Tessa R. Lessner

Tessa R. Lessner

Tessa Lessner represents both public and private sector employers in all aspects of labor and employment matters including employment policies and procedures, federal and local agency claims, wrongful termination, and wage and hour. She works to prepare clients for trial and develop strategies by conducting extensive legal research, preparing and responding to all forms of discovery, drafting and responding to complaints, and interviewing and preparing witnesses for depositions.

  • Defended the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (“CDCR”) against allegations of Eighth Amendment excessive force and failure to protect claims arising from an alleged attack on a California inmate by fifteen correctional officers and sergeants. CDCR prevailed on summary judgment.
  • Obtained summary judgment for CDCR in several matters alleging deliberate indifference to serious medical needs.
  • Obtained summary judgment for CDCR in litigation filed by a California inmate against four CDCR employees for retaliation and claims of conspiracy and violations of the Bane Act.
  • Obtained summary judgment for CDCR based on plaintiff’s failure to exhaust his administrative remedies in matter alleging retaliation.
  • Demurrer sustained for CDCR in action alleging negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress based on plaintiff’s failure to comply with the Government Claims Act.

  • J.D., cum laude, California Western School of Law, June 2013
  • B.A., High Honors, University of California, Santa Barbara, July 2009
  • State Bar of California
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • United States District Court for the Central District of California
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of California
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of California
  • Alameda County Volunteer of the Year, 2021-2022
  • Phillip A. Harley Memorial Mock Trial Competition, Scorer, Judge, Coach, 2019 – 2025
  • California Western School of Law Award for Academic Excellence – Outstanding Academic Performance in Entertainment Law, 2012
  • California Western School of Law Trustees Scholar Program, 2010-2013
  • California Western School of Law Pro Bono Honors Society Award
  • UCSB Communication Department Award for Academic Excellence, 2009
  • UCSB Dean’s Honors, 2006-2009