Mr. Chalela has extensive experience in administrative, criminal, and civil practice before the Federal and State court systems. In September 2001, Mr. Chalela was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force and served for nearly five years in the capacity of Special U.S. Attorney and Staff Judge Advocate at Edwards Air Force Base in California, and Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. While on assignment at Edwards AFB, Mr. Chalela achieved the rank of Captain and served as Chief of Contracts and Chief of Military Operations Law. Subsequently, while assigned to Hanscom, Mr. Chalela served as Chief of Military Justice and Chief of Federal Tort Claims for the entire New England region.
Mr. Chalela was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Ribbon, the National Defense Medal, the Expert Marksman Ribbon, and the Air Force Training Ribbon during his term of service. Subsequently, he ran his own law practice for over five years. He has also interned with Federal and State judges, the Office of the U.S. Attorney in Tampa, Florida, and the Office of the Public Defender for Pinellas County, Florida. Having been raised in a Spanish-speaking home and having lived in Mexico, Mr. Chalela is fluent in oral and written Spanish.
Education:
B.A. - University of Michigan
J.D. - Stetson University College of Law
Admissions:
David F. Chalela is admitted to the Florida Bar; the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit Court; and the Court of Appeals for the U.S. Armed Forces.
Memberships:
Disabled American Veterans; United States Veterans Association;National Organization of Veterans' Affairs; Truman National Security Project-Tampa Chairman
