Stephanie Chesney, Esq., knows a thing or two about civilian support for the U.S. military. Her father, Brian Simmons, spent much of his career as a Certified Acquisition Professional primarily for the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command from Aberdeen Proving Ground, an Army research facility in northeast Maryland. As a civilian, Simmons served in federal civil service roles for more than 30 years.
Chesney is a partner at Manning Gross + Massenburg, LLP (MG+M) in Boston, where she represents clients in a variety of business and commercial litigation matters. But she is also actively involved with Veterans Legal Services, taking on pro bono cases to support low- and moderate-income military veterans in Massachusetts.
“As things have become more divisive throughout the country, my desire to support the military community and veterans in particular has definitely grown,” said Chesney, who specializes in employment, education, construction, and premises liability, among other areas.
Chesney earned her J.D. from New England Law - Boston, and was later an adjunct instructor there. She taught legal research and writing starting in 2011, but stepped away from the classroom a few years ago as things got busier at MG+M. Despite a hectic work schedule, Chesney says she will always find time for pro bono work — especially cases that support veterans in need.
“In addition to connecting with service members, it has been really nice to also connect with colleagues who have a strong commitment toward veterans, too,” said Chesney, adding that she appreciates MG+M’s commitment to pro bono work and ensuring that underserved communities have access to legal services.
She looks forward to continuing the firm’s partnership with VLS.
For more information about pro bono opportunities at Veterans Legal Services, please contact Pro Bono Director Angie Vargas at angie@veteranslegalservices.org.