Profile
As a member of the Office of General Counsel, Tess provides risk management advice to attorneys across all of Bond’s offices. As Deputy General Counsel – Conflicts, Tess counsels attorneys regarding the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct, other relevant law, and ethical and business considerations to identify and resolve conflicts of interest.
Tess’ legal practice began as a litigation associate at the New York City-based international law firm Milbank LLP, where her practice focused on complex commercial litigation, internal and regulatory investigations, and securities class action lawsuits.
Tess is passionate about bridging the access to justice gap and maintains an active pro bono practice. She has advocated for clients with respect to immigration matters, women’s reproductive rights and First Amendment issues. In 2023, Tess successfully secured a favorable settlement as pro bono counsel for a client seeking damages for violations of his First Amendment rights pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
Tess graduated summa cum laude from Albany Law School of Union University where she was Executive Editor for Lead Articles for the Albany Law Review and Chair of the Women’s Law Caucus. At graduation, Tess was awarded the Kate Stoneman Award, bestowed upon the student who exemplifies the pioneering spirit of Kate Stoneman, first female member of the New York State Bar.
Prior to joining the firm, Tess clerked for the Honorable Michael J. Garcia of the New York Court of Appeals.
