Women To Watch: Stephanie Marie Chaissan

Partner, Berger Singerman LLP

Practice area

Commercial litigation

What drew you to this practice area?   

I love that commercial litigation never lets me stand still. Every case brings a new industry, a new business, and often a new area of law to master. That constant learning keeps the work fresh, and understanding each client's business helps me advocate for them more effectively.

A case, matter, or project you're especially proud of.  

I will always be proud of securing a complete defense verdict in 2022 for executives of Foundation Risk Partners in bet-the-company litigation brought by Brown & Brown. I'm equally proud of leading Berger Singerman's summer associate program, where I get to watch future lawyers grow and find their footing. And right now, I'm preparing for my first jury trial as first chair. I'm proud of how far I've come, but I'm even prouder of the team I'm leading.

Who has been a mentor or role model in your career, and what did you learn from them?  

Two mentors shaped the lawyer I am and am still becoming. Alice Sum taught me that details and precision matter, and that toughness is a skill you practice both in and out of the courtroom. James Gassenheimer taught me the difference between a litigator and a trial lawyer, and he pushed me to become the latter.

What does being part of this community of women lawyers mean to you?   

This community means support, camaraderie, and friendship. In my more than 10 years with FAWL, I've learned that I can always count on the women in it, and I hope they know they can count on me too. And I try to give the same support to the next generation of women lawyers, both through FAWL and through my work with our summer associates.

One word your colleagues would use to describe you.

Probably "loud"! But also "supportive" or "dependable" - they know they can always rely on me to be there for them.

What's something people are surprised to learn about you?   

Most people are surprised to learn that I'm an introvert and that I've dealt with anxiety for my whole life. That doesn't fit the image of a trial lawyer, but I've learned that I don't have to be fearless to be effective. I'm also openly afraid of flying, even though I live to travel!

If you weren't practicing law, what would you be doing?  

I'd own and operate a bakery in Italy or Spain and host cupcake baking classes.

A quote or motto you live by.  

"Not my circus, not my monkeys." It's a reminder that I can't control other people's chaos, but I can choose not to let it control me.