Director of Risk Management

Direct: 206.319.7037

bgess@buchalter.com

Bar Admissions

Washington

Overview

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BrittaLisa Gess is the Director of Risk Management. With over a decade of experience in the legal industry at firms of varying sizes and areas of focus, Ms. Gess provides strategic guidance on ethics and compliance matters, ensuring the firm operates with integrity and efficiency.

Ms. Gess leads teams responsible for managing conflicts analysis, refining risk management processes, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. She works collaboratively with attorneys and firm leadership to implement best practices in all areas of law firm management to maintain Buchalter’s innovative presence as a multi-jurisdictional firm offering services that span many practices. She also advises on engagement agreements, third-party contracts, attorney recruiting and departures, and firm policy development. Her expertise extends to regulatory compliance, ethics counseling, and claims management, making her an invaluable asset in safeguarding the firm’s legal and professional responsibilities.

Drawing on more than ten years of law firm compliance experience, Ms. Gess works to ensure that Buchalter remains at the forefront of legal risk management while fostering a culture of compliance and excellence.

Education

  • Mitchell Hamline School of Law, J.D.
  • Seattle Pacific University, B.A. in Sociology and Islamic Studies
  • Miami University, M.A. in Conservation Biology
    • Ms. Gess is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Conservation Biology through Project Dragonfly at Miami University

  • Minnesota Justice Foundation 2012 Public Interest Law Fellow
  • King County Bar Association 2018 Pro Bono Award, Issued by King County Bar Association · May 2018
  • American Constitution Society Next Generation Leader

  • Co-Chair, Integration & Engagement Committee, Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers

  • Volunteer, Woodland Park Zoo
  • Volunteer, Ballard Food Bank