John M. Cheney earned a Bachelor of Laws from Boston University School of Law and established a career in private practice in Orlando, Florida. He served as city attorney for Orlando and held a supervisory role for the United States Census in Florida. Cheney transitioned to public service as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and later received a recess appointment to the United States District Court for the same district. Despite his nomination not being confirmed by the Senate, he continued his career in private practice until his passing.

John M. Cheney's career reveals a unique blend of private enterprise advocacy and federal judicial ambition. His ownership of the Orlando Light and Water Company underscores a commitment to private enterprise, yet his judicial aspirations, despite being appointed by President Taft and later rejected by the Senate, suggest a desire for broader influence. This tension between private sector engagement and public service ambition highlights a calculated approach to balancing personal and public interests. Cheney's story prompts questions about how he reconciled these seemingly divergent paths.