Monday Profile: Cheryl Chandler

By Jo Mathis Legal News Residence: Farmington Hills. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Good health and being surrounded by family. Which living person do you most admire? Instead of listing one person, I would have to say anyone who has overcome adversity and survived the challenge. What is the trait you hate most in yourself? Being a "helicopter" mom and not being able to "land the blades," as my son says. Somewhat connected is speaking before I think. What is the trait(s) you hate most in others? Laziness, unjustified self-importance, and the need to bully. If you suddenly had an extra room in your house, what would you do with it? Selfishly, turn it into a den/office with a fireplace and a big overstuffed chair. What was your most memorable meal? Any one that I haven't cooked. (Although I do love to cook!) If you could take back one thing you did... Anytime I have spoken too quickly and said hurtful things. What is your most treasured material possession? Notes from my kids, family and friends. If you could do one thing professionally... Argue in front of the US Supreme Court. What are your favorite websites? Ebay and Etsy. Your proudest moment(s) as a lawyer? Winning a case in front of the Michigan Supreme Court, which then formed the basis for a Michigan Jury Instruction. And being elected by members of both the plaintiff and defense bars to the American Board of Trial Advocates. It is quite an honor to be recognized by members of "your own" bar but when the opposition endorses you, it is a very proud, but humbling moment. It's 7 a.m. Monday. How are you feeling? Probably not rested, which seems to elude me constantly. Would you rather save money or time? In my early years, the answer would have been money. Now, time is more important. Introvert or extrovert? Extr0vert. Favorite vacation spot(s): Sailing in the Virgin Islands, skiing in Oregon, and a friend's cottage on Lake Huron. When and where were you happiest? The days my kids were born. What's your greatest achievement: My children. And being a breast cancer survivor. What would you say to your 16-year-old self? Step outside yourself, get ready for the journey, trust your gut, and enjoy each moment What is one aspect you like about your job? The opportunity to meet and work with so many talented and caring medical people. Last book read: "The Elephant Whisperer." What one habit do you wish you could break? Being a worrier. What is something most people don't know about you? I love to garden and am an HGTV junkie. If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be? Mother Teresa, Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt. What's one thing you can do now that you couldn't do 20 years ago? Unfortunately, I now get a senior discount. Favorite place to spend money: On any vacation. What is your motto? Do your best and give your all. Where would you like to be when you're 90? Mostly, I hope to be upright, active, coherent and near my children. At that point, the location will be secondary. Published: Thu, Feb 21, 2013