top of page
Michael, Associate at Morrison & Foerster LLP: Advize Career Interview
A Santa Clara University business management graduate and former college basketball player, this Morrison & Foerster LLP corporate associate's career path highlights that a traditional legal background isn't essential for success.
The interview reveals a dynamic, fast-paced role with responsibilities ranging from due diligence and contract drafting to client communication, demanding both strong technical skills and exceptional "soft skills" like communication and attention to detail.
The work's unpredictable nature, requiring robust time management, is balanced by the thrill of deal closures and the opportunity to mentor junior associates.
A focus on impact investing and social enterprise adds a compelling purpose dimension to this large-law firm career.
The interviewee emphasizes the importance of practical experience gained through internships or paralegal roles, process management, and a solution-oriented mindset.
The path to success, as described, blends intellectual ability with teamwork, humility, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Michael Santos
Associate
Morrison & Foerster LLP
Santa Clara University
Georgetown University - JD
Business Management & Admin
Law
Legal
Took Out Loans, Transfer Student, Student Athlete
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path Of An Associate At Morrison And Foerster LLP
Michael's career path wasn't linear; after a business management degree and playing basketball at Santa Clara University, "no real specific legal touch points," Michael decided on law school, gaining legal experience through internships only after starting law school and then joining Morrison & Foerster LLP directly afterward. This highlights that a traditional, early exposure to law isn't a prerequisite for all legal careers.
Main Responsibilities of an Associate at Morrison and Foerster
As a corporate attorney, Michael's responsibilities at Morrison & Foerster LLP involve working with companies and investors in private markets on capital raising and funding, a role that evolves with experience. Early career focuses on "diligence, some drafting, and managing processes," progressing to more significant drafting and negotiating responsibilities as they gain seniority.
A Day In The Life Of An Associate At Morrison And Foerster LLP
A corporate associate's day-to-day work at a large law firm like Morrison & Foerster LLP is highly variable, swinging between "weeks of 60, 70 hours and then weeks of 30 hours," depending on deal flow. Typical tasks include "diligence, both review of contracts or different agreements, drafting, diligence memorandums," and client communication, with intense periods near deal closings punctuated by slower times focused on document processing and general corporate matters.
Most Important Skills For an Associate At Morrison and Foerster
Contrary to expectations, a successful corporate attorney career hinges less on pre-existing legal knowledge and more on "soft skills," such as communication, attention to detail, and asking questions; these abilities allow associates to quickly learn the substantive aspects of corporate law through practical experience, which is far more valuable than theoretical legal knowledge. The interviewee emphasizes that a strong foundation in "soft skills" is key for advancement, as "the substance will come with repetition and doing more deals".
Favorite Parts of Being an Associate at Morrison and Foerster
Michael, a corporate attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP, finds the "adrenaline around closing a deal" and the "sophisticated transaction work" consistently rewarding. As a senior associate, mentoring junior associates and "becoming more of a mentor and a teacher" are now significant sources of professional fulfillment.
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Associate at Morrison and Foerster LLP
Michael's biggest challenge transitioning from law school to Morrison & Foerster LLP was the steep learning curve, describing it as "like learning a second language," requiring a willingness to start from "the ground level." The demanding time commitment inherent in big law, particularly the unpredictable nature of client needs, also presented a significant ongoing challenge requiring strong time management skills.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Law Industry As An Associate
Michael's most rewarding aspect of working in the legal industry is representing clients in the impact investing and social enterprise space, "facilitating the movement of capital" towards addressing societal issues such as "climate change, ag tech inequality," aligning financial success with positive social impact. This focus on purpose, while still working at a large law firm, is what keeps Michael engaged in their career.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Law, According To An Associate At Morrison And Foerster LLP
Success in the legal industry hinges on a blend of intelligence and strong interpersonal skills; Michael emphasizes the importance of teamwork ("being a team player...you can't do everything by yourself"), humility ("comfortable knowing that...I'm gonna learn"), and a willingness to both mentor and seek guidance, highlighting the significance of soft skills like hard work and attention to detail.
What An Associate At Morrison And Foerster LLP Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Law Industry
Michael, a corporate attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP, learned that "process management is a huge skill" crucial for deal-making, a fact not fully appreciated during law school. This highlights the importance of balancing legal expertise with non-legal skills for corporate attorney success.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Associates at Morrison and Foerster
Even without prior legal experience, Michael highlights "legal internships" and "being a paralegal" as valuable entry-level options for undergraduates interested in law, offering exposure to firm operations and the work of corporate attorneys—information which is not always readily available in law school. These positions allow individuals to determine if a legal career aligns with their interests before committing to law school.
Significant Career Lesson From an Associate at Morrison & Foerster LLP
Michael, an associate at Morrison & Foerster LLP, learned early in his career that "pretty much anything can be fixed," a valuable lesson from a partner who focused on solutions rather than blame. This approach helped mitigate the intense pressure of the job and fostered a more productive environment for addressing mistakes.
College Experiences That Helped an Associate at Morrison and Foerster Succeed
Michael's undergraduate experience, which included playing college basketball, unexpectedly equipped Michael with crucial "time management" skills highly valuable in the demanding law firm environment. The absence of legal internships during undergraduate studies is viewed in retrospect as a missed opportunity, highlighting the value of early career exploration.
Advizer Personal Links
bottom of page