Renowned for its expertise in high-value and complex transactions, the team at Morrison Foerster handles an impressive array of work, ranging from corporate and private equity-backed deals in the tech space to tech licensing and commercialization matters. Domestic and international tech giants and software corporations benefit from the firm’s broad scope of expertise, which allows it to advise on transactions related to AI, life sciences, fintech, and cloud computing products. San Francisco-based Aaron Rubin chairs the group and focuses on data- and tech-intensive sectors. Also in San Francisco is Tessa Schwartz, who handles tech procurement agreements and IP issues, William Schwartz, who concentrates on e-commerce matters, Eric McCrath, a go-to for advice on healthcare and gaming projects, and Justin Haan, who is recognized for his knowledge of tech licensing arrangements. In New York, the ‘outstanding’ Vivian Hanson is valued for her strengths in cross-border tech transactions for clients in the financial services and media sectors, while Anthony Ramirez focuses on open-source software and tech and IP commercialization. In Palo Alto, Stephanie Sharron assists clients with data rights issues, while Daphne Higgs advises on patent and tech licensing. The ’exceptionally insightful’ Matthew Ferry is based in San Diego and advises clients in the biotech and health-tech sectors on various commercial matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘As a client who has worked with various law firms over the years, I can confidently say that my experience with Morrison Foerster stands out for several compelling reasons, making their practice truly unique in a competitive field. The firm demonstrates commitment and excellence in its diverse team, utilization of technology, collaborative culture, and client focus.'
- 'Morrison Foerster distinguishes itself through its unparalleled combination of legal and business acumen, innovative practices, and client-centered approach.'
- 'The standout feature of my experience was undoubtedly the work of Matthew Ferry. His approach was not just legally astute, but also exceptionally insightful, thoughtful, and quick.'
- 'Matthew Ferry is exceptional. His knowledge of the law related to technology and his understanding of our business was extremely useful. He is very responsive and when we have a time crunch, he always figures out a way to deliver on time.'
- 'Vivian Hanson is outstanding.'
- 'Excellent service and thoughtful business advice.'
Key clients
- Arm
- Book.io
- eBay
- Honeywell
- Infineon Technologies
- Nikon
- Ocrolus
- OpenAI
- onsemi
- Rubicon Technology Partners
- Salesforce
- Seller X
- Sonar Inc.
- SoftBank
- Teradata
- Toshiba
- Uber Technologies
- Unity Software
- Visa
- VMware
Work highlights
- Advised Unity in connection with its approximately $4.4bn acquisition of ironSource.
- Represented SoftBank Group Corp and SoftBank Vision Fund in the proposed $65bn sale of UK-headquartered multinational semiconductor and software design company Arm Limited to NVIDIA.
- Advised Endurance Acquisition Corp on its combination with SatixFy Communications Ltd, valued at $813m.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Aaron Rubin