Melissa Marks
About Melissa Marks
Melissa Marks is a Partner at Gunderson Dettmer, where she provides guidance on corporate governance, employment, and intellectual property matters. She has over 15 years of experience in technology law and previously served as General Counsel for Boxee, a company acquired by Samsung Electronics.
Work at Gunderson Dettmer
Melissa Marks has been a Partner at Gunderson Dettmer since 2017, contributing to the firm for a total of ten years. She previously served as an Associate from 2008 to 2011. In her current role, she provides guidance on corporate governance, employment, and intellectual property matters. Marks represents technology companies across various sectors, including consumer products, software, artificial intelligence, healthtech, and climate tech. She also advises venture capital funds that invest in technology businesses. Additionally, she serves on the firm's Diversity & Inclusion Committee and its Management Committee.
Education and Expertise
Melissa Marks holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Physical and Biological Anthropology from Columbia University, where she graduated magna cum laude. She furthered her education at the University of Michigan Law School, earning her Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree. Marks is a member of the Order of the Coif, indicating her academic excellence in law. Her legal expertise spans over 15 years, focusing on transactions at all stages of the technology lifecycle, including private financings, M&A deals, and public offerings.
Background
Before entering the legal field, Melissa Marks had a career as a pastry chef. She began her legal career as an Associate at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP from 2006 to 2008. Following her time there, she served as General Counsel for Boxee, a streaming media hardware and software company, which was later acquired by Samsung Electronics. This experience has allowed her to leverage practical insights into her current legal practice.
Achievements
Melissa Marks is proud to represent a majority of clients who are led by underrepresented founders or executives. She is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within Gunderson Dettmer and the broader technology and venture capital community. As a founding member of the firm's Diversity & Inclusion Committee, she actively participates in initiatives aimed at promoting these values. Her extensive experience in technology transactions and corporate governance has positioned her as a trusted advisor in her field.