, meaning candidates cannot apply directly for a training contract. For the 2026/27 recruitment cycle, applications opened on 21 September 2026 and close on 4 January 2027. The firm offers two summer vacation schemes, running from 14–25 June 2027 and 28 June–9 July 2027, with successful applicants receiving £600 per week. MoFo accepts applications from penultimate-year law students, final-year non-law students, graduates and career changers. Although the firm requires a minimum 2:1 degree and AAB at A-level, it uses Rare's Contextual Recruitment System and considers mitigating circumstances when reviewing academic achievements. The recruitment process begins with an online application form submitted through Morrison Foerster's graduate recruitment portal. Candidates must provide their academic history, relevant experiences and information demonstrating their motivation for pursuing a legal career at the firm. Applications should demonstrate a genuine understanding of MoFo's London practice, particularly its strengths in technology, corporate transactions and commercial disputes. The firm places emphasis on candidates who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, commercial awareness and an ability to collaborate effectively, making it important to provide specific examples of previous experiences rather than generic statements about working at an international US firm. MoFo reviews applications on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to submit well-prepared applications before the January deadline. The firm does not accept CV submissions outside its online application system.
How to answer why youMorrison Foerster: quick answers
How much does Morrison Foerster pay trainees?
Morrison Foerster pays first-year trainees £60,000, rising to £65,000 in the second year.
When is the Morrison Foerster vacation scheme deadline?
Morrison Foerster's vacation scheme applications close on 4 Jan for the 2026/27 cycle. Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does Morrison Foerster take on?
Morrison Foerster takes on around 4 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What grades do you need to apply to Morrison Foerster?
To apply to Morrison Foerster you will generally need a 2:1+ degree. At A-level, Morrison Foerster asks for AAB. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
Get the tools and support you need to succeed.