Morrison Foerster Bolsters Emerging Companies Group with New Partners Jason Sanderson and Zainab Abdullah

Morrison Foerster Expands Its Emerging Companies Group

On March 20, 2025, Morrison Foerster, a prominent global law firm, proudly announced the addition of Jason Sanderson and Zainab Abdullah as partners in its Emerging Companies + Venture Capital (ECVC) Group. This move signifies the firm's ongoing commitment to strategic growth within this vital sector.

Profiles of the New Partners

Jason Sanderson

Jason Sanderson brings nearly two decades of extensive experience in representing companies and investors involved in venture capital financing. His expertise spans various jurisdictions including the U.S., UK, and beyond, and encompasses a range of services central to corporate growth such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), fund formation, and structuring. Prior to joining Morrison Foerster, Sanderson honed his skills at a leading bicoastal boutique law firm where he catered to the needs of clients in both the startup and investment space. His depth of insight into the market is complemented by his previous roles at other nationally recognized law firms.

Zainab Abdullah

Zainab Abdullah arrives with over ten years of experience advising on a diverse spectrum of venture and growth financing across multiple stages, sizes, and sectors. Her role involves not only representing fast-growing companies from inception to their eventual exits but also counseling various investors, including venture capital and private equity firms, on investment transactions. Abdullah's versatile hands-on approach was previously shaped at two other boutique law firms that specialized in serving emerging companies.

Team Expansion and Impact

Joining Sanderson and Abdullah are associates Dane Jones Hodges and Lauren Chase, further strengthening the team at Morrison Foerster. This new group comes on the heels of the recent addition of Peter Fusco's ECVC team in late 2024, highlighting a rapid and strategic expansion of the firm's capabilities within the venture capital field.

As expressed by Michael Glaser, co-chair of Morrison Foerster's ECVC Group, there is considerable excitement regarding this team's addition. He emphasizes the potential of Sanderson and Abdullah to elevate the firm's standing as a leading practice in consumer and technology sector ventures across the nation.

Jason Sanderson reflects on his move, stating, "I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues in the firm's market-leading ECVC Group to enhance our offerings and better serve clients in San Francisco and beyond." His perspective embodies the ambitions within the firm to leverage collective expertise for client advantage.

Zainab Abdullah, equally enthusiastic about her new role, stated, "Joining the amazing ECVC team allows me to provide exceptional and business-first advice while drawing from the vast resources and expertise Morrison Foerster has to offer." Her commitment to clients and the ambition to deliver competitive advantages resonates with the firm’s ethos.

Conclusion

The arrival of Sanderson and Abdullah within Morrison Foerster's Emerging Companies Group marks a significant step towards strengthening the firm's service range within the venture capital landscape. Their combined experience and dedication will undoubtedly contribute to the success of both the firm and its diverse clientele, establishing an even more formidable presence in the competitive realm of venture and private equity.

With this strategic move, Morrison Foerster continues to solidify its status as a top player in the consumer and technology sectors, further enriching its extensive portfolio of services available to investors and emerging companies alike.