Michelle Paulson

Michelle Paulson's work experience includes various roles in the legal field. Michelle currently serves as the General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at a redacted company since May 2018. Prior to that, they were self-employed and on sabbatical, providing consulting services from May 2017 to May 2018.

Michelle's previous experience includes working at the Wikimedia Foundation, where they held several positions. Michelle was the Interim General Counsel from July 2016 to May 2017, managing a 14-person legal team and handling all legal and public policy matters for one of the most visited websites in the world. Before that, from July 2015 to May 2017, they served as the Legal Director, advising department heads, executive teams, and the Board of Directors on legal concerns, risk management, policy, and strategy. Michelle also held the role of Senior Legal Counsel from November 2014 to July 2015, providing counsel to various departments and leading new legal and policy initiatives. Michelle started their tenure at Wikimedia as the Legal Counsel from March 2010 to November 2014, focusing on policy development, contract negotiation, and trademark management.

Earlier in their career, Michelle worked as a Graduate Research Fellow at UC Hastings College of the Law from April 2010 to November 2011. Michelle also held an entry-level position as a Legal Intern at Wikimedia Foundation from September 2008 to May 2009, where they researched and drafted legal memoranda on intellectual property and internet law. Furthermore, they worked as a Summer Intern at Bell & Associates from May 2008 to August 2008, supporting patent prosecution attorneys by drafting and editing patent applications and conducting prior art searches.

Michelle's work experience also includes a Summer Legal Internship at Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto from May 2007 to August 2007. Michelle provided legal advice and assistance to low-income tenants.

Prior to their legal career, Michelle worked as a Senior Complexity Claims Representative at Progressive Insurance from January 2004 to May 2006. Michelle also worked as a Senior Human Resources Clerk at the Florida Department of Education from January 2000 to January 2001, assisting in processing workers' compensation claims, benefits, and payroll for over 2,000 employees. Additionally, they gained experience as a Summer Extern at the Florida 2nd Judicial Circuit Court from May 1997 to August 1998, where they researched legal issues and case law, reviewed legal documents, and drafted correspondence.

Michelle Paulson attended the University of California, Berkeley from 2001 to 2003, where they obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies & Business Administration. After that, they pursued further education at the University of California, College of the Law in San Francisco, formerly known as UC Hastings, from 2006 to 2009. During this time, they earned a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with a specialization in Intellectual Property. Additionally, Michelle has obtained certifications as a Certified Information Privacy Professional - EU from the International Association of Privacy Professionals, as well as a Certified Information Privacy Professional - US from the International Association of Privacy Professionals. The exact dates of obtaining these certifications are not provided.