
ABOUT
Margaret M. Chesney
Margaret has represented clients at the pre-trial, mediation, trial, and appellate levels. While Margaret enjoys litigation, she also strongly believes in the alternative dispute resolution process, both as a mediator and as an attorney representing her client in mediation.
Margaret is a native of Memphis, having attended and graduated from St. Mary’s Episcopal School. Margaret is a life-long member of Grace St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Margaret returned to Memphis after living in Philadelphia while in college and after living in the Bay Area in California where she attended law school at Santa Clara University. Upon realizing that she wanted to return to Memphis to live and work, Margaret attended and graduated from law school at the University of Memphis.
Margaret practiced law in Memphis for twenty years until she decided to relocate to Lake Placid, New York, in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Margaret practiced family law in New York for one year; however, she ultimately decided to return to Memphis to be closer to her family, friends, and Memphis Grizzlies games.
In her free time, Margaret enjoys spending time with her friends, her family, especially her niece with whom she is very close, and her English Bulldog, Daisy. Margaret also loves exercising, reading, travel, and watching basketball, especially the Memphis Tigers and the Memphis Grizzlies.
Education
- University of Pennsylvania, 1995, B.A. English, Minor in Women’s Studies
- University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, 2000, J.D.
Jurisdictions Admitted to practice
- Tennessee, 2001
- New York, 2020
Associations and Memberships
- American, Tennessee, Memphis, and New York Bar Associations and Member of the Family Law Section of each of those associations
- Listed as a Rule 31 Mediator the area of Family Law Mediation (2012), specially trained in Domestic Violence Issues (2014)
- Fellow in Memphis Bar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Memphis Bar Association which promotes social justice and legal education (2021-2026)
- Appointed as a Hearing Committee Member of the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee (2018-2021); reappointed for a second term (2021-2024)
- Volunteer as a Foster Care Review Board panel member in the Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee (2018- 2019)
- Elected to Memphis Bar Association Board of Directors as the ADR Section Representative (2017-2018)
- Elected as Secretary of ADR Section of the Memphis Bar Association (2017-2018)
- Memphis Bar Association Fee Dispute Committee Panel member (2014-2020)
- Memphis Bar Association Leadership Forum participant (2008-2009)
- Elected as Treasurer for the Family Law Section of the Memphis Bar Association (2007-2008)
- American Bar Association Trial Advocacy Institute (2007)
- Elected to Memphis Bar Association Young Lawyer Division Board of Directors (2005-2007)
- Leo S. Bearman American Inns of Court (2003-2005)
TESTIMONIALS
Betty
Curt was great during our situation. He went above and beyond on getting my situation taken care of. He was very prompt on calling me and keeping me in the loop with everything that was going on. He was great and I will use him again.!
Billy
Curt took over my case from another attorney. He made it his priority to get justice for me. When he took over my case the value tripled. I could not ask for a better attorney . He knows the law inside out. I would definitely use curt again and recommend him to a family member or friend.
Grace
I hired Curt to help me with my permit to carry that had expired. He was quick, to the point, and very professional. I quickly had my license to carry again in no time. Curt is a good man, with morals and conscience of mind. I would recommend him anytime to anyone. If you want the job done, correctly and honestly, he is the man.
Thomas
My wife and I retained Curt to represent our daughter during a very difficult time. Curt is a true professional in every way. He represented our family during our time of need and got everything handled just as he said he would. I recommend Curt for all of your legal needs.
Thomas Steele
Attorney Runger was very professional and informative. I used his services to form an LLC for a mobile app. His advise went past the legality of business formation and into prominent sales and advertising practices. For me, it showed he there for more than a retainer fee. He truly wanted to help my business succeed.
Attorney Runger has a quick response to any inquires. I would recommend an attorney of his caliber to anyone. I am definitely going to use his services for other business ventures!
Lauren
Curt Runger was great with my case. I was having issues with a traffic ticket, and he made the whole process quick and easy. I would recommend his services to anyone!
David
I have used Mr.Runger for anything that requires a lawyer and even if it’s a question that’s now law related but still need advice such as real estate, he goes above and beyond to make sure I have the info I need to make the best decision.
Somer
I have worked with curt several times and each time he comes through above and beyond. He is in expert in his field and I highly recommend!
Carlyle
Mr. Runger did a great job handling a legal matter for my business. He was very professional and straight forward.
Matthew
I have worked with Curt for many years. Whenever I have a probate issue in one of my injury cases, Curt Runger is the attorney I turn to for assistance. Curt is efficient and has such a vast work knowledge of the probate laws and courts that I know my clients are in excellent hands. Honest, caring, hard working and reliable. Highly recommend him to anyone (and I do regularly)!
Linda
I needed an Attorney with Trust and Estate experience that could help me with a situation in another State. Mr. Runger was highly recommend to me from another attorney whom I highly respected. Mr. Runger was able to assist me in a very short time and very reasonable cost. I highly recommend Mr Runger first r any of your needs!
Dustin
I’ve worked with several attorneys at Douglass & Runger, PLLC including Curt Runger and what I can say is if you’re in the Memphis area, work with this firm! Curt and his team are professionals who flat out know how to get results and know the law. They are trust worthy people who care about their clients. The quality of the attorneys is also very high at a great price. Just hire them!
Lewis
I was referred to Curtis Runger by an attorney friend. Mr. Runger was extremely quick with his communications always responded in a very timely manner. He also provided a clear concise overview of my options. He was “to the point” but at the same time he listened and I never felt like i was being rushed. I would definitely recommend Curtis to anyone without hesitation. Thank you Curtis!
Andrew
If you need a probate attorney, contact Curt Runger at Douglass & Runger, PLLC, Attorneys at Law. I had an unfortunate bicycle accident this year. It sent me to the Regional One Hospital in Memphis Tn. Upon my arrival, I had the answer of “no” to the “Do you have a will?” question from the trauma nurse. The accident was just me, my bike, and the road. I didn’t have to search for a personal injury attorney, there was no automobile involved in the accident, but my broken ribs and collarbone had nurses thinking otherwise. I did have questions about creating a legal will. I also have the added complexity of just getting married. What does that mean for creating a legal will that covers what I need covered. My wife and I are changing all kinds of documents. New addresses for me, a new last name for her. You can see where Curt was a valuable resource. He guided me where to start and what to consider in my situation. Thank you Curt and everyone else I spoke with at your office.
Barry
I highly recommend Curt Runger. Along with being an excellent attorney, he is incredibly knowledgable and went above and beyond every time. Both he and his staff go out of their way to make you feel at ease. They definitely work to keep your best interests as the end goal. Curt Runger was available on a daily basis, even after hours, and always responded to my questions promptly and professionally. I cannot thank them enough!!!
Daniel
Over the years I’ve consulted with Curt Runger seeking advice on construction and real estate matters. He has also provided valuable guidance of personal legal issues as well. He is knowledgable and attentive and has proven his worth.
Alicia
Curtis Runger initially started out helping my sister with a personal injury lawsuit. Unfortunately before the matter was concluded, my sister passed away. Curtis has been a blessing to my mom and myself since her passing; handling her estate, settlement, etc. He was always very professional, polite, intelligent and compassionate. We will always turn to him for any legal matter we may face in the future.
Bob Browder
I have worked with Curt and his staff via a few mutual clients. Great Attorneys and Great Folks. They always put their clients first. Very knowledgeable, nice, professional, and they do great work.
Andy
I came to Curt’s office with a contract that I was uncomfortable signing because I didn’t fully understand all of the legal terminology. He walked through all 20+ pages of the contract with me, line by line, and explained everything I would be committing to by signing it. I left with a much better understanding of the agreement and was able to confidently sign and execute it. I highly recommend Mr. Runger for all of your legal needs, no matter how big or small.
Paula
Mr. Runger Represented me on a personal injury case I was pleased with the results.
Jenae
Curt Runger was extremely diligent, he took his time in getting the best outcome for my case. He has compassion for what he does and advocates for his clients.
Erin
Curt Runger is simply amazing to work with. I have worked with him on a few different things and he is so knowledgeable, takes the time to walk you through each step and always answers questions. I have full confidence in his abilities and will continue to work with him in the future.
Greg
I was represented by Curt Runger and was extremely satisfied with his services! Should I, or any of my friends, require legal services in the future, I will most certainly be calling Curt again!
Jay Brenner
Curt Runger is a responsive, aggressive, ethical attorney. I’ve known him for over a decade and routinely turn to him with legal questions. I’ve never been disappointed.
Curtis
Curt Runger helped me with an employer contract review that had to be completed on a very short time line. He was extremely responsive and did a full review and several rewrites to help protect my interest. I don’t think that I could have started with the company without his help!