BRANDON M. TESSER

EDUCATION B.A., University of California at Santa Barbara, 1990 J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, 1993 PRACTICE AREAS Business Litigation Employment Personal Injury Entertainment Litigation

Brandon Tesser is the co-founder and managing partner of Tesser & Ruttenberg.  He litigates and tries business, entertainment, employment and real estate cases in state and federal courts, as well as in all types of ADR forums.  Brandon is known for his calm, clear and direct manner with clients, judges, jurors and opposing counsel. He has a reputation as a creative problem-solver and has successfully litigated and resolved many difficult cases. Although Mr. Tesser has successfully tried cases to verdicts in courtrooms throughout Southern California, he is a strong proponent of early confidential dispute resolution in appropriate cases.  Over the years, Brandon has recovered millions of dollars for his clients. 

Representative Matters:

In February of 2009, Brandon obtained a $1.2 million verdict in an action for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and civil conspiracy on behalf of a minority shareholder against the officers and directors of a closely held corporation.  The verdict included an award of punitive damages against the officers/directors of the corporation. 

Brandon also currently represents a film financier in a $2 million fraud action against the bridge lender and producers of  a major motion picture.

Very recently, Brandon successfully represented the defendant and cross-complainant in an entertainment dispute wherein he obtained summary judgment on behalf of his client and thereafter negotiated a favorable monetary settlement with the plaintiff.

In addition, Brandon successfully represented his client at trial in a real estate fraud case wherein he obtained a $765,000 verdict which included an award of punitive damages. 

Brandon also obtained a defense verdict at trial on behalf of his client, an airline food supplier, regarding an employee’s claims that he was denied overtime wages.

Just recently, Brandon successfully litigated a wrongful termination claim against a major media company resulting in a large settlement.

Activities:
Brandon is active in several local bar organizations and serves as a fee arbitrator for the Los Angeles County Bar Association.  In addition, Brandon was previously a member of the board of governors of the Century City Bar Association. 

Honors:
Brandon was named a “Rising Star” by the California “Super Lawyers” publication for two consecutive years.

Media/Press: 
Brandon has twice been featured in Los Angeles Magazine as one of the top lawyers in Los Angeles under 40 years old.  In addition, Brandon has also appeared on the national television show, Celebrity Justice. 

Personal:
Brandon is married and lives in Calabasas.  In his spare time, he enjoys surfing, trail running, and Central American travel.