Assistant General Counsel in San Francisco, California at Morrison & Foerster LLP

Assistant General Counsel

Locations: San Francisco, California; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Washington, District Of Columbia; Palo Alto, California; San Diego, California; Denver, Colorado; Austin, Texas; Boston, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington
Req ID: 6016
Position Type: Legal
Job Overview

At MoFo, we couldnt write our own success story without yours. Ready to write your story?

Join MoFo as ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL in our Office of General Counsel!

This role can be based in Seattle, San Francisco, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, Austin, Boston, New York or Washington, D.C.
https://www.mofo.com/offices

ABOUT THE ROLE

We're seeking an accomplished Assistant General Counsel to join our Office of General Counsel in a high-impact role at the intersection of legal strategy, ethics, and enterprise risk management. Reporting to the firm's Deputy General Counsel, this position offers a unique opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor across one of the world's preeminent law firms shaping and safeguarding the policies, processes, and risk frameworks that underpin the firm's operations and reputation. The ideal candidate brings sharp legal judgment, a collaborative mindset, and the poise to navigate complex professional responsibility matters with confidence and discretion.

• Serve as key point of contact and advisor to firm constituents regarding a range of legal, ethics and risk management issues; firm policies, practice, and procedures; and strategic and client relations issues.
• Oversee the response to subpoenas served on the firm, including implementing litigation holds, coordinating document preservation and subpoena responses, and managing the review and production of documents.
• Advise attorneys on engagement documentation (secondment arrangements, vendor, consultant, and local counsel engagement terms, and compliance issues).
• Advise on client records preservation and transfer obligations.
• Provide strategic support on unique client engagement arrangements and due diligence requests.
• Update, enhance, and maintain risk management policies and guidelines.
• Oversee the firms bar admissions policies.
• Support annual risk management audit procedures in support of professional liability insurance renewal.
• Support the Office of General Counsel in ensuring internal stakeholders are aligned with legal processes and procedures, working effectively across business units and internal functions to resolve risk management issues.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategic plans and specific projects for risk management.
• Keep current on developments in law and regulation regarding professional responsibility and firm risk management and other issues.
• Provide litigation support, as and when needed.

ABOUT YOU

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school with an active bar license in good standing in the relevant office location.
• 5+ years of legal practice with required litigation experience in a law firm setting; prior law firm Office of General Counsel or risk management experience and privacy law background are a plus.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively and diplomatically with attorneys and business professionals at all levels, both one-on-one and in group settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with a demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships across departments and all levels of management, with cultural sensitivity.
• Creative, practical, and business-driven approach to problem solving, backed by strong legal research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Unimpeachable professional ethics with an unwavering commitment to confidentiality and the highest standards of professional responsibility.
• Team-oriented with strong leadership and organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously under pressure while delivering sound, practical legal advice.
• Ability to work extended or weekend hours as needed to cover multiple time zones, with some travel required.
• San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. preferred. Other office locations considered.

ABOUT MOFO

At MoFo, we collaborate as one firm, across borders, practice areas, and business functions and value fresh ideas and innovation over conformity and competition.

• About Us: https://www.mofo.com/about
• Inclusion + Engagement: https://www.mofo.com/community/we-at-mofo
• Commitment to Pro Bono: https://careers.mofo.com/careers-pro-bono
• The MoFo Foundation: https://www.mofo.com/culture/mofo-foundation

ABOUT OUR BENEFITS

MoFo offers a comprehensive benefits package starting on your first day.

• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
• Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
• Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
• Education reimbursement annually.
• Dedicated Talent Development team.
• Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.

Where required by law, salary ranges are stated below. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus, overtime as applicable, health/welfare benefits, retirement contributions, paid holidays, and PTO. The range displayed is specifically for positions performed in those cities/states and may vary based on factors including but not limited to the following: local market data and ranges; an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience; and certain degrees, licensing, and certifications. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances. Per Colorado law, this posting includes an anticipated application deadline of December 17, 2026. The position may close earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.

New York, San Francisco, Palo Alto salary range: $244k to $340k

Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, Boston, Washington, D.C. salary range: $232k to $324k

Denver salary range: $217k to $303k

For questions regarding this position, please e-mail jobs@mofo.com

Morrison & Foerster is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran or military status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partner status, and other categories protected by applicable laws, or in retaliation for opposition to any practices forbidden under this policy.