Tessa holds a BA Law and LLB from Stellenbosch University and began her career at Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys in Durban, where she worked in commercial litigation with a focus on banking and property disputes.

She later moved in house to James Fisher Subtech, a marine construction and engineering company, where she worked as Legal Counsel across the group’s African operations. Tessa handled high value construction and marine contracts, supported complex offshore energy projects, and worked closely with international contract frameworks and tender processes across multiple jurisdictions. She was later seconded to the group’s UK parent company, James Fisher & Sons, supporting the energy division on cross border contract review and management.

At Radiant, Tessa enjoys working with global clients and building contracts that hold up in the real world. She was drawn to Radiant’s modern, tech enabled approach, its focus on continuous improvement, and a culture that values people as much as outcomes.

Outside of work, Tessa is always on the move. She loves tennis, padel, swimming, Pilates, and golf, travels whenever she can, collects shells on the beach, and has a soft spot for cats and true crime podcasts.

Email: tessa.donnelly@radiantlaw.com

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