Vincent Salvatore Tese, Esq. (Grandfather)

Fordham Law School, Class of 1928

Vincent Salvatore Tese was admitted to the New York Bar in 1928 and co-founded the law firm Tese & Tese with his brother, Raymond Tese. He practiced law in the Southern District of New York and was widely regarded as a successful and respected private practitioner. He demonstrated extraordinary courage by establishing his immigration law practice during the height of anti-Italian discrimination following the Sacco and Vanzetti case (1920-1927). He provided crucial legal services after the Immigration Act of 1924, which reduced Italian immigration by 98.7%, advocating for his fellow immigrants in a hostile legal environment. A graduate of Fordham Law School, Vincent was also a prominent leader in civic life, having served as Grand Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the highest national office in the organization. His law library—comprised of the full set of McKinney’s Consolidated Laws—remains in use today by his grandson, Gabriel. Vincent’s passion for justice, community, and service set the tone for generations of legal professionals to follow in his footsteps.

Raymond Tese, Esq. (Great-Uncle)

St. John’s University School of Law, Class of 1942

Raymond Tese, brother of Vincent, joined his brother and they founded Tese & Tese. Raymond began practice during World War II, representing the second generation of Italian-American attorneys who gained acceptance in the law and practiced well into his 90s. He graduated from St. John's University School of Law. Like his brother, he also served as Grand Exalted Ruler of the Elks, cementing both his legal and civic leadership in the community. He practiced law until his passing in 2002 at the age of 96, leaving behind a remarkable record of service and professionalism. His legal library was passed down to his great-nephew Gabriel, who carries forward his legacy through daily use in modern litigation.

Vincent S. Tese, Esq. (Uncle)

Brooklyn Law School, Class of 1972
LL.M. in Taxation, NYU School of Law

Vincent S. Tese is the son of Vincent Salvatore Tese and continued the family tradition by becoming a prominent figure in both law and public policy. After graduating from Brooklyn Law School and earning an LL.M. in Taxation from NYU, he began practicing law with the family firm before entering public service. His major roles include:

• Superintendent of Banks, State of New York

• Chairman & CEO, New York State Urban Development Corporation

• Director of Economic Development, State of New York

• Vice Chairman, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

• Board Member, Cablevision, Bear Stearns, and other leading institutions

Vincent S. Tese has played a key role in shaping New York’s economic and regulatory landscape. He remains a powerful example of how a legal education can be used to serve both the public and private sectors with integrity and impact.

Angela Tese-Milner, Esq. (Aunt)

Brooklyn Law School, Class of 1982

Angela Tese-Milner shattered barriers as the first female partner at her law firm and built a distinguished career in bankruptcy and commercial litigation. As a Chapter 7 panel trustee for the Southern District of New York, she has handled major federal cases with national significance.

Groundbreaking Achievements:

• First female partner at her law firm (historic milestone)

• Active Chapter 7 Trustee, Southern District of New York (federal appointment)

• Filed major antitrust lawsuit against De Beers contributing to historic $295 million settlement (2012)

• Handled major commercial bankruptcies: Level 8 Apparel ($51 million), Flywheel Sports

• Co-founded Tese & Milner law firm with husband Michael Milner (former federal prosecutor)

Leadership & Community Impact:

• President, New York State Women's Bar Association (2000-2001)

• President, National Organization of Italian American Women (organization founded by Geraldine Ferraro and Matilda Cuomo)

• Advisory Board, JALBCA (Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert)

• Advisor, Federal Judicial Advisory Board on diversity

• Member, National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees

Now retired, Angela Tese-Milner remains a model of professionalism and advancement for women in the legal field and a trailblazer within the Tese family's legal tradition.

Lauren Tese, Esq. (Cousin)

NYU School of Law, Class of 2003

Lauren Tese, daughter of Vincent S. Tese, represents the third generation of Teses to pursue law. A graduate of NYU School of Law, Lauren participated in her convocation alongside her father, who served as a trustee of the law school. While she later took on a married name and shifted her professional focus, her legal education adds to the family’s proud academic and professional tradition.

Gabriel Vincent Tese, Esq. (Founder)

Brooklyn Law School, Class of 2009
Admitted in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas

Gabriel V. Tese is the grandson of Vincent Salvatore Tese and also represents the third generation of legal service in the family. After graduating from Brooklyn Law School, he served in the U.S. Army as a Judge Advocate (JAG), handling complex litigation and regulatory matters in military and federal courts.

Gabriel was the co-founder of Cyber Law Firm PLLC, where he developed a specialty in emerging tech torts and cybersecurity litigation. In June 2025, he founded Tese Law LLC, returning the Tese name to the forefront of private practice. He remains committed to preserving the family’s legal values while applying them to the modern landscape of technology-driven litigation.

Gabriel still draws from the original McKinney’s law library passed down from his grandfather and great-uncle, bridging tradition and innovation in service of his clients.

Honoring the Past. Building the Future.

From courtrooms in the 1930s to today’s complex litigation environment, the Teses have remained dedicated to justice, ethics, and professional excellence. At Tese Law LLC, that legacy continues—with modern strategy, deep legal insight, and a proud family tradition.