Morrison & Foerster Trims 2026 Class, Adds AI Training
The firm reduced its associate headcount while shifting focus toward AI proficiency for its incoming legal workforce.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Morrison & Foerster reduced its incoming associate class size from 71 in 2025 to 51 in 2026. The law firm is now focusing on integrating artificial intelligence training into its core legal skills curriculum.
Why it matters
The shift in hiring reflects a changing demand for legal talent across the United States. By emphasizing AI literacy, the firm is attempting to align the capabilities of its incoming workforce with evolving technological standards in legal practice.
The firm reported a headcount contraction of 20 associates year-over-year. Future hiring metrics remain under investigation as the firm projects an intake increase for 2027.
The players
Morrison & Foerster
A global law firm providing legal services and corporate counsel, now prioritizing the integration of AI training into its associate development programs.
The details
The firm is prioritizing a training program designed to equip associates with both traditional legal proficiency and practical AI application. This approach requires associates to master the use of AI tools to augment standard legal tasks and workflow management. The goal is to prepare staff for a shift in the nature of legal work, where automated systems handle specific data-heavy processes.
Timeline
2026: The associate class size decreased to 51 lawyers.
2027: The firm expects an increase in the number of first-year associate hires.
The Tech Race
Morrison & Foerster is navigating a contraction in its hiring pipeline common among major firms in the 2026 legal market. The shift toward AI proficiency marks a competitive attempt to differentiate its associate output against traditional, non-tech-focused legal training models.
Law students and aspiring associates in the United States should expect shifting prerequisites as firms increasingly prioritize AI literacy. Training in these technical areas will likely become a baseline requirement for entry-level positions moving forward.
The takeaway
The move suggests a focus on leaner, tech-enabled associate teams as the primary strategy for managing demand. Observers should track the 2027 hiring data to see if the firm's projected workforce expansion materializes alongside the new AI-focused training standards.
What happens next
The firm anticipates an increase in first-year associate recruitment during the 2027 hiring cycle.
Further reading
For more on the industry-wide adoption of new tools, visit our Artificial Intelligence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Law.
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