Inclusive Recruitment

Keith Wetmore Fellowship for Excellence, Diversity, and Inclusion

Since 2012, the Keith Wetmore Fellowship for Excellence, Diversity, and Inclusion program has recognized exceptional first- and second-year law students with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, and provided them with the training, mentorship, and exposure necessary for their professional development and engagement. The fellowship program is named after former chair Keith Wetmore, in honor of his dedication and commitment to diversity and inclusion, both within the firm and in the legal profession. It is one of the many ways that Morrison Foerster actualizes its commitment to removing barriers and creating opportunities for talented individuals with diverse experiences in the legal industry.

Each year, fellows are selected from a competitive pool of applicants and are invited to join the firm as summer associates. In addition to a stipend, fellows receive ongoing formal mentorship, attend a cohort learning experience in one of our U.S. offices, and meet with members of the Leadership Team, including the chair of the firm. After completing the 1L Summer Associate Program, fellows will have the opportunity to return as 2L Wetmore Fellows. The 2L Summer Fellows who join as first-year associates after graduation will participate in the firm’s Wetmore Bridge Program.

The Wetmore Bridge Program is a two-year initiative that seeks to promote meaningful mentoring relationships and assist in the seamless transition from law school to practice. Components of the program include an apprenticeship model of mentoring, cohort learning experiences, and curated growth opportunities, all designed to encourage a greater sense of belonging while helping participants successfully navigate the nuances of practice, department, and firm life.

Sponsors for Educational Opportunity Program

Since 2008, we have sponsored a group of pre-law interns through the Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) program. SEO provides educational and career programs to students from underrepresented communities to ensure their professional success.

The pre-law interns who join us as SEO Fellows are included in our summer associate program. To date, 72 students have participated in the program over the years.

Diversity + Inclusion Road Show

We love to hear from our law students about their interests and aspirations long before the formal interview process. Each spring, our attorneys of color, women, LGBTQ+, and attorneys living with disabilities visit schools throughout the U.S. to engage with students and share why they chose MoFo’s inclusive platform for their practice.

Lavender Law Conference + Career Fair

The Lavender Law Conference + Career Fair, started in 1988, is the largest LGBTQ+ legal conference in the country. MoFo is a proud supporter of the conference and has participated in the interview program every year.