MOFO HONG KONG YOUR MOFO JOURNEY STARTS HERE - Morrison & Foerster
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
MOFO HONG KONG YOUR MOFO JOURNEY STARTS HERE
WHY MOFO?
Everyone, from partners
to trainees to all
administrative staff,
has been very friendly,
helpful and respectful. This
is something I greatly value
and MoFo has this quality.
2021 Summer intern
Joining MoFo's
internship program has
been one of the best
choices I have made for
my legal career.
2021 Summer intern
Tim Blakely The training sessions and
Hong Kong Managing Partner workshops were very useful
in helping me to gain a
better understanding of
different practice areas.
2021 Summer intern
During and after the
internship, my expectations Given how diverse and unique
everyone’s background is, I have
have been exceeded. Very grateful had the privilege of learning
to be able to work with all practice something new every day during
groups and attorneys are easy to the four weeks and have had the
chance to grow exponentially as a
connect with. budding lawyer.
2021 Summer intern
2021 Summer intern
CONTENTS Choose MOFO..................................................... Page 9 A global reach.................................................... Page 10 Core values......................................................... Page 12 Practices............................................................. Page 13 Awards................................................................ Page 16 How to apply....................................................... Page 18
They are “reliable,
business-savvy and
responsive” with “strong
commercial acumen.”
“The team balances both legal
practical needs and guides the
client effectively.”
—Chambers Asia-Pacific 2021
6 ||Morrison
Morrison&&Foerster
Foerster
WHAT DO OUR TRAINEES SAY?
It has made the
‘intense’ work far
less daunting with
friendly, approachable,
and knowledgeable
colleagues.
Sylvia Cheng I believe the
Associate and former challenges ahead
MoFo Trainee
working at MoFo
will take me even
further in both
my legal career
and my personal
development.
MoFo
MoFoHong Kong||
HongKong 7
With credit to MoFo’s
global interdisciplinary practice,
training at MoFo isn’t just training, but
a unique opportunity to be exposed to
multiple practices of law in any given
transaction to refine you into a more
dynamic lawyer.
MoFo attracts
Benjamin Chia
individuals from a
MoFo Trainee wide range of backgrounds
all over the world, which
has made training at
the firm a personally
enriching experience.
CHOOSE MOFO
HONG KONG,
AND YOU’LL FIND
THE LEGAL CAREER
YOU DESERVE.
Feel welcomed, supported, and
challenged every day.
Join a team that collaborates and prides
itself on its inventive spirit.
Discover innovative solutions that will
impact the future of global business.
Thrive in our diverse and inclusive
culture.
Be a leader.
MoFo Hong Kong | 9
CHOOSE MOFO TO DISCOVER
YOUR FULL POTENTIAL…
Morrison & Foerster Our commitment to MoFo lawyers have
is a global firm of excellence unites us, as one compelling mission:
exceptional credentials. does our dedication to giving to deliver success
Our name is synonymous with
back to the communities in for our clients.
a commitment to client service which we work and live. Clients are clients of the
that informs everything that firm, not of individual
MoFo lawyers bring their
we do. We are recognized lawyers. We work together to
talents and passions to bear on
throughout the world as a find creative, business-savvy
a range of pro bono initiatives,
leader in providing cutting-edge solutions to complex and routine
and the firm has been a leader
legal advice on matters that legal matters.
in the pro bono field for more
are redefining practices and
than two decades. We have also
industries. Clients include leading
been a long-time champion for
technology and life sciences
But the Morrison & Foerster promoting diversity within the
companies, Fortune 100
name tells only part of our story. legal profession. We continue
companies, and large financial
In the 1970s, when teletype was to thrive and grow because of
institutions. We also represent
used to send overseas cables, the our cultural values, not in spite
investment funds and startup
firm purposely chose “mofo” as of them; here, you can discover
companies. Over the years, we
its address. The nickname stuck, your true potential. Forget
have supported many in their
and it has become a lasting #fomo. Choose MoFo.
growth and development as
reminder that, while we are leading industry players and
serious about the work that we household brands.
do for our clients, we don’t take
ourselves too seriously.
The work is
challenging and can
get intense at times,
but working alongside
knowledgeable lawyers
has greatly honed my
technical skills.
Charmaine Mok,
MoFo Trainee
10 | Morrison & Foerster
CHOOSE MOFO FOR A CAREER WITH
GLOBAL REACH…
16 Cities. 3 Continents.
ASIA
With five offices in Asia—Hong Kong, Beijing, Fortune 500 companies, institutional and
state-owned PRC companies, entrepreneurs,
Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo—we are one
and technology companies of all types, including
of the preeminent law firms in the region, telecommunications, clean technology, life
providing integrated U.S. and local law advice. sciences, entertainment and media, and
semiconductors. Our Hong Kong office
The strength of our Tokyo office, the largest
includes around 50 U.S.-, Hong Kong-, PRC-,
Japan-based office of any global firm, resulted
and UK-qualified attorneys, the majority
in Chambers Asia Pacific naming us Japan
of whom are fully bilingual. Our senior
International Firm of the Year for the ninth
PRC-qualified partners are supported by a
time in 2021.
team of more than 15 PRC-qualified attorneys
MoFo is an intellectual property powerhouse and across our China practice.
leads the region in outsourcing, licensing, and
Our lawyers based in Hong Kong advise clients
technology transactions. Our highly regarded
in capital markets, cross-border mergers and
corporate finance and capital markets practice
acquisitions, private equity and venture capital,
in Asia represents issuers and underwriters in
China regulatory and direct investment matters,
debt and equity financings, as well as in domestic
technology transactions, and intellectual property
venture capital and private equity investments.
matters. We also have a full-service disputes
For more than 35 years, our Hong Kong office team capable of conducting complex litigation,
has served Chinese and international clients, arbitration, investigations, and pre-disputes
including financial investors and institutions, counseling in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.MoFo Hong Kong | 11
UNITED STATES EUROPE
From its deep roots in the Bay Area, MoFo in Europe consists of a team of
Morrison & Foerster has grown into a 120 lawyers in our strategic hubs of London,
leading U.S. law firm. Berlin, and Brussels.
In the past few years, Chambers USA has honored We work alongside our colleagues in the
MoFo’s bankruptcy, IP, and privacy and data security United States and Asia, drawing on cultural,
teams with Firm of the Year awards; the corporate/ jurisdictional, and market knowledge to deliver
M&A team with a client service award; and the firm the best advice and client service with a global
as a whole as Global USA Firm of the Year. approach.
MoFo has eight U.S. offices, including our East From our London office, UK- and U.S.-qualified
Coast offices in New York, Boston, Washington, lawyers advise on all aspects of corporate, finance,
D.C., and our West Coast offices in San Francisco, securities, taxation, privacy, intellectual property,
Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Denver, data privacy, and employment law. The office’s
which provide top-rated financial and capital multijurisdictional litigation, arbitration, and
markets services and world-class IP, litigation, and mediation practices allow us to resolve the most
M&A services to our clients. complex disputes.
CHINA IS A
KEY MARKET
FOR MOFO
We counsel a wide variety of clients
in China on their high-profile investment,
finance, and regulatory matters, including
many of the world’s largest multinationals and
the most substantial and active institutional
PRC companies, as well as promising startups
in the internet, technology, entertainment,
telecommunications, energy, clean
technology, renewable energy, and
life sciences industries.12 | Morrison & Foerster
OUR CORE VALUES
Our strength and success come from the diverse and
collective talent at MoFo and a long-standing commitment
to diversity, inclusion, and pro bono work.
InterBank Forum (HK InterBank) in April 2019,
FRINGEBACKER COVID-19 HONG KONG and shared his experience as an openly LGBTQ+
VIRTUAL MARATHON professional in the financial services space and
With social distancing, 47+ lawyers from our as a top law enforcement official.
Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai offices took
part in Hong Kong’s first and biggest Virtual STRONGER TOGETHER: MOFO HONG KONG
Marathon Charity event to help charities in DIVERSITY DRAGON BOAT TEAM
Hong Kong and Mainland to fight COVID-19.
In conjunction with this China event, MoFo also More than 20 lawyers and staff came together to
sponsored the WeRun Step Donation Program, represent MoFo and our commitment to diversity
and made 421 donations to China Social Welfare at the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival.
Foundation’s Free Lunch Program (donating
around 750 lunches for those children in need). HONG KONG: ADVANCING LGBTQ+
MARRIAGE RIGHTS
BRINGING TOGETHER LGBTQ+ LAWYERS In Hong Kong, MoFo was part of a
AND FINANCE PROFESSIONALS IN 31-member-strong coalition of international
HONG KONG financial institutions and law firms that took part
in an effort to revise the Hong Kong Immigration
John Smith, co-head of MoFo’s National
Department’s policy to permit the granting of
Security practice, led a lunch-and-learn along with
dependent visa/entry permits to non-local
co-sponsors the Hong Kong LGBTQ+ Attorneys
same-sex spouses. We led a pro bono team
Network (HKGALA) and the Hong Kong LGBTQ+
working with other members of the coalition on
the landmark case QT v. Director of Immigration,
which resulted in a unanimous victory in the
MOFO SUPPORTED Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal that required the
LGBTQ+ RIGHTS AT Immigration Department to grant a spousal visa to
THE STANLEY an expatriate same-sex couple.
INTERNATIONAL
DRAGON BOAT
CHAMPIONSHIPS
RANKED AS TOP-THREE FIRM IN 2020
2019 DIVERSITY SNAPSHOT BY LAW360
Law360 ranked Morrison & Foerster among the
top three “601+ lawyers” firms for attorneys of color
in its 2020 Diversity Snapshot. This year the firm
was jointly ranked second, on par with last year’s
ranking. In addition, MoFo was ranked second in
the list of biggest firms with the most diverse equity
partners. Law360 reviewed data from more than
300 firms to develop the 2020 ranking, measuring
the proportion of underrepresented minority
attorneys and the proportion of equity partners of
color to determine a firm’s total score.MoFo Hong Kong | 13
BECOME A LEADER IN
YOUR AREA OF LAW
We are leaders in every area in which we practice.
CAPITAL MARKETS MERGERS + ACQUISITIONS
“Well known for advising a range of “Maintains its leading market
businesses and financial institutions, including position with substantial expertise in big-ticket
issuers, sponsors and initial purchasers, on cross-border M&A transactions. Acts for an
global debt and equity offerings.” enviable client roster that includes some of
—Chambers Asia Pacific 2021 the world’s largest conglomerates and private
We are a leading law firm advising issuers, agents,
investment funds.” —Chambers Global 2021
and underwriters in a broad range of private We represent Fortune 500 companies, private
and public financings. Our lawyers work hard equity firms, investment banks, and privately held
to understand our clients’ businesses and listen companies in their highest-profile and complex
intently as they describe their objectives. Our mergers and acquisitions. We are a truly most
clients appreciate our dexterity and experience global practice with more than 250 Corporate/
in crafting new financial products and offering M&A lawyers located in key technology and
methodologies when off-the-shelf approaches do financial centers throughout the world. We have
not work. We think of financings as existing on advised on 158 M&A transactions in 2020, with
a liquidity continuum from private financings to a total value of approximately US$235 billion,
public offerings of investment-grade debt. including 19 deals over US$1 billion. We are a
“go-to” firm for cross-border deal-making, with
approximately 50% of our transactions in 2020
EMERGING COMPANIES + involving multiple jurisdictions.
VENTURE CAPITAL
“Significant strengths in life sciences, fintech PRIVATE FUNDS
and agriculture technology. Has a particularly
prominent practice in secondary market “Active practice representing fund
transactions.” —Chambers U.S. 2021 managers and investors with regard to the
formation of private equity and real estate
MoFo has 170+ lawyers located in key global funds and investment into funds.”
business centers advising startups, emerging
and growth companies, and venture capital
—Chambers Asia Pacific 2021
funds, corporate venture capital clients, and The formation of private funds is complex and
other financing sources. We assist companies highly specialized. Both fund sponsors and
with a full range of services, including initial institutional investors recognize our global
formation and financings, late-stage financings, Private Funds Group as leading counsel in this
secondary transactions and investments, field. We represent fund sponsors and investors
mergers & acquisitions, public offerings, strategic in the formation and operation of investment
alliances & joint ventures, licensing deals, funds of all strategies.
commercial contracts, patent prosecution,
executive compensation, labor & employment,
and corporate governance.14 | Morrison & Foerster
LIFE SCIENCES
“Noted for core technology We have advised clients on many of the most
significant matters in the technology space,
expertise within the sector and an impressive
with huge impacts on the industry and on the
transactional cpability across the Asia-Pacific everyday lives of ordinary people. From the
region.”. —Chambers U.S. 2021 fabled smartphone wars, to the “trademark trial
of the century” in the autonomous vehicle space,
The future of life sciences is in data, and no firm
to hundreds of billions of dollars of licensing
is better situated than MoFo to understand the
transactions and M&A deals in the technology
convergence of the life sciences industry and data
industry, MoFo has guided clients through the
analytics. Our Life Sciences Group advises clients
most complex, high-stakes legal issues.
on all legal aspects of life sciences data analytics
businesses, including patenting software and
AI-related life sciences inventions, licensing of data,
providing counsel on the steps to ensure data privacy INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
and ethical use of data, and guiding clients through
the FDA approval process for data-driven diagnostic “Top-league IP group acclaimed for
assays and medical devices. its patent work across contentious
Our Life Sciences Group is a unique amalgamation and non-contentious issues, as well as its
of lawyers with extensive training in biotechnology adept handling of trade marks and trade
and pharmaceuticals, coupled with the cutting-edge secrets disputes.”
application of data science. We apply this —Chambers Asia Pacific 2021
combination for our digital health, biotechnology,
medical device, pharmaceutical, and Agtech clients, We have one of the largest intellectual property
bridging the gap between the law and science. practices of any general practice firm—with more
than 300 lawyers stationed in major financial
centers in the United States, Asia, and Europe—
TECHNOLOGY TRANSACTIONS and represent the most innovative companies and
recognizable brands in the world.
“Particularly stands out in the market
for its grasp of cross-border work between
the US and Asian markets, which is driven by COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
the firm’s longstanding investment into its “Formidable litigation practice
technology sector expertise.” recognized for its capabilities in market-
—Chambers Global 2021 defining securities litigation and cutting-edge
Being ranked as a Band 1 firm in TMT practice commercial cases.”
in China by Chambers Asia Pacific 2020, we —Chambers USA 2021
have one of the largest dedicated Technology
Transactions Groups of any general practice law We try cases. Our diverse team of 500 commercial
firm. Our clients—which range from emerging litigators, whose members are located throughout
innovation drivers to iconic brands—rely on our the United States, Europe, and Asia, has a successful
strategic advice on business-critical projects. trial record of handling fact-driven cases in
Chambers describes us as “well established as the complex commercial settings. We serve a diverse
counsel of choice to numerous leading technology client base, handling large United States and
players,” and a client noted in the Chambers multijurisdictional business disputes in the courts
guide that we offer “a combination of very smart in all major commercial centers around the world
attorneys who understand the issues that tech and in arbitration proceedings.
companies face and a practical way of giving advice
and solutions.”MoFo Hong Kong | 15
SECURITIES LITIGATION,
ENFORCEMENT +
WHITE-COLLAR CRIMINAL REAL ESTATE
DEFENSE “Strong profile managing complex
“Recognized and well-regarded government real estate transactions for blue-chip clients
investigations team, noted for its bench across a range of sectors, including logistics,
of FCPA experts and experience handling commercial and residential property.”
complex international cases. Also has notable —Chambers Asia Pacific 2021
expertise leading investigations into securiites, Morrison & Foerster has one of the leading real
antitrust and economic sanctions violations.” estate practices in the United States, Asia, and
—Chambers USA 2021 Europe. We provide innovative and practical legal
advice to a broad range of real estate industry
When prosecutors and government regulators participants in all types of real estate transactions,
place our clients in their crosshairs, we defend including acquisition, development, financing,
them with legal counsel informed by the ownership, leasing, and operation. In particular,
experiences of the dozens of former prosecutors we regularly assist our clients in debt and equity
and government regulators on our team. Utilizing transactions covering virtually all real estate
these insights, our clients can understand how to product types.
anticipate the strategies and actions of prosecutors
and regulators and proceed accordingly toward a
favorable outcome.
ENERGY + INFRASTRUCTURE
“Maintains a strong record in
handling IPP bids, restructuring of joint
PRIVACY +
ventures and expansion of existing projects.
DATA SECURITY
Remains active advising on renewable
“Market-leading data security and privacy projects, most notably in the solar power
firm, offering the full suite of privacy law sector.” —Chambers Global 2021
services, including data breach notification and
From game-changing technologies and
enforcement.” —Chambers USA 2021 groundbreaking new laws, to cross-border
Over 100 countries now have their own data acquisitions and bet-the-company litigation,
protection laws regulating the collection, use, our Energy + Infrastructure Group provides
disclosure, and security of personal information. full-service legal representation across every facet
The complex, and sometimes conflicting of the multidimensional energy and infrastructure
obligations imposed by these laws can be landscape, including renewable and conventional
challenging for companies seeking to comply with power, oil & gas (including LNG), mining,
their privacy and data security obligations. Our infrastructure (including transportation), and
lawyers are able to offer practical advice that helps clean technology such as energy storage and
our clients balance compliance with running a efficiency. Our integrated group helps clients
business in a cost-effective manner. expand and overcome hurdles in a constantly
changing market by providing access to
experienced, multidisciplinary teams to address
the most complex legal issues.16 | Morrison & Foerster
SUCCESS THROUGH COMMITMENT
We are proud that our colleagues’ achievements are
broadly recognized, and that the firm consistently receives
recognition for its achievements in such a wide variety of
areas. Just take a look.
Chambers Asia-Pacific 2021 Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific 2021
Band 1 in Technology, Media, Telecoms Highly ranked in White-Collar Crime, Commercial
(TMT) in China and Hong Kong and Transactions, and International Arbitration in
China and Commercial and Transactions,
Highly ranked international firm for Capital
Intellectual Property, International Arbitration,
Markets: Equity, Corporate Investigations/
and White-Collar Crime in Hong Kong
Anti-Corruption, Corporate/M&A, Investment
Funds: Private Equity, Life Sciences, Private Ranked as Litigation Star, Hong Kong:
Equity: Buyouts & Venture Capital Investments, Timothy Blakely and Sarah Thomas
and Real Estate in China and Hong Kong
China Business Law Awards 2021
Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021 Named Firm of the Year in Six Practice Areas:
Tier 1 in China: Private Equity and TMT Fintech & Blockchain, Healthcare, Pharma, & Life
Sciences, M&A (Inbound & domestic), Media,
Highly ranked international firm for Corporate
Entertainment, & Sports, Real Estate & REIT,
and M&A, Dispute Resolution, Fintech,
and Technology & Telecom
Healthcare and Life Sciences, Intellectual
Property, Investment Funds, Projects and
Energy, Real Estate, and Construction in China ALM’s Asia Legal Awards 2019
Highly ranked international for Corporate, Winner of Southeast Asia M&A Deal of the Year:
Intellectual Property, Investment Funds, SoftBank’s investment in Grab’s acquisition of
Private Equity, and Capital Markets (Equity) Uber’s Southeast Asia operations
in Hong Kong Winner of Private Equity Deal of the Year:
Alibaba Group’s US $14 billion Series C financing
for Ant Financial
Winner of M&A Lawyer of the Year: Marcia Ellis
The firm goes the
extra mile to provide an
inclusive and respectful
workplace for all genders
and sexual orientations—
a quality I treasure for
a workplace.
Kenneth Lee
MoFo TraineeMoFo Hong Kong | 17
HOW TO APPLY AND WHAT TO EXPECT
Partners and
SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM associates are all
very welcoming
Our Hong Kong summer internship program is a and approachable.
great introduction to what a training contract at Ferdinand Loo
MoFo Trainee
MoFo would offer you and the best way for you to
demonstrate your potential to us.
During your internship, you will be given real
work for real clients. Formal and informal social
events are arranged for you to meet others in
the internship program as well as our partners,
Working on important
associates, and trainees. By the end of the scheme, projects with intelligent
you should have a good idea of whether the legal and meticulous team
field is the career for you—and whether MoFo is members, I feel like I
the right place for you. am learning new things
every day.
TRAINEE PROGRAM Jacky Lam
MoFo Trainee
From day one, you will be surprised by how much
involved in our pro bono activities and community
direct contact you have with clients. You will
action initiatives.
feel valued and involved. The hands-on learning
we offer will help you understand the legal and All trainees will have opportunities to work with
commercial context of the advice we give. You will partners. MoFo maintains an “open door” policy
quickly experience the satisfaction of going the that encourages interaction among all attorneys. The
extra mile for our clients. The sheer variety of work firm also holds social events and regular meetings
you undertake in your training contract will help to facilitate interactions among paralegals, trainees,
you decide where your future lies. During your associates, partners, and other staff.
two-year training contract, you will work closely
with associates and partners who will encourage WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?
you to show initiative and take on responsibility.
Choosing a firm that is right for you is an important
As a trainee, you will rotate through different decision. We understand that the selection process
practice areas in your two-year training program. may seem overwhelming. There is a lot to think
Seat options include Private Equity/Mergers and about, from the city where you would like to
Acquisition, Funds, Capital Markets, Dispute build your career, to the type of work that you will
Resolution, and Technology Transactions. find interesting, to the kind of firm that you see
Subject to business needs, you will also have yourself in, to how to distinguish among highly
an opportunity to go on a secondment at other respected firms that sound similar, and so on. We
MoFo offices. believe that direct participation and hands-on
In addition to on-the-job training, we offer formal experience engaging in client matters provide the
training sessions and workshops that will give you most rewarding opportunities. We present trainees
the practical and legal knowledge that is necessary with the tools they need to enhance their skills
to become a fully qualified lawyer. You will be through our program, as well as continued guidance
given help to evaluate your strengths and identify and mentoring. Our trainee program is of utmost
your developmental needs, both informally and importance to us. We are eager to help talented
through formal reviews with your supervisors. students find their place in our firm and are
Plus there will be opportunities to become committed to helping them succeed.18 | Morrison & Foerster
SPONSORSHIP HOW TO APPLY?
Once you accept a training contract with us, you Please submit an online application with a
become part of the firm, and your training and cover letter, resume, and transcripts at
development start straight away. As a “future https://careers.mofo.com/apply
joiner,” you will receive the following: examination Interviews are on a rolling basis.
fees for the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws
(PCLL) conversion exam for those who graduated
overseas, course fees for the PCLL course, a
stipend during your PCLL, and a joining salary
that is highly competitive with the other premier
firms in the market. OCTOBER 1ST
2021
WHAT DO WE LOOK FOR?
Applications
MoFo realized that delivering results for our clients Open
requires the best legal talent. We have long thought
that our greatest asset is the last person hired. We
seek out not only the best and brightest in academic
pursuits, but also those with motivation, a can-do JANUARY 31ST
attitude, creativity, an entrepreneurial spirit, drive, 2022
and confidence.
Summer Intern
We look for candidates with strong academic
backgrounds with a minimum 2:1 degree OR at
Applications
least a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or equivalent from Close
top universities. In addition, given there is a lot of
cross-border work in the office, we especially look
for bilingual or trilingual students. The ability to JUNE/JULY 2022
read and write Chinese is preferred. Summer
Like most other firms in Hong Kong, we typically Internships Begin
select trainees two years before they start work
with us. So if you are studying law, you should
apply in your penultimate year, preferably through
our Summer Internship Program.
2024 TRAINING
WHEN WILL THE SUMMER INTERNSHIP
AND TRAINING CONTRACT BEGIN?
CONTRACTS
Applications close
Summer internships take place in June and July and when all vacancies
last for four weeks. The training contract starts in
September every year.
are filledMoFo Hong Kong | 19 OUR GREATEST ASSET IS THE LAST PERSON HIRED.
Beijing Berlin Boston Brussels Denver Hong Kong London Los Angeles New York Palo Alto
San Diego San Francisco Shanghai Singapore Tokyo Washington, D.C.
© 2021 Morrison & Foerster LLP 071221You can also read
