Karissa is a venture capital attorney, representing venture capital funds on investment transactions and strategic partnerships. Her practice spans all stages of investment, including lead investments, add-on investments, exits, and wind-downs. She counsels clients through direct investments in startups and investments in venture-backed funds.
Karissa has extensive experience in the private sector advising for-profit and nonprofit clients across a broad array of general corporate and transactional matters, including strategic investments, joint ventures, M&A, corporate governance, executive compensation, and philanthropic matters.
Before GwC, Karissa was in-house counsel for Detroit Venture Partners, the early-stage venture fund backed by Dan Gilbert; Rock Ventures, the Gilbert’s family office, where she was lead in-house transactional counsel; DTE Energy Company, where she supported the midstream gas affiliate (now DT Midstream) in pipeline development transactions; and Honigman LLP, as an associate in the corporate and securities group, advising private equity funds in acquisition and financing transactions.
Education
- Wayne State University Law School, J.D.
- Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business, M.B.A.
- University of Michigan, B.A.
Community and Leadership
- German Marshall Fund, Marshall Memorial Fellow
- Member, Michigan Commission on Well-Being in the Law
- Past-President and Board Chair, Detroit Young Professionals
- Past-Board Member, Wolverine Bar Association
- Executive Coach
