When Ketanji Brown Jackson joined Morrison & Foerster 15 years ago, the former federal public defender grew into an experienced Supreme Court practitioner through the firm’s hefty book of corporate work and pro bono opportunities.

Jackson was recruited by Beth Brinkmann, who in 2002 left the Office of U.S. Solicitor General after nine years to build a Supreme Court practice in Morrison & Foerster’s D.C. office. Brinkmann, now co-chair of Covington & Burling’s Supreme Court and appellate practice, had a plan to create one of the most diverse Supreme Court practices in the country, according to some colleagues. And Brinkmann was well on her way to doing so when she brought Jackson on board.