Breaking the Ice: Attorney prioritizes ‘peace’ in defining success

Sheena Denny had a full-time job and a family when she entered law school, like many other nontraditional students in her cohort.

Denny, now an associate at Aafedt, Forde, Gray, Monson & Hager, sought success on her own terms, competing against herself while supporting classmates in their weekend program. The pandemic, breaking out during her second year, underscored that outlook.

“We kind of redefined what a law student looked like,” Denny said. “There’s more to life than being the top student. … Probably what is most important is just having peace.”

She feels fortunate then to practice in the workers’ compensation bar, reputed to be among the most collegial. Many attorneys in that area went to law school together and know each other’s families or know of them.

“I’m not saying we’re not advocates for our clients, because we all are,” Denny said. “But we’re not bashing each other, we’re not taking jabs at each other. Everyone’s just been very welcoming.”

Denny also serves on the Ramsey County Bar Association‘s board of directors.

Name: Sheena Denny

Title: Associate attorney, Aafedt, Forde, Gray, Monson & Hager

Education: B.A., political science, Old Dominion University; J.D., Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Q: Best way to start a conversation with you?

A: There’s that awkward feeling when you want to step a toe into a group of people around you and awkwardly put your body into that space, until someone acknowledges you. If I see someone else doing that, I step in, turn towards them and say, “You’re welcomed in here too, this is what we’re talking about.”

Q: Why law school?

A: I thought I’d go straight to law school from undergrad but didn’t. I had done a teaching track and did some teaching as an undergrad. I taught some at a high school and liked it, but it felt a little too close to the kids in age there, so I didn’t stick with that. Then I worked as a contractor for the office of the Secretary of Defense. I loved that but my now-husband wanted to move back to Minnesota, so we took this journey. I worked for the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings. The chief judge at the time, Tammy Pust, said she thought I should go to law school. My now friend and mentor Administrative Law Judge Jessica Palmer-Denig said the same thing. These strong women mentors said this would be good for me, but I thought that ship had sailed. Then I learned about Mitchell Hamline’s weekend program, and it sounded perfect.

Q: What are you reading?

A: I’m listening to “Wonder,” by R.J. Palacio. My husband’s a teacher, and he lets his students hear or read portions of this book. It’s about a boy who’s not quite a teenager and has an extraordinary face. It’s about kindness and compassion bringing people together. He’s brave and courageous and just wants to go to school. He’s like, “This is who I am, world.”

Q: Pet peeve?

A: When people don’t ask questions. I ask questions all the time. Ask questions, get more information.

Q: Best part of your work?

A: That everything is like a puzzle. You’re just constantly getting these pieces of the puzzle and figuring out what’s going on in this whole case.

Q: Most challenging?

A: Maybe explaining to others what work comp defense is. We’re always labeled as the bad guy, defending the insurance companies. Everyone deserves a defense, and we want to make sure people aren’t abusing the system.

Q: Favorite activity away from work?

A: Gardening. I’m not a full-on garden person yet, but I’m getting there.

Q: Where would you take someone visiting your hometown?

A: I’d probably have to claim D.C. Walking along the National Mall was my favorite. We could have a picnic or play Frisbee. It’s really relaxing. There are food trucks along there too.

Q: Legal figure you admire?

A: Laura Coates, a CNN analyst and former federal prosecutor. To my surprise, she was a keynote speaker at my law school graduation. It was amazing.

Q: Favorite book, movie or TV show about lawyers?

A: “The Lincoln Lawyer.” I’ve read all of the books and seen the show and the movie.