Morgan F. Mouchette is a highly accomplished partner in Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law practice. Krystal Studavent Ramsey, the firm’s Director of Diversity & Inclusion, recently interviewed Morgan about her career, leadership roles, perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”), and more.
K: Can you tell us about your career at Blank Rome and the various leadership roles you have held?
M: I was a BR Scholars Program summer associate with Blank Rome in 2009 and 2010 while at Fordham University School of Law. In 2011, I joined Blank Rome as an associate and was promoted to partner in 2020. I am a co-chair of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee and a co-chair of BR Black, our professional community committed to the recruiting, development, and advancement of African American and Black colleagues. I also served as co-chair of BR United, our multicultural affinity group from 2016 to 2023.
My practice focuses on pendente lite, matrimonial and family law. I represent clients in all aspects of family law, including divorce, child custody, property distribution, spousal support, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, and international child abduction matters.
K: Can you tell us about a DEI initiative you spearheaded at Blank Rome and the resulting impact?
M: As a co-chair of BR United, we launched ongoing mentorship, coaching, and leadership development programs such as BR Achieve, a professional development training program for junior associates; BR Advance, a leadership development program that addresses the challenges of women of color partners; and BR Belonging, a mentorship and sponsorship program for attorneys.
My co-chair, Cheryl S. Chang, and I also led discussions with colleagues throughout the firm that explored difficult topics and proposed strategies to further promote firm culture, awareness, and action related to DEI. These efforts paved the way for an expanded focus on our DEI efforts, including hiring our first full-time director of diversity and inclusion and hosting our first DEI Summit in 2022.
K: You have shown a monumental commitment to DEI inside and out of the firm. Can you tell us why?
M: I grew up with a strong focus on community that was instilled in me by my parents and grandparents. My grandfather, Edwin C. Berry, was the Executive Director of the Chicago Urban League. He and my grandmother worked with civil rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to fight against segregation in Chicago housing and public schools, among other civil rights issues including the passage of the Fair Employment Practices law in Illinois. Guided by their example, I have always felt a responsibility to expand opportunities for people of color and other marginalized groups.
K: Tell us about your Matrimonial & Family Law practice.
M: At Blank Rome, we represent individuals—often high-profile and high-net-worth individuals from the worlds of business and financial services, technology, media, sports, and entertainment—in connection with all legal aspects of marriage and divorce. For example, we counsel clients on pre- and post-nuptial agreements, divorce proceedings, child support and spousal maintenance, custody and access rights, valuation and distribution of property, domestic partnerships, and same-sex matters. Our divorce mediators can also help you navigate complex relationship dynamics.
K: Can you tell us more about the intersection between DEI and your everyday practice?
M: Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law practice is among the largest such practices in the nation, and we are particularly proud of the diverse backgrounds and perspectives that our team offers. Personally, I represent a diverse roster of clients including financial professionals, athletes, business owners, artists, attorneys, and their spouses. Clients facing monumental marital and financial issues are often presented with life-altering decisions and it is critical that they have a trusted legal advisor on their side to whom they can relate.
K: What advice would you give to aspiring leaders?
M: Find a mentor who genuinely wants to invest in your career development, contribute to your growth, and who accepts and supports who you are at the core.
And find a way to differentiate yourself in the market. Uncover a niche or specialty and do not be afraid to fully inhabit that lane. The thing that makes you unique can be a great driver for you—both in your personal satisfaction and success in the market.
