Major Expansion for Morrison Foerster’s Emerging Companies Group
In a significant move to strengthen its presence in the competitive market for technology and startup legal services, Morrison Foerster announced on Wednesday the addition of a seven-lawyer team from Goodwin Procter. This high-profile acquisition includes partner Peter Fusco, who is set to co-lead the firm’s emerging companies and venture capital group.
Key Partners Bolstering the New York Office
Peter Fusco, alongside partners Jae Zhou and Frank Paz, will join Morrison Foerster’s New York office. The trio brings extensive expertise in advising venture capital funds, early-stage startups, and other innovative tech enterprises—a client demographic that continues to be highly sought after by leading law firms.
Leadership and Strategic Impact
Fusco will share leadership responsibilities with current co-chairs Michael Glaser and Jim Krenn, who are both based in California. Glaser highlighted the strategic value of the new team in an official statement, noting that Fusco’s technology-focused practice will significantly enhance Morrison Foerster’s influence within New York’s vibrant business ecosystem. Efforts to reach Fusco for comment were not immediately successful.
Expanding a Robust Emerging Companies Group
Morrison Foerster’s emerging companies and venture capital group is already an established force, comprising over 100 lawyers as per the firm’s website. This addition further cements its standing in the legal market, providing clients with an even deeper bench of seasoned professionals. Globally, Morrison Foerster boasts a team of over 1,000 attorneys.
A History of High-Profile Legal Work
During his tenure at Goodwin Procter, Fusco co-led a team that advised on notable deals, including the 2023 sale of Salt Lake City-based Pathology Watch to Sonic Healthcare, an Australian firm. Goodwin Procter had previously highlighted Fusco’s contributions in their announcement of the deal.
Previous Collaborations and Notable Transitions
The new hires come as part of a broader trend for Morrison Foerster, which has recently attracted key talent from Goodwin. Fusco and his team originally joined Goodwin in 2021 as part of a group transition from Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe. Additionally, another lawyer from this cohort, William Wilson, joined Morrison Foerster’s technology transactions group earlier in July. This was preceded by Morrison Foerster’s March acquisition of five cybersecurity lawyers from Goodwin, including a practice leader.
Goodwin’s Response to Departures
Goodwin Procter acknowledged the departure of Fusco and his team, with a spokesperson stating that the firm wishes them well in their new roles. Despite the loss, Goodwin remains a formidable player in the tech and venture capital legal space, maintaining a strong foothold with a diverse roster of specialized attorneys.
Strengthening Morrison Foerster’s Market Position
The strategic addition of this team is poised to bolster Morrison Foerster’s capabilities and expand its influence in critical markets, particularly in New York, which is known for its dynamic and competitive business landscape. The move reflects the firm’s commitment to deepening its expertise and providing comprehensive legal support to the burgeoning technology and startup sector.
