About Lewis Franklin
Lewis Franklin Tesser is a senior partner at Tesser, Ryan & Rochman, LLP, a prominent law firm based in New York City. The firm specializes in various areas, including business law, complex litigation, professional practices, trusts and estates. White-collar criminal defense. Mr. Tesser has been practicing law in New York since 1971, bringing over five decades of experience to his clients. His extensive background in law equips him to handle intricate legal matters effectively. In 1970, Mr. Tesser earned his Juris Doctor with honors from the George Washington University Law School. This prestigious degree laid the foundation for his distinguished career.
Four years later, in 1974, he furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Government Administration from the Wharton Graduate School of the University of Pennsylvania. This combination of legal and administrative expertise has proven invaluable in his practice, particularly in navigating complex legal frameworks. Before entering private practice, Mr. Tesser served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of New York. In this role, he represented various federal agencies in litigation before the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals. His experience in federal court has provided him with a understanding of the details of federal law. Additionally, he served as a Judge Advocate in the U.S.
Army, where he prosecuted and defended criminal cases. His responsibilities included acting as the chief legal advisor to the Commanding General of the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, further showcasing his leadership and legal acumen. Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Tesser has been actively involved in professional organizations. He served as the President of the New York County Lawyers’ Association, where he played a pivotal role in advocating for legal professionals. As the founder of its Ethics Institute, he has contributed significantly to the discourse on legal ethics. His leadership extended to the New York State Bar Association, where he was the Chair of the General Practice Section. These roles reflect his commitment to the legal profession and his dedication to upholding high ethical standards.
Recognition of Mr. Tesser's contributions to the legal field is evident through his inclusion in the Super Lawyers list from 2012 to 2025. His expertise has also led to numerous speaking engagements and publications. Notably, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of "The New York Rules of Professional Conduct Annotated," published by Oxford University Press in 2010. Mr. Tesser is admitted to practice in New York, as well as in the Southern District of New York, the Eastern District of New York, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The U.S. Supreme Court, underscoring his broad legal qualifications and commitment to serving his clients effectively.
