Morrison & Foerster Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Morrison & Foerster has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, operations, and human resources.

Driven by innovation, Morrison & Foerster is dedicated to navigating complex legal landscapes, particularly in emerging digital sectors, providing clients with forward-thinking counsel and shaping the future of law.

Leadership Roles at Morrison & Foerster

  • Chief Executive Officer - Michael Morrison
  • Chair and Chief Executive Officer Partner - Larren Nashelsky
  • Chief Operating Officer - Patrick Cavaney
  • To The Administrative Operations Assistant & Manager, Amp & Manager, Foundations & & Chief Operating Officer, Amp - Gennedy Mendoza
  • Chief Technology Officer - Gregory Bayer
  • Chief of Staff To the Chair - Lee Masetti-Martin
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Monique Defebaugh
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Susan Quinn
  • Michael Morrison - Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Morrison, the Chief Executive Officer at Morrison & Foerster, directs the firm's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Morrison guides the firm's growth initiatives, ensuring alignment with market demands and client needs in the rapidly evolving legal sector. This leadership involves fostering a culture of excellence and innovation across all practice areas. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to managing key stakeholder relationships and championing the firm's commitment to cutting-edge legal solutions. Michael Morrison's strategic direction is pivotal in maintaining the firm's position at the forefront of complex legal challenges, particularly those arising from digital transformation and social media's impact on business.

    Larren Nashelsky - Chair and Chief Executive Officer Partner

    Larren Nashelsky, the Chair and Chief Executive Officer Partner at Morrison & Foerster, spearheads the firm's governance and strategic partnerships. Nashelsky's role involves setting the long-term trajectory for the firm, emphasizing client service excellence and robust legal practice development. The Chair and Chief Executive Officer Partner oversees critical decisions impacting the firm's global operations and market positioning. This leadership function is essential for navigating the intricate legal issues clients face, especially within digital and social media contexts. Larren Nashelsky's influence drives the firm's proactive approach to emerging legal questions, ensuring clients receive timely and effective counsel. The partner's focus remains on strengthening the firm's capabilities and expanding its reach.

    Patrick Cavaney - Chief Operating Officer

    Patrick Cavaney, the Chief Operating Officer at Morrison & Foerster, manages the firm's day-to-day operations and business functions. Cavaney oversees critical administrative and support services, ensuring seamless execution of the firm's strategic objectives. This leadership position is vital for maintaining operational excellence as the firm navigates complex legal challenges, particularly those emerging from social media and digital transformation. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include optimizing resource allocation and driving efficiency across departments. Patrick Cavaney's focus is on enhancing the firm's capacity to deliver high-quality legal services and respond effectively to the rapid pace of new legal questions. Cavaney's operational oversight supports the firm's commitment to client success.
    Patrick Cavaney

    Gennedy Mendoza - To The Administrative Operations Assistant & Manager, Amp & Manager, Foundations & & Chief Operating Officer, Amp

    Gennedy Mendoza, the To The Administrative Operations Assistant & Manager, Amp & Manager, Foundations & & Chief Operating Officer, Amp at Morrison & Foerster, directs administrative operations and foundational support systems. Mendoza ensures the smooth functioning of key operational areas, contributing to the firm's overall efficiency and client service delivery. This multifaceted role is essential for managing the complex administrative needs that arise from the firm's engagement with cutting-edge legal issues, including those related to social media. The Chief Operating Officer, Amp's responsibilities encompass optimizing workflows and supporting strategic initiatives. Gennedy Mendoza's dedication to operational excellence aids the firm in addressing new legal questions at a pace that matches market evolution. Mendoza's management of administrative functions is critical to the firm's robust service model.

    Gregory Bayer - Chief Technology Officer

    Gregory Bayer, the Chief Technology Officer at Morrison & Foerster, architects the firm's technological infrastructure and digital innovation strategy. Bayer drives the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance legal service delivery and operational efficiency. This role is critical in addressing the complex, cutting-edge legal issues arising from social media and other digital platforms. The Chief Technology Officer ensures that the firm's technology solutions support client needs and maintain a competitive edge in the legal industry. Gregory Bayer's leadership focuses on leveraging technology to provide clients with informed perspectives on new legal questions, keeping them ahead of the curve. Bayer's initiatives are key to the firm's ability to respond rapidly to the evolving legal landscape.

    Lee Masetti-Martin - Chief of Staff To the Chair

    Lee Masetti-Martin, the Chief of Staff To the Chair at Morrison & Foerster, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the firm's Chair. Masetti-Martin facilitates key initiatives, ensuring alignment between the Chair's vision and the firm's operational execution. This role is crucial for navigating the intricate legal landscape, especially concerning the rapid development of social media law. The Chief of Staff To the Chair manages critical projects and communications, enhancing the Chair's effectiveness. Lee Masetti-Martin's contributions are vital in addressing emerging legal questions and ensuring the firm remains agile in its client service. Masetti-Martin's strategic partnership supports the firm's leadership in complex legal matters.

    Monique Defebaugh - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Monique Defebaugh, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Morrison & Foerster, leads the firm's talent management and organizational development strategies. Defebaugh oversees initiatives focused on attracting, retaining, and developing top legal talent to address complex, cutting-edge legal issues. This leadership is fundamental to supporting the firm's practice groups as they navigate the evolving legal landscape, particularly concerning social media and digital platforms. The Chief Human Resources Officer ensures a robust and supportive work environment that fosters innovation and professional growth. Monique Defebaugh's expertise is critical in aligning human capital with the firm's strategic goals, enabling Morrison & Foerster to provide exceptional counsel on new legal questions. Defebaugh's role strengthens the firm's foundation for sustained success.
    Monique Defebaugh

    Susan Quinn - Chief Administrative Officer

    Susan Quinn, the Chief Administrative Officer at Morrison & Foerster, directs the firm's comprehensive administrative functions and operational support. Quinn ensures the efficient delivery of services across all departments, facilitating the firm's ability to tackle complex legal challenges. This role is integral to managing the operational demands associated with emerging legal issues, such as those arising from social media's pervasive influence. The Chief Administrative Officer oversees critical infrastructure and resource management, supporting the firm's strategic objectives. Susan Quinn's leadership enhances the firm's capacity to respond proactively to new legal questions and maintain high standards of client service. Quinn's focus on operational effectiveness underpins the firm's dynamic legal practice.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Morrison & Foerster Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Morrison & Foerster?
    Morrison & Foerster is led by Michael Morrison (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Larren Nashelsky (Chair and Chief Executive Officer Partner) and Patrick Cavaney (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Morrison & Foerster’s executive team?
    The executive team of Morrison & Foerster includes leaders such as Michael Morrison (Chief Executive Officer), Larren Nashelsky (Chair and Chief Executive Officer Partner), Patrick Cavaney (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Morrison & Foerster have?
    Morrison & Foerster has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Morrison & Foerster’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Morrison & Foerster includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chair and Chief Executive Officer Partner, Chief Operating Officer, To The Administrative Operations Assistant & Manager, Amp & Manager, Foundations & & Chief Operating Officer, Amp, Chief Technology Officer.