Michael Bastaki

Patent Recruiting Specialist 

Morrison Foerster 

This month WALRAA is proud to shine a spotlight on Michael Bastaki! Michael is the Patent Recruiting Specialist at Morrison Foerster. He has been a member since 2023. Read about his favorite career moment, best professional advice he has received, and more in his own words below. 

1.      How long have you been a member of WALRAA? What has been your favorite experience so far?
I joined WALRAA about halfway through last year (I moved from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.). I really enjoyed the 2023 Holiday Party, since I was able to meet with a lot of people.

2.     How has WALRAA help you in your field?
WALRAA has kept me updated on the latest trends in the market and provided me with a community to share ideas and discuss advancements in the industry.

3.     How did you first learn about and get started in Attorney Recruiting/Career Services?
I did an internship my junior year of college with another BigLaw firm and never looked back.

4.     What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
We opened new patent prosecution groups in both Boston and New York during COVID-19. Creating and executing a plan to sustainably grow these new offices, during a global pandemic, has been the highlight of my career.

5.      What is it that challenges you most in your job?
Constantly absorbing information amidst a rapidly changing legal industry is the most challenging (but also interesting) part of the job.

6.      How do you balance your career and personal life?
I do my best to create a consistent routine each day, that carves out time for me to unwind. I also set personal goals for myself—this year I’d like to get a dog and travel to Latin America.

7.      What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
For this year, I am focused on growing our patent and FDA groups and working on cross-office teams to implement new recruiting technologies for the firm.

8.      What is the best professional advice you have received?
You are in the meeting for a reason—don’t be afraid to share your ideas. 

9.      What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy woodworking, cooking, and tackling home improvement projects.

10.  Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
I played the baritone saxophone growing up.