Melissa R. Chandy, a Partner at Pond Lehocky, embarked on a career in workers' compensation law driven by a profound personal experience. Witnessing the challenges her family faced when her mother suffered a severe workplace injury, and the subsequent refusal of benefits by the employer and its insurance company, fueled Ms. Chandy's commitment to ensuring that no client or their family endures such hardships.
Originally from Canada, Ms. Chandy pursued her education at the University of Toronto's Specialist Program in Commerce and Finance before graduating from Penn State – Dickinson School of Law. Following her legal education, she served as a law clerk for two Commissioners on the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board, honing her skills in legal writing and trial advocacy. Her journey led her to a leading regional firm, where she continued to protect the rights of injured workers.
Upon joining Pond Lehocky, Ms. Chandy dedicated her practice exclusively to Pennsylvania workers' compensation law. In 2021, her commitment and contributions were recognized as she was named a Partner at the firm. She assumes a pivotal role, managing the brief writing department, handling all appellate writing, and overseeing training within the law firm. Additionally, Ms. Chandy actively participates in Pond Lehocky’s Summer Associate and Clerkship Program.
Acknowledging her specialization, Ms. Chandy became a certified specialist in Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation by the PA Bar Association’s Section on Workers’ Compensation Law, authorized by the PA Supreme Court, in 2015. Her engagement with legal associations includes being elected to the Pennsylvania Association of Justice’s Board of Governors in 2017. Ms. Chandy is a valued member of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association and the Philadelphia Bar Association. Beyond her practice, she serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law, alongside founding partners Samuel Pond and Jerry Lehocky. Ms. Chandy has also shared her expertise through guest lectures at Penn State – Dickinson School of Law and Villanova Law School. Her excellence has been recognized with appearances on the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list and the Super Lawyers lists. Through her multifaceted role, Ms. Chandy remains steadfast in her commitment to supporting clients during what may be the most challenging times in their lives.
