
Michelle Nicole Diamond
Partner
Michelle Diamond’s practice focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues and the rapidly evolving legal and regulatory landscape around controlled substances (e.g., cannabis and psychedelics). She has extensive experience investigating allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment and discrimination; conducting workplace culture reviews; and advising companies on how to create inclusive and equitable workplaces. She works regularly with tech companies, financial institutions and special committees.
With respect to DEI, her recent experience includes conducting a racial equity review of a major tech company’s workforce and products, an independent workplace culture review of a fast-growth tech company on behalf of a special committee of the Board of Directors, an independent review focused on the treatment of women and people of color at a non-profit, a reputational-risk and ESG review of an investment management firm, and internal investigations into sexual harassment and racial discrimination at hedge funds and tech companies.
In the controlled substances space, Ms. Diamond has advised numerous financial institutions and ancillary businesses on the risks under the US and UK narcotics and money laundering of transactions involving cannabis and psychedelics companies; developed cannabis and psychedelics compliance programs for banks, asset management firms and other financial services companies; advised parties on mergers and acquisitions and other strategic transactions; and advised members of the Board of Directors of an international cannabis company.
Prior to joining WilmerHale, Ms. Diamond served as a law clerk for the Honorable John M. Walker, Jr. of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the Honorable Thomas P. Griesa of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Pro Bono
Ms. Diamond has an extensive pro bono practice, with a focus on reproductive rights. She has acted as counsel or co-counsel to Planned Parenthood and the ACLU in numerous matters.
Professional Activities
Ms. Diamond serves as co-chair of the firm's Hiring Committee in New York.
Recognition
- Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for appellate law (2023)
Insights & News
Credentials
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Education
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JD, Columbia Law School, 2012
James Kent Scholar, Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, Executive Notes Editor, Human Rights Law Review
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BA, Political Science, Columbia College, 2008
with honors
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Admissions
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New York
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District of Columbia
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Clerkships
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The Hon. John M. Walker Jr., US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 2014 - 2015
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The Hon. Thomas P. Griesa, US District Court for the Southern District of New York, 2013 - 2014
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Credentials
-
Education
-
JD, Columbia Law School, 2012
James Kent Scholar, Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, Executive Notes Editor, Human Rights Law Review
-
BA, Political Science, Columbia College, 2008
with honors
-
-
Admissions
-
New York
-
District of Columbia
-
-
Clerkships
-
The Hon. John M. Walker Jr., US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 2014 - 2015
-
The Hon. Thomas P. Griesa, US District Court for the Southern District of New York, 2013 - 2014
-