Kessner_Jane

Jane E. Kessner

Kessner_Jane

Jane E. Kessner

Counsel

Washington DC + 1 202 663 6194

Jane Kessner’s practice focuses on appellate and government-facing litigation, with particular emphasis on Administrative Procedure Act, First Amendment and election-related litigation. She also has experience in many other areas of law, including antitrust, intellectual property, Native American issues, mass torts, tax and criminal law. 

Ms. Kessner has authored briefs and dispositive motions at all levels of state and federal court, including the US Supreme Court, and has successfully argued a prisoner-rights case in the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Her clients include individuals, non-profit organizations, political parties, businesses, trade associations, Native American tribes and congressional committees. She also has an active pro bono practice focused on criminal justice and civil rights.  

Ms. Kessner clerked for the Honorable Pamela A. Harris of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and for the Honorable John D. Bates of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. In law school, she was President of the Stanford Law Review, won the Kirkwood Moot Court Competition and participated in the Supreme Court Litigation Clinic. She interned for the Civil Appellate Staff at the US Department of Justice and for the Honorable Beryl A. Howell of the US District Court for the District of Columbia. Before law school, she was an economic consultant at Cornerstone Research.

Recognition

  • Named to the High Honor Roll of the Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, recognizing attorneys who dedicate significant pro bono service to expanding access to justice in the District of Columbia.

Insights & News

View all of Jane's insights & news

Credentials

  • Education

    • JD, Stanford Law School, 2019

      President, Stanford Law Review

      Winning Team and Best Oralist, Kirkwood Moot Court Competition

      Co-President, Kirkwood Moot Court Board

      Supreme Court Litigation Clinic

    • BA, Philosophy, Amherst College, 2014

      summa cum laude

  • Admissions

    • District of Columbia

    • Maryland

    • US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

  • Clerkships

    • The Hon. Pamela A. Harris, US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 2021 - 2022

    • The Hon. John D. Bates, US District Court for the District of Columbia, 2020 - 2021

Credentials

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