S1. Ep. 14 - Dopee Conversations - Attorney Artessia “Tess” House

Attorney Artessia “Tess” House manages Tess House Law, PLLC in San Antonio, Texas. Tess House Law, PLLC’s mission is to speak for those unable to speak from themselves. The firm represents victims in federal civil rights cases. On the local level, the firm represents children and parents in suits filed by the government and private family law matters. Born the eldest of four children in San Antonio, Texas, Attorney House earned a B.A. in Political Science from St. Mary’s University. Ms. House went on to earn a Texas Educator Certificate after fulfilling the requirements of the state of Texas and regulations of the State Board for Educator Certification. She later earned her J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law. During her undergraduate and post-undergraduate years, Ms. House served on the National Executive Board for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as the Southwest Regional Representative and managed chapters in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Jamaica. Ms. House monitored issues pertaining to the use and security of intellectual property, investigated reports of hazing violations, and drafted disciplinary recommendations. Ms. House started her professional career as a school teacher for San Antonio Independent School District. As a teacher she established and maintained excellent working relationships with parents and students through consistent demonstration of professionalism, preparedness, and work ethic. She also demonstrated sound knowledge of state rules and procedures. While serving the community as a teacher, Ms. House decided to fulfill her dream of becoming an attorney. Ms. House attended St. Mary’s University School of Law where she served as Symposium Editor for The Scholar: St. Mary's Law Review on Race and Social Justice. As an editor, Ms. House organized one of the publications largest Immigration Law CLE events which provided information on the Defense of Marriage Act and sentencing advocacy for immigrants in federal court. Ms. House also served as a legal intern in the Staff Attorney’s Office for the Bexar County Civil District. Additionally, Ms. House gained sound knowledge of the Federal Torts Claims Act by interning for the Office of General Counsel for the United States Department of Veteran Affairs and was featured in Who's Who in San Antonio. She was also featured in Raising the Bar, the national newsletter for the Office of General Counsel. Attorney House is a proud alum of Leadership State Bar of Texas and has served on the State Bar of Texas Child Abuse and Neglect Committee. She is an active member of the African American Lawyers Section where she serves as the San Antonio liaison and membership chair