Michele C. Lee Joins Wilson Sonsini as General Counsel in Residence

Veteran Tech GC and Former DOJ Attorney Brings Extensive Litigation, Regulatory, and Executive Leadership Experience to Firm’s GCIR Program

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the premier provider of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, announced today that Michele C. Lee, a recognized leader in complex litigation, global regulatory strategy, and executive counsel, has joined the firm as part of its General Counsel in Residence (GCIR) program. Lee has advised some of the world’s most prominent technology companies and recognized household names, earning a reputation as a trusted and forward-thinking advisor.

"We’re proud to welcome Michele to the GCIR program," said Jeff VanHooreweghe, a partner at Wilson Sonsini and vice chair of the firm's antitrust and competition group. "Her keen legal thinking and dedication to her clients consistently raise the bar in the industry. Michele has held remarkable positions, and her unique perspective will be a tremendous asset to our community of legal and business leaders. We look forward to the mutual learning and collaboration to come."

Most recently, Lee served as general counsel at Pinterest. In this role, she advised the executive leadership team and board of directors on crafting innovative, business-forward strategies to navigate complex legal and reputational risks. During her tenure, she led the company’s strategic approach on a number of issues, including digital content regulation, online safety, AI governance and product development, and the use of data in online advertising.

Before joining Pinterest, Lee served as associate general counsel at Twitter, overseeing global litigation, regulatory, and competition matters. She successfully resolved high-profile disputes involving the First Amendment, privacy, competition, and consumer protection.

Earlier in her career, Lee held legal leadership roles at Visa and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). At Visa, she managed the company’s patent litigation portfolio and led legal strategy on class actions and antitrust matters. At the DOJ, she served as a trial attorney prosecuting civil fraud cases on behalf of the federal government.

Lee began her legal career in private practice as an antitrust associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and White & Case, advising clients on federal merger reviews and antitrust compliance.

She holds a J.D. from American University’s Washington College of Law and a B.A. in political science and public relations from Syracuse University.

Lee has received numerous honors throughout her career, including being named one of the 2023 “Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business” by the San Francisco Business Times, a 2020 “Woman Leader in Tech Law” by The Recorder, and a 2021 “Thought Leader” by Corporate Counsel’s Women, Influence, and Power in Law.

Beyond her professional achievements, Lee is a dedicated community advocate, volunteering and fundraising for Raphael House, a San Francisco-based shelter for homeless families.

"It’s a privilege to rejoin Wilson Sonsini through the GCIR program and partner with such a talented team," said Lee. "When I first started working at a corporation after the Department of Justice, I quickly realized there was no clear roadmap for that journey. A program like GCIR would have been incredibly valuable. I’m eager to share my knowledge to help clients chart their path forward and drive long-term, sustained success."

Launched in February 2025, Wilson Sonsini’s GCIR program provides clients short-term access to peers who have navigated similar challenges. By leveraging these shared experiences, clients gain insights into operational obstacles, avoid common pitfalls, and make more informed legal decisions. It complements Wilson Sonsini’s Executive Advisory Program (EAP), which offers tailored, long-term support to companies at all stages of growth, from startups to multinational corporations.

"Michele’s background and instincts are next level," said David Kramer, head of the internet strategy and litigation practice at Wilson Sonsini. "We know she’ll bring immediate value to our clients and team—not just through her experience with regulators and the litigation process, but through her ability to lead in contentious times with clarity and confidence. Having walked in our clients’ shoes, she brings a thoughtful, grounded perspective and a solutions-oriented mindset."

About Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

For more than 60 years, Wilson Sonsini’s services and legal disciplines have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the management and boards of directors of business enterprises. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking legal counsel to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage governance and enterprise-scale matters; assist with intellectual property development, protection, and IP-driven transactions; represent them in contested disputes; and advise them on antitrust or other regulatory matters. With deep roots in Silicon Valley, Wilson Sonsini has more than 1,000 attorneys and 17 offices in 16 technology, business, and regulatory markets across the United States, China, and Europe. For more information, please visit www.wsgr.com.