Rachel Chewning
Jacksonville,FL
Summary
Accomplished attorney with a proven track record in obtaining positive results for clients through case analysis, negotiations and litigation. Strong presence in the courtroom through hundreds of hearings and trial participation. Skilled in legal research and writing, adept at mentoring associates for enhanced client satisfaction and litigation success.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Partner
Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.
07.2013 - 10.2024
- Provided defense counsel for variety of clients including insurance companies, auto/product manufacturers and corporations in negligence, product liability, premises liability, negligent security and financial matters.
- Participated in over 250 mediations and variety of expert depositions.
- Managed case load of between 30 - 50 circuit court cases at any given time.
- Mentored associates to develop best litigation strategies for client satisfaction.
Associate Attorney
Debski and Associates
03.2012 - 06.2013
- Represented national banking institutions in statewide collection actions and Florida Consumer Collections Practices (FCCPA) and Federal Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
- Drafted and argued motions and attended hearings daily.
- Managed a 200+ caseload, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
Assistant Public Defender
4th Circuit Office of the Public Defender
04.2008 - 02.2012
- Represented indigent clients in misdemeanor and felony cases with a caseload of 50 - 100 clients at a time.
- Appeared daily in court, attended in-chambers meetings daily with county and circuit court judges.
- Drafted and argued Motions to Dismiss, Motions to Suppress and pre-trial motions.
- As first chair, prepared and defended to conclusion 13 trials ranging from Domestic Battery to Armed Robbery and 13 as second chair, ranging from DUI to Attempted Murder.
- Prepared and argued over 200 sentencing hearings and negotiated favorable plea agreements for clients by presenting persuasive arguments to the prosecution.
Education
J.D. -
University of Florida Levin College of Law
Gainesville, FL12-2007
Master of Science - Psychology
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL08-2001
Skills
- Client communication
- Courtroom presence
- Legal research and writing
- Time management
- Risk assessment for clients
- Legal case management
Accomplishments
- Represented a national auto manufacturer related to an airbag defect as national coordinating counsel and participated in the development and implementation of a first of its kind channeling injunction for alternative claim resolution.
- Assisted in organizing and presenting a multi-day Womens' Conference with multiple speakers and panels for insurance professionals with CLE credit.
Timeline
Partner
Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.
07.2013 - 10.2024
Associate Attorney
Debski and Associates
03.2012 - 06.2013
Assistant Public Defender
4th Circuit Office of the Public Defender
04.2008 - 02.2012
J.D. -
University of Florida Levin College of Law
Master of Science - Psychology
University of Florida
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