Tessa Sanders was born and raised in Wintersville, Ohio. She studied English Literature as an undergraduate and participated in the Great Books Program, an experience that required extensive reading, discussion, and defending ideas among a room full of thoughtful peers. She credits that environment with shaping the analytical and persuasive thinking she relies on today.
Drawn to community-focused and service-oriented occupations, she initially pursued a career in social work after college. Over time, she realized her personality and strengths were better suited to the legal field, where she could continue helping people while advocating for them in a more strategic way.
During her time at Atlanta's John Marshall Law School, Tessa was a member of the Moot Court Team, served as both a Staff Editor and later Managing Editor of the Law Review, and worked as a Research Assistant for her Legal Writing professor.
Early in her career, she spent significant time handling intake and working directly with injured clients who were dealing with medical issues, financial stress, and insurance claims. That experience shaped the way she practices law today. She prioritizes clear communication and wants her clients to understand the legal process, the strategy behind their case, and what to expect moving forward. “I understand that for clients, this isn’t just a case — it’s their life,” she says.
Tessa was drawn to personal injury law because it allows her to stand beside people during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. She finds it especially meaningful to help level the playing field when individuals are facing powerful insurance companies or corporate defendants. To her, the most fulfilling part of her work is helping clients regain a sense of stability, whether that means securing medical care, financial recovery, or simply the reassurance that someone is truly advocating for them:
“My favorite part of being an attorney is helping clients regain a sense of stability. When someone first walks into our office, they’re often overwhelmed and unsure about what comes next. Being able to guide them through that uncertainty and ultimately help them move forward — that’s what makes this work fulfilling.”
One case that reinforced the importance of her work involved representing a young woman in Atlanta who was working multiple jobs to put herself through college when she was severely injured in a crash involving a rideshare driver. Initially, the driver and the rideshare company claimed she had been speeding. Through investigation, Tessa was able to obtain surveillance footage from a nearby building that proved otherwise. The young woman suffered serious cervical spine injuries, lost one of her jobs, and fell behind in school while undergoing treatment, all while experiencing the unexpected loss of a family member. Despite everything, the client remained resilient and positive. For Tessa, that case served as a powerful touchstone for why being an attorney is about far more than managing a file: it’s about being someone clients can rely on during one of the hardest chapters of their lives.
Tessa believes how clients and colleagues experience working with her is just as important as any case outcome. Her clients have taught her that resilience is often continuing to move forward, one step at a time, when life gets difficult. As their advocate, she focuses on building a clear strategy and executing it with confidence so her clients can focus on healing and rebuilding.
Tessa enjoys living in Atlanta for its unique blend of big-city energy and neighborhood charm. She loves exploring the city’s food scene and spending time along the Beltline. Tessa and her husband are active in Buckhead Church, and most of her free time is spent with their two young daughters: an almost two-year-old and a four-month-old. As a family, they enjoy visiting parks and pools, working on home DIY projects, and staying active together at the gym or on bike rides. When she gets the chance, Tessa also enjoys relaxing at local coffee shops and browsing Atlanta’s boutiques.