Member Spotlight

Stephanie Marie Chaissan

Where do you work / study?

Berger Singerman LLP

What type of legal work do you do? 

I handle complex commercial litigation cases, usually on behalf of businesses or businesspeople, including breaches of contracts, business torts, breaches of fiduciary duty, and statutory violations.

What was your most rewarding professional achievement? 

I, along with several colleagues, represented Foundation Risk Partners Corp. and four of its executives in two very heavily litigated breach of contract and fiduciary duty, non-compete, and trade secret cases brought by Brown & Brown, Inc., in which the damages sought from our clients were around $150 million. The litigation was the first case I was assigned to when I joined Berger Singerman, and it lasted over four years. After a three-week trial, we prevailed and obtained a complete defense victory. Not only did that case afford me the opportunity to learn and grow as a lawyer both substantively and as a partner, but it was the first time I represented individuals at a trial, and I will never forget the feeling of watching our clients when the judge read his findings of fact and conclusions of law in their favor.

What advice do you have for women in the legal profession?

You are not an island, and you don't have to be one if you learn to delegate and ask for help. Those skills were hard for me to learn, but doing so helped me become a better lawyer, mentor, and leader—and not feel overwhelmed all the time! I think as women, we try to do it all and prove ourselves in this boys'-club industry. But we're surrounded by people who have our backs and can and will help us, if we only let them!

What does your pro bono practice look like?

I am the treasurer and chief legal officer of a non-profit organization started by one of my best friends called Frenz For A Cause. We raise money for cancer research, treatment, and prevention. Serving in this role has given me a glimpse into transactional law and allowed me to use my business law experience to help a great cause!