D. Michael Chesser

D. MICHAEL CHESSERPROVIDING QUALITY LEGAL SERVICE TO BUSINESSES & RESIDENTS OF OKALOOSA COUNTYMr. Chesser has worked with many local governments as consultant, lawyer, and adviser in land use and housing issues. Mike served as First Lieutenant in the United States Army Artillery. He owns Old South Land Title with a co-shareholder and The Bayou Book Company with his wife, Carolyn.Learn how our Okaloosa County attorney can help you or your business. Chesser & Barr, P.A. online to learn more.A REPUTATION FOR KNOWLEDGEABLE SERVICEMr. Chesser has personally handled more than 50 appeals and many jury and non-jury trials. He teaches classes for realtors, lawyers, and members of the general public on real estate and business issues. He writes a monthly article on real estate issues for both the Destin Log and theNorthwest Florida Daily News.Mike Chesser has served on the Board of Directors of Vanguard Bank and Trust Company, and on its Finance Committee from 1994 through 2009, and was general counsel to the bank until its consolidation with Coastal Bank and Trust in 2009. Mike has represented the county commissions of numerous counties in their Supervisor of Elections offices regarding all aspects of local and state elections in Florida.Certified legal specialties:Florida Bar Board Certified, Real Estate Law, 1995City, County and Local Government Law, Florida Bar, 2014Bar admissions:Florida, 1972U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida, 1975U.S. Court of Appeals 5th CircuitU.S. Court of Appeals 11th CircuitU.S. Supreme Court, 1975U.S. Tax Court, 1976Education:University of Florida College of Law, Gainesville, FloridaJ.D. – 1971University of Florida, Gainesville, FloridaB.A. – 1969Major: PsychologyPublished works:One Step Forward, 2 Steps Back, Fla. Municipal Magazine, 1985Express Open-End Lending Documents, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Warren Gorham & Lamont, 1980 -1985, 1980Shalimar Zoning and Land Use Control, 1976Okaloosa County Multi-Family Housing Code, 1986Real Estate Short Sales in Florida, Attorney Title Insurance Co., 2008Numerous articles on legal issues, 2000Representative cases:Europco v. Smith, 572 So.2d 963 (1st Dist. Ct. of Appeals 1990)White-Wilson v. Data Consultants, 486 So.2d 659 (1st Dist. Ct. of Appeals 1986)Classes and seminars:Real Estate Principals & Practices, North Florida College, 1974 – 1990Business Law, University of West Florida, 1990 – 1994Labor Law, University of West Florida, 1994Florida Condominium/Motel Management, University of Miami, 1998Florida Real Estate Short Sales, Attorney Title Insurance Fund, 2008Many Real Estate Topics, Okaloosa County Association of Realtors, 2000 – PresentClass Action Representation for Credit Unions, Credit Union National Association, 2000Professional associations and memberships:Okaloosa-Walton Bar Association, past President, Member since 1992Past employment positions:City of Fort Walton Beach, City AttorneyTown of Shalimar, General CounselEglin Federal Credit Union, General CounselVanguard Bank & Trust Company, General CounselSupervisor of Elections in Okaloosa County, General Counsel, 1988US Army, Battery CommanderCoastal Bank & Trust Company, DirectorPro bono activities:Fla. Bar Referred Cases RepresentingIndigent Mortgage Foreclosure DefendantsNumerous Churches and Non-Profit Organization, 1972 – PresentAncillary businesses:Small Business Owner, 1980 – PresentTitle Insurance, 1984 – Present