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Bio

Mariessa Terrell is a native Washingtonian who has been practicing law for over 17 years, specializing in trademark, copyright, licensing and contracts.  In 2003, Mariessa created FashionTrademarks.biz, a special division of her firm dedicated to addressing the unique needs of fashion purveyors.  In 2006, Mariessa drafted legislation to create a DC Commission on Fashion Arts and Events and in 2013, Mayor Vincent Gray appointed Mariessa to serve as a DC Fashion Commissioner. In 2015 Mariessa assumed the role of Adjunct Professor & Supervising Attorney of the Howard University School of Law IP Law Clinic.  In 2017, Mariessa was retained by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to help manage their trademark portfolio and oversee IP enforcement. In addition to practicing law, Mariessa serves as the Executive Director of the High Tea Society, a mentoring program for girls and produces and hosts a 30 min episodic television series featuring her alter ego Simone Butterfly Fabulous Freelance Fashion Investigator.