Christopher M. Chestnut, Esq.
Christopher M. Chestnut, Esq. is a native of Gainesville, Florida and a graduate of Florida State University and University of Florida Levin College of Law. While at Florida State University, Mr. Chestnut served as President of the Student Senate, Vice Basileus of Omega Psi Phi, and a member of the W.E.B DuBois Honor Society. He was also an avid volunteer and was honored as a Community Service Scholar for his volunteerism in America Reads, Habitat 4 Humanity, March of Dimes, Boys and Girls Club, and local tutoring for at risk youth. Mr. Chestnut was also a legislative lobbying intern with Public Private Partnership, a congressional intern in the United States House of Representatives in the office of Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and a campaign manager for a Florida State Senate seat at the age of 21.
While at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, Mr. Chestnut served as Vice President of the American Trial Lawyers Association, a competitor on the University of Florida Trial Team, and a member of the John Marshall Bar Association. As a second year law student, he formed a real estate holding firm that concentrates on rehabilitating urban dilapidated houses into livable homes for working families. Also during his second year, Mr. Chestnut became the first person from the University of Florida elected as National Chairman for the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), an organization that represents several thousand law students nationwide. As Chairman of NBLSA, he lead a capital fundraising campaign of over $100,000, generated over $250,000 in revenue, hosted the first annual Congressional Black Caucus Reception, and increased the organization’s membership by 25%.
Mr. Chestnut has clerked for a Circuit Court Judge in the Criminal Court of the 8th Judicial Circuit, the law Firm of Morgan and Morgan, and the law firm of Gary, Williams, Parenti, Finney, Lewis, McManus, Watson, & Sperando. Mr. Chestnut has had the rare experience of participating in multi-million dollar civil trials with his mentor, famed civil litigator, Willie Gary. At his mentor’s encouragement and following his example, at the age of 26, Christopher formed The Chestnut Law Firm, LLC, a civil litigation firm based in Florida.
Education
- Florida State University
- University of Florida, Levin College of Law
Professional Memberships
- Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
- American Trial Lawyers Association
- American Bar Association
- National Bar Association
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
- Rotary Club of America
Recognition & Awards
- Emerging Leader – Sen. Barack Obama
- Community Service Scholar – Florida State University