TESSA SILVERMAN
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Attorney
Orleans Public Defender
09.2024 - Current
- Represent indigent clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court
- Handle all aspects of clients' legal defense, including bond advocacy, motions practice, plea negotiations, trials, probation and parole matters, and interlocutory appeals
- Collaborate with investigators and client services professionals to meet clients' holistic needs
Immigration Unit Intern
Alameda County Public Defenders
01.2024 - 03.2024
- Prepared motion seeking vacatur of client's criminal convictions by reviewing case records, collecting evidence, conducting legal research, and drafting brief
- Supported work on a Ninth Circuit appeal regarding due process requirements in deportation proceedings of people with mental health challenges
Legal Intern
Office of the Appellate Defender
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Wrote appellate brief arguing for reduction of client’s sentence
- Produced research memorandum about dismissal of indictments for grand jury defects and Second Amendment issues
- Reviewed trial transcripts to identify matters for postconviction reinvestigation
Legal Intern, Homicide Defense Task Force
The Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Practice
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Compiled research memoranda on issues such as discovery obligations and improper interrogation methods
- Supported preparations for hearing on violation of client’s constitutional speedy trial rights
Legislative Correspondent for Foreign Relations
Office of U.S. Senator Ben Cardin
07.2020 - 06.2021
- Supported Senator's work on Senate Foreign Relations Committee related to Sub-Saharan Africa and global children's' issues
- Liaised with constituents, stakeholders, and other legislative staffers to advance policy goals
- Drafted and led strategy for enacting resolution on civil conflict in Ethiopia
Speechwriter
Office of U.S. Senator Ben Cardin
07.2019 - 07.2020
- Prepared background research and talking points for Senators' speaking engagements
- Drafted statements for submission to the Congressional Record
Education
J.D. - Candidate
Stanford Law School
Stanford, CA06.2024
B.A. - Human Rights
Columbia University
New York, NY05.2019
Skills
- Languages: Spanish (fluent)
Timeline
Staff Attorney
Orleans Public Defender
09.2024 - Current
Immigration Unit Intern
Alameda County Public Defenders
01.2024 - 03.2024
Legal Intern
Office of the Appellate Defender
06.2023 - 08.2023
Legal Intern, Homicide Defense Task Force
The Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Practice
06.2022 - 08.2022
Legislative Correspondent for Foreign Relations
Office of U.S. Senator Ben Cardin
07.2020 - 06.2021
Speechwriter
Office of U.S. Senator Ben Cardin
07.2019 - 07.2020
J.D. - Candidate
Stanford Law School
B.A. - Human Rights
Columbia University