Morrison & Foerster Adds Financial Services Partner

NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Morrison & Foerster LLP announced today that Sharon Parella has joined the firm's Financial Services group as a partner in its New York office.

Ms. Parella counsels financial institutions and other financial services companies on all aspects of employment law.  Her practice includes defending employers against discrimination, compensation and other employment claims before both state and federal courts, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, fair employment agencies and in proceedings before the New York Stock Exchange, FINRA and other regulatory organizations.  Her work also focuses on employment issues related to mergers and restructurings.  Ms. Parella has extensive experience in drafting and negotiating employment, consulting and settlement agreements and releases.  In conjunction with foreign counsel, Ms. Parella advises clients regarding U.S. employees abroad and the application of U.S. employment laws to expatriate employees in the United States.  In addition, Ms. Parella counsels clients on issues of discrimination, employee misconduct and sexual harassment and provides training seminars on these and related issues for senior management, executives, human resources professionals, in-house legal counsel and employees of financial institutions and other companies.  She regularly gives advice on investigations of employee complaints of misconduct.

Rick Fischer, Co-Chair of the Financial Services Group said, "We are very pleased to add Sharon's expertise to our well-rounded and growing financial services group.  Her experience advising financial institutions on their employment and compensation matters is a welcome addition and will prove useful to our clients."  Ms. Parella joins the Firm from the New York office of a prominent law firm.

"Morrison & Foerster will provide my practice a platform with global breadth and critical bank regulatory and financial services capabilities and expertise," said Ms. Parella  "Since so many of my clients are in the financial services industry, the firm's preeminence in the area will allow me to expand and strengthen my client relationships."

About Morrison & Foerster

Morrison & Foerster is a global firm with over 1000 lawyers in key technology and financial centers in the U.S., Europe and Asia.  Our attorneys share high standards and a commitment to excellence.  Our dedication to serving client needs has resulted in enduring relationships and a record of high achievement.

• Ranked by Chambers USA 2011 as one of the leading financial services firms
• Ranked by IFLR1000 as a leading firm for financial services regulation
• PLC Which lawyer? Global Portrait observes "regarded as one of the US' innovative finance teams, Morrison & Foerster has a comprehensive banking and finance practice"
• U.S. News-Best Lawyers Best Law Firms 2011 ranks the firm as one of the leading Banking and Finance and Financial Services firms nationally

SOURCE Morrison & Foerster LLP