Tess Hardesty

Tess Hardesty

Associate
(502) 625-2786

Overview

Tess L. Hardesty is an associate at Gray Ice Higdon focusing on commercial litigation and intellectual property litigation. She works with clients of all sizes—from individual artists and inventors to large companies—assisting them through the complexities of litigation involving intellectual property and commercial disputes.

Tess is known for her detail-oriented approach while maintaining focus on the broader issues that matter most to clients. She prioritizes clear communication and works to ensure clients feel heard, informed, and supported throughout the litigation process, while also providing practical guidance on next steps.

Practice Focus

●     Commercial Litigation
●     Intellectual Property Litigation
●     Trademarks
●     Copyrights
●     Patents

She is client-focused and calm under pressure, helping clients understand legal concepts clearly and navigate litigation decisions with confidence. Clients have noted her ability to explain complex legal issues and ensure their concerns are addressed throughout the process.

Recognition and Leadership

Member, Kentucky Bar Association
Member, Louisville Bar Association

Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation, Intellectual Property Litigation

Education

J.D., West Virginia University
B.S., Biology, Magna Cum Laude
Minors in Public Law and Political Science
Old Dominion University

Admissions

Kentucky Bar
United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky

Publications

Published in the West Virginia Medical Journal

Published in ABA Landslide Magazine while in law school

Community Engagement

Tess volunteers with Louisville Metro Animal Services, taking shelter dogs on field trips to give them breaks from the shelter environment and increase their chances of adoption. Having grown up involved in 4-H and FFA, community service and working with animals remain important to her.

She studied abroad at Maynooth University in Ireland, earning a certificate in Irish Cultural Heritage from Maynooth’s Centre for Irish Cultural Heritage, School of Celtic Studies. Outside of work, she enjoys baking and trying new recipes.