About Tessa
Tessa Jane Schwartz is a partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP, a global law firm headquartered in San Francisco, California. She was admitted to the State Bar of California on December 3, 1996,. Her license is currently active. Ms. Schwartz's practice is primarily based in San Francisco, where she serves clients in the technology sector, focusing on intellectual property and commercial transactions.
Ms. Schwartz earned her Juris Doctor degree from the UCLA School of Law in 1996. Prior to law school, she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University in 1991. During her time at UCLA, she was elected to the Order of the Coif, an honor recognizing academic excellence in the field of law.
Ms. Schwartz specializes in technology transactions, advising clients on intellectual property issues and negotiating complex agreements. Her work includes strategic transactions such as patent licenses, technology procurement agreements, and development deals. She also provides counsel on the intellectual property aspects of mergers and acquisitions. Her clients range from emerging companies to large public corporations in the technology industry.
Throughout her career, Ms. Schwartz has been recognized for her contributions to the legal field. In 2020, she was named one of the San Francisco Daily Journal's Top Women, highlighting her role in technology transactions and her mentorship of women within and outside the firm. In 2023, she was honored as a Women Leader in Tech Law at The Recorder's California Legal Awards, acknowledging her significant impact in the technology sector. Additionally, in 2025, she was recognized as a Women Leader in Tech Law by The Recorder, underscoring her ongoing influence in the field.
Ms. Schwartz is actively involved in leadership roles within Morrison & Foerster. She has served as the co-chair of the firm's Technology Transactions Group and was named a firmwide managing partner in 2016. Her leadership extends to the firm's Artificial Intelligence Group, which she co-founded and co-chairs. These roles reflect her strategic vision and commitment to the firm's growth and innovation in technology law.
