Steptoe & Johnson has recruited complex commercial litigator Derek Foran who has spent over 12 years working from Morrison & Foerster’s San Francisco office handling a range of major litigation work for the firm.

Foran said he was excited by the new chapter that is opening for him working a firm he has deeply admired.

The Steptoe & Johnson press release is below –

Steptoe & Johnson LLP today announced the continued expansion of its commercial litigation and trial practice with the addition of Derek Foran, formerly of Morrison Foerster, as a partner in the San Francisco office. Derek’s arrival follows the addition of three litigation partners a month ago in the Washington, D.C. office.

“Derek’s extensive record of success in trial adds to our strong team of trial lawyers, in California and across our offices,” said Steptoe Chair Gwen Renigar. “His experience representing Fortune 500 companies in complex commercial disputes also helps our clients litigate commercial claims, from pre-suit discussions all the way through trial, to meet their business goals most effectively.”

Derek’s practice covers high-stakes, complex commercial litigation for public and private companies in state and federal trial courts and private arbitration. Derek also maintains an active pro bono practice and is a member of the Board of Governors of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers, Northern California Chapter. Some of his previous matters include serving as counsel for a leading enterprise data cloud company and its former officers and directors in a case alleging violations of federal securities laws, for Lattice in a high stakes matter alleging false advertising and related claims in federal district court, and for the National Abortion Federation in a case that arose out of the controversy surrounding the release of surreptitiously taken videotapes of Planned Parenthood physicians.

Over the past two years, Steptoe has handled more than 60 trials or equivalent proceedings, including representing Coda Development and its founder, Frantisek Hrabal, in a lawsuit claiming trade secret misappropriation and correction of inventorship against Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

Foran added: “I’ve always had tremendous respect for Steptoe and the firm’s deep trial bench. I’m excited to join the experienced team of trial lawyers and look forward to tapping into all of the talent and resources the firm has to offer as I continue to advise clients on their toughest commercial litigation challenges.”