Michelle Silva Fernandes
About Michelle Silva Fernandes
Michelle Silva Fernandes serves as the Vice President of US Legal at Index Ventures, a position she has held since 2022. She has extensive legal experience, having worked at various prestigious firms and institutions, including Gunderson Dettmer and Jones Day.
Current Role at Index Ventures
Michelle Silva Fernandes serves as the Vice President of US Legal at Index Ventures, a position she has held since 2022. In this role, she oversees legal matters related to the firm's operations in the United States. Her responsibilities include providing legal guidance on various transactions and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Previous Experience at Index Ventures
Prior to her current role, Michelle worked at Index Ventures as Lead Counsel, US, from 2020 to 2022. During her tenure, she was responsible for managing legal risks and supporting the firm's investment activities. This two-year experience in San Francisco allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the venture capital landscape.
Legal Career Background
Michelle has a diverse legal background, having worked at several prestigious law firms. She was a Senior Associate at Gunderson Dettmer from 2016 to 2020, and before that, she served as an Associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati from 2014 to 2016. Her early career included a role as an Associate at Jones Day from 2012 to 2014, following her time as a Summer Associate at the same firm in 2010.
Education and Qualifications
Michelle earned her Doctor of Law (JD) from Fordham University School of Law, where she studied from 2009 to 2012. She also holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Policy Analysis and Management from Cornell University. Her educational background has equipped her with the skills necessary for her legal career.
Early Career Experience
Before entering the legal field, Michelle gained experience in finance as an Analyst at BlackRock from 2006 to 2009. She also interned at Goldman Sachs in 2005. These roles provided her with a strong foundation in financial analysis, which complements her legal expertise.