Tessa R. Lessner represents public and private sector employers in labor and employment matters, including employment policies and procedures, federal and local agency claims, wrongful termination, and wage and hour matters.
- Defended the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation against allegations of Eighth Amendment excessive force and failure to protect claims arising from an alleged attack on a California inmate by 15 correctional officers and sergeants, prevailing on summary judgment.
- Obtained summary judgment for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in several matters alleging deliberate indifference to serious medical needs.
- Obtained summary judgment for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in litigation filed by a California inmate against four employees alleging retaliation, conspiracy, and violations of the Bane Act.
- Obtained summary judgment for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation based on the plaintiff’s failure to exhaust administrative remedies in a matter alleging retaliation.
- Obtained a sustained demurrer for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in an action alleging negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress based on the plaintiff’s failure to comply with the Government Claims Act.
Admissions
- California
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Central, Eastern, Northern, and Southern Districts of California
Community Involvement
- Alameda County Mock Trial Competition, Volunteer Judge
Education
- J.D., cum laude, California Western School of Law, 2013
- Award for Academic Excellence
- Outstanding Academic Performance in Entertainment Law
- Trustees Scholar Program
- Pro Bono Honors Society Award
- B.A., Communications, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2009
- Communication Department Award for Academic Excellence
- Dean’s Honors