Anessa Abrams

Anessa Abrams is a seasoned management, labor, and employment attorney with more than 25 years of experience guiding employers through complex workplace matters. She works closely with leadership teams to understand operational goals and align legal strategies with business priorities. Her practice spans a wide range of industries, including automotive, education, credit union, bank, restaurant, hospitality, construction, tree care, beverage distribution, non-profit organizations, trade associations, and government contractors. Through strategic counsel and strong advocacy, she helps organizations manage risk while maintaining productive work environments.

Anessa earned a B.A., magna cum laude, 1992, from the University of California, San Diego. She later received a J.D., with honors, in 1995 from George Washington University Law School. This academic foundation supports a practical and detail-oriented approach to labor relations and employment litigation.

Anessa has extensive experience representing public and private institutions of higher education, public charter schools, and an online higher education provider. She defends claims involving wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation brought by faculty, staff, and students. Her work also includes grievance arbitration, defense of unfair labor practice claims, and investigations before the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. Beyond litigation, she advises executives and managers on leave and accommodation requests, layoffs, disciplinary measures, and employee terminations.

Anessa conducts workplace investigations and delivers training for managers and supervisors on employment-related issues. Her services include Education, Employment Law, Labor Relations, Litigation, Pay Equity, and Wage/Hour matters. She is admitted in the District of Columbia and Maryland, as well as before the U.S. Supreme Court and multiple federal appellate and district courts.

Anessa Abrams has been recognized for excellence in the field. Honors include AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, The Best Lawyers in America – Litigation – Labor and Employment (2025-2026), and “Washington, DC Super Lawyers,” Super Lawyers magazine (2013, 2017-2022). Anessa remains dedicated to delivering thoughtful counsel, thorough preparation, and strong representation in every matter handled.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Ford & Harrison LLP
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
• Member, Maryland State Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation
• Member, National Association of College and University Attorneys

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• Maryland

Education

• George Washington University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges