TESSA K. MUIR is an accomplished trial attorney as a former federal prosecutor and former Army JAG officer. As an Assistant US Attorney in the Western District of Michigan, Tessa served as the lead prosecutor in hundreds of federal criminal cases and Sixth Circuit appeals. She worked closely with and trained federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies on search warrants, computer investigations, and human trafficking — including the Michigan State Police, FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security, police departments, and sheriff’s offices throughout Michigan. Now, she uses that knowledge to understand weaknesses in an investigation and areas where law enforcement and investigators made critical errors.
Track Record
From the first stages of an investigation to the final stages of appeal, Tessa knows how the system works from the inside out. She uses her expertise as a former federal prosecutor to help her clients understand the investigative process, find weaknesses in the case, and build a strong defense. Tessa’s clients routinely comment that she is responsive, empathetic, professional, and effective.
Tessa is a persuasive courtroom advocate and has won multiple not-guilty verdicts at trial. She has succeeded in both state and federal courts in achieving the complete dismissal of cases after filing Fourth Amendment challenges to traffic stops and searches. Tessa has convinced prosecutors at the state and federal levels to agree with her position on motions ranging from reversing improper sentencing conditions to excluding evidence against her clients at trial. Tessa succeeded in a motion to reverse a federal judge’s decision to deny bond to a client pending trial in a serious RICO conspiracy case. She achieved early release from a halfway house for a client suffering from a mental breakdown. She secured a sentence significantly below the recommended range in a federal healthcare fraud case, allowing her client to avoid serving prison time. These are just some examples of the results she has obtained for her clients.
Tessa has earned commendations for her work as a federal trial attorney from the FBI, Homeland Security, and the State Bar of Michigan. Since 2015, she has been selected by fellow attorneys and federal judges in the Western District of Michigan as a Steering Committee member and instructor for the Hillman Trial Advocacy Program —the district’s premier federal trial practice program.
Specialization
Tessa founded and leads SBBL Law’s Title IX practice group and has become a national leader in the field. She represents students, staff, and faculty members who are either the victim (complainant) or the accused person (respondent) in Title IX sexual harassment and sexual assault cases at schools and colleges nationwide. She puts her background as a federal prosecutor and defense attorney to work to ensure the Title IX investigation process is as fair and thorough as possible for her clients. Her expertise and track record in this field are unrivaled, and she brings a deep understanding of Title IX laws and policies to fight for a fair and just outcome in every case.
As a Title IX attorney, Tessa has successfully advocated for clients from five years old through college grad students and professors. She has won findings of “not responsible” for clients at Title IX hearings, obtained confidential settlements from schools that failed to follow the proper procedure, and advocated for supportive measures for clients who have experienced sexual assault and harassment. As a mom and step-mom, Tessa understands the unique dynamic of a family going through the difficult and overwhelming process of navigating the complex and overwhelming Title IX process. She acts as a true advocate, giving a voice to her clients and ensuring the investigation reflects any and all evidence and arguments in their favor.
Awards
• Super Lawyer
• Lead Counsel Verified
• Avvo 10.0 “Superb” Rating
• West Michigan Woman Brilliance Award: Social Change Agent
• State Bar of Michigan: Unsung Hero Award
• National Trial Lawyers — Top 40 Under 40 (Michigan)
• Georgetown University Law Center: Excellence in Trial Practice Award
• Princeton University: Distinguished Military Graduate and Shapiro Prize for Academic Excellence
Professional Affiliations
• State Bar of Michigan
• New York State Bar Association
• Federal Bar Association – West Michigan Chapter (Past Board Member)
• Grand Rapids Bar Association (Board Member)
• Ottawa County Bar Association (Board Member)
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (Past Board Member)
• Hillman Trial Advocacy Program (Steering Committee & Trial Practice Instructor)
• Women in Leadership Certificate Program, University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business
