After beginning her legal career as an associate in our Washington, D.C., office from 2007 to 2009, Michele Lee went to go work for the government and then in-house with Visa, Twitter, and Pinterest before recently returning to Wilson Sonsini as a General Counsel in Residence. She earned her J.D. from American University Washington College of Law in 2005. We recently spoke with Michele about her career path, her time at Wilson Sonsini, her recommendations for those considering a career in-house, and the importance of showing yourself grace.

Did you choose a law career, or did it choose you? Could you tell us a bit about your career trajectory?

I chose a law career, absolutely. I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer, from the time I was very, very young. In high school, I was on the debate team and on mock trial. And in college, it was already very clear that was my path. I knew that’s where I was going. I love the law and love the legal profession.

In every stage of my career, I’ve been looking for something. When I left Wilson to join the DOJ as a trial attorney, I really was looking for the experience of being in court. At that time, that was the ultimate for me—to stand up in a courtroom and advocate on behalf of a client. I still remember the first time I was in a courtroom and introduced myself as “representing the United States of America.” I’ll always remember the magic of that moment!  It seemed like that was the pinnacle of being a good lawyer. I had a great time at the DOJ; there were pieces I was trying to find and fill into my career puzzle.

When I left the DOJ, I really wanted to see what it would be like to be part of a company, to advocate for a company—and I had a strong interest in living on the West Coast. I’d been in Washington, D.C., for nearly 12 years at that point and every February I thought, “It is sooo cold!” That’s when I got the opportunity at Visa. I started there as litigation and competition counsel and moved to San Francisco, where I’ve stayed. I love it in San Francisco and can’t imagine myself ever leaving.

What have you learned from your time at Wilson Sonsini, first as an associate and more recently as a GC in Residence?

I’ve loved it here. I look back very fondly on the camaraderie and the wonderful folks I’ve worked with. When I was an associate, the Antitrust group in D.C. was small and there was such a strong community. I remember sitting in my co-workers’ offices and talking about life, everything, really—developing incredible friendships that have lasted so many years. You spend so much time at work with these people, it’s important to show up not just as a coworker, but as a friend. Make the most of those friendships. I really value that.

Finding community within industry groups helped develop my community as well. The ABA Antitrust Group is storied, and when I joined Wilson, that was my first foray into volunteering in the industry, learning the ins and outs from folks who know and help each other. It was so rewarding to be part of that community. Though I’ve stepped away from focusing on antitrust, it’s remarkable to still keep up with the people who’ve been contributing to that ecosystem for so long.

How did you find the experience of moving in-house? What advice might you have for those thinking about making that change?

I loved being in-house. You do shift your mindset when you go in-house. At a firm and in the government, you are clearly in the game, running laps and shooting hoops and all the terminology you can think of. When you’re in-house, it’s different. At a firm, especially in litigation, you’re often a coach and developing an overall strategy, but not defining each and every step that will be part of that. The altitude is different. The perspective is different.

At a firm, you might be working on a few lawsuits each year. When you’re in-house, you’re thinking through the strategic implications of litigation strategy, asking if it makes sense in light of what’s happening on the product front, and thinking through what’s best for the company as a whole.

For someone thinking of going in-house, I recommend not considering what you should or shouldn’t do as a next step, but thinking through what you enjoy most about the practice of law, and whether going in-house makes sense for what you enjoy doing. 

How have you been able to achieve work-life balance and what do you do to unwind?

I have three kids, all nine and under. My life is really busy—and it’s all busy. I remember the late, great Ruth Bader Ginsberg said when she was going to law school and raising young kids, that every part prepared her for the next one. Each part was a rest from the other part of life.

I focus on being present. There are constant demands on our time and for our attention, from emails to notes from schools and parents, so staying present, especially around my kids, has been key. It’s never perfect. And it will change—sometimes family will take precedence for health concerns or other reasons, and sometimes a deal closing or a late-night filing will take precedence. It’s not going to be perfect. Most of all, you have to give yourself grace. 

What’s something interesting that people would be surprised to learn about you?

The first is that I really enjoy boxing. I also enjoy knitting. And ’90s rap!