DIVERSITY
WOMEN AT MOFO
Jackie Liu
I feel fortunate to be at a firm that understands that fostering diversity requires not only institutional changes and initiatives, but also a commitment by the firm to cultivate a sense of responsibility among individual attorneys to mentor the next generation of women and minority attorneys. As an Asian woman who came to the United States from China at the age of 8 without any knowledge of English, I have definitely benefited from all the mentors at the firm, male and female, who have guided me on my journey to becoming a corporate partner at a firm ranked in the top 10 on the American Lawyer list.
Rachel Krevans
I knew so little about the practice of law when I graduated from law school that I really didn't know what I was looking for in a firm, but luckily I found it at MoFo anyway: great people who care about merit first and foremost, and judge their colleagues on that basis. To me, that is the key to diversity as well as the key to a truly great organization of any kind. Over more years here than I sometimes care to count, I've been a tax lawyer, a litigator and now a patent litigator (despite having no science background), the head of the Firm's Business Review and Capital Committees, the managing partner of the San Francisco office and the Chair of the Diversity Strategy Committee. Most important to me--every day when I get up and come to work, I walk in and see people I respect, sometimes love and am always excited to practice law with. That's what keeps me coming back for more.
Erin Bosman
Working at MoFo is a privilege. Not only do I have the opportunity to work on challenging cases with extraordinary clients, but I get to work every day with a wonderful group of people. When you are dedicating yourself to a legal career, you need to find a place to practice where you feel inspired, motivated, and supported. I have found that at MoFo. I have been fortunate to have mentors who encouraged me and gave me the chance to succeed from day one. This experience has not only shown me the value of mentoring; it has given me respect for the efforts MoFo places on mentoring and advising associates.
Ann Bevitt
I started my professional career as a barrister (English trial lawyer) and then moved to a very small niche employment practice, where I was one of the first solicitors to obtain rights of audience as a result of my advocacy experience. Initially, I was a little apprehensive about the challenges, although very excited by the opportunities presented by being a part of a large, global law firm. I needn't have been concerned: MoFo was incredibly welcoming and supportive from day one. I joined as Of Counsel, went on maternity leave within a year of joining, returned to work on a flexible part-time schedule and was then made up to partner. Since then, I have continued working flexibly and have always received the full support of all my colleagues. Having such support at all levels of the firm is essential if flexible part-time working arrangements are to work. I have found flexible working no bar whatsoever to progression within the firm: I am head of the Employment & Labor practice in London and the EU Privacy Group. I am also a member of the London office's Diversity Committee and the firmwide Women's Initiative Committee. I also very much enjoy the fact that the London office itself is very diverse, both culturally and socially. It is what makes MoFo stand out from other firms: MoFo really does "walk the walk" as well as "talk the talk" when it comes to diversity.
Louise Stoupe
I'm a trial lawyer and mother practicing in MoFo's Tokyo office. I was born in Fiji, grew up in Hong Kong, my mother is from Samoa and my dad is from New Zealand. I do not fit into anyone's box and I'm comfortable with that fact. The beauty of MoFo is that you can be exactly who you are -- and still fit in here. The cultural landscape of the firm is extremely varied and there are role models for every type of lawyer. I work with numerous female attorneys who I admire not only for their professional achievements but also for what they have achieved in their personal lives. To me -- that's one of the MoFo differences.
Anna Erickson White
I've been at MoFo for 18 years. I've been a general litigator, securities litigator, head of the Palo Alto Litigation Group, managing partner of the firm, head of the Firm's Business Review Committee, on the board of directors, co-chair of the Women's Initiative Committee, and the head of Strategic Business Conflicts. And for 16 of those years, I've been a mother. I've been able to enjoy raising my daughters and have a satisfying career because of my colleagues — this includes my mentors, peers, associates, and wonderful assistant. They've not only made work challenging and fun, but supported me, encouraged me, and given me flexibility when I needed it. MoFo is how it should be.
