AFFINITY PROGRAM REPORT 2024 Year in Review
3 | Morrison Foerster A MESSAGE FROM OUR CDIO, NATALIE KERNISANT Welcome to the 2024 Affinity Program Report As I reflect on the past year, I am struck by all we have accomplished to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, though much remains to be done. We redesigned the Diversity Strategy Committee to be a truly global committee, launched three affinity networks, and celebrated cultural and awareness events throughout the year. The firm’s affinity groups, led by MoFo associates, hosted over 78 events globally in 2024 to further our strategic priorities from recruiting to professional development and more. The firm now has 35 office-level affinity groups, and these numbers continue to grow. We are proud of the dedication of our attorneys and business professionals, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to make MoFo inclusive to the core. As always, please feel free to contact me or any member of my team with any questions. Warmly, Natalie Kernisant Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
4 | Morrison Foerster TABLE OF CONTENTS D+I Strategy & Structure Redesigned Diversity Strategy Committee ........................................................................ 8 Affinity Program Structure ............................................................................................... 10 MoFo’s Affinity Networks 2024 Affinity Network Developments............................................................................... 16 2024 Affinity Program Developments .............................................................................. 17 MoFo Proud In-Person Meeting ...................................................................................... 18 Cultural And Heritage Celebrations ................................................................................. 19 MoFo’s Affinity Groups New! Austin LGBTQ+ ...................................................................................................... 30 Boston Asian American + Pacific Islander Group ............................................................ 31 Boston Women ................................................................................................................ 32 D.C. Black Attorneys ....................................................................................................... 33 D.C. Women .................................................................................................................... 34 Denver Women ............................................................................................................... 35 London LGBTQ+ ............................................................................................................. 36 London Together ............................................................................................................. 38 Los Angeles Asian American + Pacific Islander Affinity Group........................................ 40 Los Angeles LGBTQ+ ..................................................................................................... 41 Los Angeles Multi-Cultural Affinity Group ........................................................................ 42 Los Angeles Working Parents ......................................................................................... 43 New! Miami Latinx Affinity Group .................................................................................... 44 New York Asian American + Pacific Islander Affinity Group............................................ 45 New York Black Attorneys ............................................................................................... 46 New York LGBTQ+.......................................................................................................... 47 New York Women ........................................................................................................... 48 San Diego Women .......................................................................................................... 49 San Diego Asian American + Pacific Islander Attorneys and Patent Agents................... 50
5 | Morrison Foerster New! San Francisco Middle Eastern & North African (MENA) Affinity Group .................. 51 San Francisco Asian American + Pacific Islander Affinity Group..................................... 52 San Francisco Black Attorneys........................................................................................ 54 San Francisco LGBTQ+ .................................................................................................. 55 San Francisco Latinx Affinity Group ................................................................................ 56 San Francisco Women of Color....................................................................................... 57
6 | Morrison Foerster D+I Strategy & Structure
7 | Morrison Foerster For over 40 years, MoFo has been committed to creating a culture that respects and celebrates differences, while providing an inclusive environment where everyone’s contributions are valued. By each bringing our diverse experiences and perspectives to work, we strengthen the quality of the service that we provide to our clients, the legal profession, and our communities. Formed in 2003 and 2006, respectively, MoFo’s Diversity Strategy Committee (DSC) and Women’s Strategy Committee (WSC) support a variety of internal diversity and women’s initiatives, programs, and groups designed to train, mentor, and retain lawyers and business professionals.
8 | Morrison Foerster REDESIGNED DIVERSITY STRATEGY COMMITTEE In 2024, MoFo restructured the Diversity Strategy Committee (DSC) to include regional diversity committees in Asia, Europe, and the United States – making it a truly global committee. Each committee is led by regional partners and consists of leaders of local affinity networks. The creation of regional diversity committees creates more effective support for diversity of lived experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives of MoFo employees in each region. Asia Diversity Committee Co-Chairs Dan Levison Singapore Litigation Yemi Tépé Singapore Finance
9 | Morrison Foerster Europe Diversity Committee Chair Trevor James London Tax U.S. Diversity Committee Co-Chairs Alexis Amezcua San Francisco Litigation Purvi Patel Los Angeles Litigation Mark Whitaker Washington, D.C. Litigation
10 | Morrison Foerster AFFINITY PROGRAM STRUCTURE Morrison Foerster established its very first Affinity Groups in 2008. Since then, our Affinity Program has grown to include 11 cross-office Affinity Networks and 35 office-specific Affinity Groups. The components of our Affinity Program work together to create a supportive internal community for its members. The Program also provides all motivated attorneys, regardless of identity, with the tools and opportunities to work closely with the D+I Group to actively champion D+I within the firm and legal industry. Affinity Networks MoFo Affinity Networks are cross-office groups of attorneys and business professionals who share a particular affinity and/or mission. These groups meet on a regular basis to network and build community among members. Within each network, partners meet frequently to help further the firm’s D+I strategy, the Network’s mission, and Network goals. Affinity Groups MoFo Affinity Groups are associate-led groups, sponsored by partners, that operate at the office level. Affinity Groups are overseen by the Diversity Strategy Committee (DSC) and Women's Strategy Committee (WSC) and supported by the D+I Group. Groups conduct in-office social, business or professional development, and recruiting programs throughout the year.
11 | Morrison Foerster
12 | Morrison Foerster MoFo’s Affinity Networks
13 | Morrison Foerster MoFo’s Affinity Networks are region-specific, and they play a critical role in executing the strategy guided by the Diversity Strategy Committee and Women’s Strategy Committee. MoFo’s Affinity Program has expanded to include 11 Affinity Networks globally. Open to attorneys and business professionals, Affinity Networks provide programming and support to those who share a particular affinity and/or mission.
14 | Morrison Foerster Allies Network Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Network Black Affinity Network Disability Network Latinx Network Proud (LGBTQ+) Network
15 | Morrison Foerster Middle Eastern & North African (MENA) Network MoFo Access (Social Mobility) Network MoFo Together (Ethnic/Racial Minority) MoFo Vets Network Parents + Caregivers Network
16 | Morrison Foerster 2024 AFFINITY NETWORK DEVELOPMENTS The Parents + Caregivers Network expanded to Asia and Europe, following its launch in the United States in 2023. Liaison to Asia Liaisons to Europe Yuka Teraguchi Tokyo Litigation Marie-Claire Strawbridge London Litigation Robert Grohmann Berlin Technology Transactions
17 | Morrison Foerster 2024 AFFINITY PROGRAM DEVELOPMENTS In 2024, the firm launched MoFo Access in Europe. The MoFo Access Affinity Network aims to further the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion by raising awareness around socio-economic disparities and challenges. The firm officially launched MoFo Together, an Affinity Network centering the perspectives of ethnic/racial minority attorneys and employees, in Asia and Europe. The Network is led in Asia by partner Yemi Tépé. The Network is led in Europe by partners Trevor James and Chiraag Shah.
18 | Morrison Foerster MOFO PROUD IN-PERSON MEETING In August, MoFo Proud hosted their first U.S.-wide in-person meeting at MoFo’s New York office. The meeting provided a unique opportunity for attorneys in the network to gather in-person and participate in interactive professional development sessions geared toward attorneys in the LGBTQ+ community. Guest speaker Dru Levasseur, of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association, presented on Uncovering Bias in the Legal Profession – specifically as it relates to intersectionality. He also shared how diversity and inclusivity are a strategic advantage, as they enable firms to better understand and serve their clients.
19 | Morrison Foerster CULTURAL AND HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS A Conversation with Anita Hill MoFo Boston hosted Anita Hill – Brandeis University Professor of Law, Social Policy & Women’s and Gender Studies and advocate for equality and civil rights. Anita spoke with Washington, D.C., Capital Markets partner Val Dahiya and signed copies of her book, Believing: Our Thirty-Year Journey to End Gender Violence. Black History Month Virtual Tour A firmwide event that highlighted the story of Dr. Carter Woodson, the founder of Black History Month. Through storytelling, the historic “Black meccas” of Sweet Auburn in Atlanta and Shaw in Washington, D.C., were explored. Chocolate Tasting with Midunu Chocolates Attendees tasted chocolates made from start to finish in Ghana and learned of the legal and political challenges of chocolate farming in Ghana. Black History Month February
20 | Morrison Foerster CULTURAL AND HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS A Conversation with Dr. Joy Buolamwini Researcher, artist, and AI expert Dr. Joy Buolamwini discussed AI issues through the lens of gender and racial biases. MoFo London hosted a dinner watch party. MoFo x Appleby Fireside Chat MoFo Hong Kong hosted a fireside chat with Appleby attorneys, moderated by Hong Kong partner Marcia Ellis. Fireside Chat with Amanda Chong MoFo Singapore hosted lawyer, poet, playwright, and social justice campaigner Amanda Chong. Amanda sat down with Singapore litigation associate Yi-Jun Kang to discuss her work on human rights, anti-trafficking, and gender equality. Women’s History Month March
21 | Morrison Foerster CULTURAL AND HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS A Conversation with Jeff Yang MoFo Los Angeles hosted Jeff Yang – Asian-American author and journalist and Research Director and Head of Digital Intelligence Lab at the Institute for the Future. Jeff spoke with Los Angeles litigation partner Nick Fung and signed copies of his book, Rise: A Pop History of Asian America from the Nineties to Now. A Trial Reenactment of Vietnamese Fishermen’s Association v. Knights of the Ku Klux Klan Created by the Asian American Bar Association of NY, the San Francisco AAPI affinity group reenacted the 1981 trial of Vietnamese refugees living and working in the Gulf Coast region who fought against terrorizing tactics by the KKK. Kokedama Class with Luludi Living Art AAPI Network-sponsored workshop teaching the Japanese art of Kokedama. Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) History Month May
22 | Morrison Foerster CULTURAL AND HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS A Conversation with Brandon Wolf Pulse Nightclub survivor, activist, and National Press Secretary at Human Rights Campaign Brandon Wolf sat down for a discussion with New York litigation partner Gerardo Gomez Galvis. Celebrating Pride: Impact of Recent LGBTQ Court Cases in Hong Kong MoFo Hong Kong hosted a panel discussion and networking event with AmCham HK. Panelists walked us through a few significant LGBTQ-related court cases in Hong Kong in a conversation moderated by Hong Kong litigation associate Andrea Cheung. Rainbow Sushi Class with Virtual Xperiences A Network-sponsored event where attendees created rainbow sushi rolls, led by celebrity chef Katie Chin. Pride Month June
23 | Morrison Foerster CULTURAL AND HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS A Conversation with Alezandra Russell MoFo Boston hosted Latina activist and founder of Urban Light Alezandra Russell for a conversation with litigation partner Nate Mendell. Attendees enjoyed treats from a local Latinx-owned business. Brigadeiro Truffle Class with TinyB Chocolate A Network-sponsored event where attendees learned how to make Brigadeiro, a traditional Brazilian dessert. The session was run by Brazilian-owned company, TinyB Chocolate. Latinx Heritage Month September 15 – October 15
24 | Morrison Foerster CULTURAL AND HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS A Conversation with Judge David Tatel MoFo Washington, D.C. hosted David Tatel, retired Senior Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Judge Tatel discussed his new memoir, Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice, with litigation partner Joe Palmore. Attendees enjoyed treats from Sunflower Bakery, which employs local young adults and teens with learning differences. Launch of Firmwide ADHD Programming The firm launched a series of six sessions focused on supporting employees with ADHD and their teammates, created and run by Dixon Life Coaching. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) October
25 | Morrison Foerster CULTURAL AND HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS Commemorating Memorial Day May 30, 2024 MoFo Vets partnered with the Women’s Strategy Committee for a conversation with Lena Andrews – former military analyst for the CIA and author of Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II. Lena discussed the often-overlooked contributions of servicewomen and their implications for the private sector with Boston Technology Transactions associate Matt Blum. Commemorating Veterans Day November 12, 2024 MoFo Vets hosted a panel discussion with Veteran Service Organizations, Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Service to School, and Military Spouse JD Network. The panel was moderated by D.C. Litigation partner Mark Whitaker.
26 | Morrison Foerster MoFo’s Affinity Groups
27 | Morrison Foerster MoFo’s Affinity Groups are associate-led and provide community building and a culture of inclusion at the office level. Affinity Groups provide members with local networking opportunities, cultural exchange with and outreach to the broader legal industry, and additional mentoring opportunities. The following pages detail our affinity groups’ activities in 2024.
28 | Morrison Foerster New York AAPI Affinity Group Miami Latinx Affinity Group LA Working Parents Affinity Group
29 | Morrison Foerster Denver Women Affinity Group London LGBTQ+ Affinity Group London Together Affinity Group San Diego Women’s Affinity Group
30 | Morrison Foerster NEW! AUSTIN LGBTQ+ Welcome Event for Summer Associates Kinfolk Lounge + Library Kickoff Lunch With MoFo Proud Liaison John Owen 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Pat Howard-Wells Office Operations Manager Austin Schnell Litigation
31 | Morrison Foerster BOSTON ASIAN AMERICAN + PACIFIC ISLANDER GROUP Incoming First Year Mentoring Lunch 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Hannah Koo Transactions Tricia Matibag Transactions
32 | Morrison Foerster BOSTON WOMEN Galentine’s Day Lunch Pickleball with Summer Associates Women’s Bar Association Gala Welcome Lunch and Tea for First Year Associates 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Julia Koch Litigation Patricia Perez Elias Transactions
33 | Morrison Foerster D.C. BLACK ATTORNEYS Dinner with Summer Associates Group Lunch Hosted at Swahili Village Building Your Brand Lunch 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Sydney Cooper Litigation Whitney Lee Litigation
34 | Morrison Foerster D.C. WOMEN Trivia Night With summer associates in the D.C. office In-Office Roundtable on Work-Life Balance Featuring senior associates, special counsel, and partners in the D.C. office 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Caitlin Crujido Litigation Jaclyn Goldberg Transactions Maryrose McLaughlin Litigation
35 | Morrison Foerster DENVER WOMEN Cooking Class Featuring Korean dishes Floral Arranging Class With clients and prospective clients 2024 Affinity Group Chair Lyndsey Cain Litigation
36 | Morrison Foerster LONDON LGBTQ+ LGBTQIA+ History Month Book Launch Reception for City of London business diversity networks Red Run 2024 MoFo’s third year supporting HIV charity Positive East Out of America Drinks Receptions LGBTQIA+ network for U.S. law firms in London MoFo Proud Pride Party Client-facing party featuring the famous London Choir, sketching artist, tarot readers, and performance by Vinay Jobanputra, founder of BollyQueer. D&I Welcome Breakfasts for Summer Vacation Scheme Students Co-hosted by London Together and MoFo Women Afternoon Tea with London Affinity Groups Fragile Beauty Exhibition Tour Curated V&A special exhibit tour, co-hosted by Grant Thornton LGBTQIA+ Affinity Network
37 | Morrison Foerster Steering Committee End-of-Year Dinner 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Jillian Saucier Research Analyst James Wong Litigation
38 | Morrison Foerster LONDON TOGETHER Group Newsletters – Australia Day, Holocaust Memorial Day, Lunar New Year, St. David’s Day, Ramadan, Nowruz, Rosh Hashanah, Black History Month To commemorate and provide education about significant cultural celebrations, London Together distributed informational newsletters and provided culturally relevant snacks. Lunar New Year Group Dinners East Asian Lawyers Organization – Panel Discussion Second Annual Book Club and Lunch Discussion The group read and discussed The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla D&I Welcome Breakfast for Summer Vacation Scheme Students Diversity Workshops with New Trainees Workshops and afternoon tea co-hosted by MoFo Proud and MoFo Women
39 | Morrison Foerster How to Win Work and Influence People – Client Event with Interlaw 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Dan Alam Litigation Jacqueline Lee Litigation
40 | Morrison Foerster LOS ANGELES ASIAN AMERICAN + PACIFIC ISLANDER AFFINITY GROUP Disneyland Trip with Summer Associates Center for the Pacific Asian Family Gala United through Love: 46 Years of Radiant Resilience Diwali & Indian New Year Celebration Mirch Social – local Indian restaurant Escape Room with AAPI Affinity Group 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Aarti Gupta Transactions Kelly Kan Transactions
41 | Morrison Foerster LOS ANGELES LGBTQ+ Drag Bingo Hosted at Hamburger Mary’s Afternoon Tea Lunch with Philip Besirof, General Counsel 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Eric Gebert Litigation C.B. Rome Litigation
42 | Morrison Foerster LOS ANGELES MULTI-CULTURAL AFFINITY GROUP Monthly Snack Hours Featuring snacks from a new country each month Summer Event Hosted by Partner Daralyn Durie 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Nisha Bajania Transactions Regina Campbell Litigation
43 | Morrison Foerster LOS ANGELES WORKING PARENTS Life at MoFo as a Working Parent With partner panelists Whitney O’Byrne and Purvi Patel Working Parents Family Holiday Party Winter Wonderland-themed party, with gifts donated to a local toy drive Mother’s and Father’s Day Lunch 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Laura Lively Litigation Matt Wyatt Litigation
44 | Morrison Foerster NEW! MIAMI LATINX AFFINITY GROUP Introductory Breakfast First event to brainstorm increasing diversity efforts in the office 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Gabriella Fortun Transactions Ludovica Gardani-Menendez Transactions
45 | Morrison Foerster NEW YORK ASIAN AMERICAN + PACIFIC ISLANDER AFFINITY GROUP Summer Program Bonsai Workshop Attorneys and summer associates planted their own bonsai trees Happy Hour with MoFo Alumni End-of-Year Dinner at House of Joy 2024 Affinity Group Chair Vonnie Nam Transactions
46 | Morrison Foerster NEW YORK BLACK ATTORNEYS End-of-Year/Welcome Dinner Welcoming first-year Black associates and planning for 2025 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Sabienne Brutus Transactions Nishi Tavernier Litigation
47 | Morrison Foerster NEW YORK LGBTQ+ Spring Happy Hour Disco Tea Drag Show Partner Panel: Networking as an LGBTQ+ Attorney MoFo Proud Holiday Lunch 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Jocelyn Greer Litigation Patrick Keeler Transactions
48 | Morrison Foerster NEW YORK WOMEN Museum of Modern Art Tour with Summer Associates Viewing exhibits by women artists Afternoon Tea at the Plaza Welcoming new IP women partners and associates 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Sabreena Khalid Transactions Janie Buckley Litigation Lauren Margolies Litigation
49 | Morrison Foerster SAN DIEGO WOMEN Afternoon Tea At Fairmont Grand Del Mar 2024 Affinity Group Chair Brittany Scheinok Litigation
50 | Morrison Foerster SAN DIEGO ASIAN AMERICAN + PACIFIC ISLANDER ATTORNEYS AND PATENT AGENTS Group Lunch at Glass Box 2024 Pan Asian Lawyers of San Diego – Annual Dinner Japanese Tea Ceremony with Summer Associates Affinity Group Holiday Dinner at Animae 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Wesley Chen Litigation Jessica Hsieh Transactions
51 | Morrison Foerster NEW! SAN FRANCISCO MIDDLE EASTERN & NORTH AFRICAN (MENA) AFFINITY GROUP Group Kickoff & Welcome Snack Hour Meet and greet + brainstorming session featuring a selection of teas and treats End-of-Year Dinner 2024 Affinity Group Chair Arton Falahati Transactions
52 | Morrison Foerster SAN FRANCISCO ASIAN AMERICAN + PACIFIC ISLANDER AFFINITY GROUP Dale Minami Public Interest Fellowship Asian Heritage Month Client Development Event With Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area Dim Sum Summer Associate Mixer End-of-Year Affinity Group Mixer With Palo Alto AAPI attorneys Trial Reenactment: Vietnamese Fishermen’s Association v. Knights of the Ku Klux Klan Streamed firmwide by the AAPI Affinity Network
53 | Morrison Foerster 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Evangeline Phang Transactions Joel Wacks Litigation
54 | Morrison Foerster SAN FRANCISCO BLACK ATTORNEYS Welcome Breakfast for Summer Associates Wine Tasting with Summer Associates Charles Houston Bar Association Gala End-of-Year Dinner at Chotto Matte 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Marcus Grimes Litigation Tiarra Rogers Stein Litigation
55 | Morrison Foerster SAN FRANCISCO LGBTQ+ Welcome Happy Hours Hosted for summer associates and first-year associates After-Pride Reception In collaboration with the Summer Associate Program Trivia Night Hosted at The Detour, local LGBTQ+ arcade and game bar Group Happy Hour at Pacific Cocktail Haven 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Jack Haisman Litigation Morgan Mitruka Litigation
56 | Morrison Foerster SAN FRANCISCO LATINX AFFINITY GROUP Cross-Affinity Associate and Summer Associate Game Night With the Black Affinity Group Ceramics Painting Class Group outing to Terra Mia Ceramic Studio 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Susana Herrera Litigation Kimberly Valladares Transactions
57 | Morrison Foerster SAN FRANCISCO WOMEN OF COLOR Watercolor Painting Class with Summer Associates With local artist Neha Subramanian Book Club Dinner Party To discuss Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s memoir, Lovely One 2024 Affinity Group Co-Chairs Camille Framroze Litigation Camila Tapernoux Litigation
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