How much does it cost to hire Chester for a business case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Chester walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Chester offer a free consultation?

Chester charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Chester's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Chester's current terms during booking.

How long do business cases in Florida typically take?

Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Chester gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Chester take my case if I'm outside Tampa?

Chester is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Chester will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Chester?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Chester will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Chester accepting new business clients right now?

Chester's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Chester E. "Chet" Bacheller, Business Attorney in Tampa

Quick answer

Chester E. "Chet" Bacheller is an attorney based in Tampa, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Securities.

Based in: Tampa, FLORIDA
Experience: attorney
Known for: Business · M&A · Securities

Handles Business, M&A, and Securities matters from Tampa, FLORIDA.
Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Governance Law (Tampa) (2026).

Areas of practice

Legal matters Chester takes on

Chester concentrates on business, m&a, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case Chester handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Tampa, Florida

Chester takes business matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Chester agrees to represent you.

M&A cases in Tampa, Florida

Chester takes m&a matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Chester agrees to represent you.

Securities cases in Tampa, Florida

Chester takes securities matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Chester agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Chester E. "Chet" Bacheller — business lawyer in Tampa

Chester E. "Chet" Bacheller is an attorney based in Tampa, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Securities.

Chester E. Bacheller is a transactional lawyer practicing in the areas of securities, mergers and acquisitions and finance including, venture capital financing. The majority of Mr. Bacheller's practice has centered on representing companies and investors in various corporate and financial transactions. He has substantial experience in a wide range of corporate, securities and banking matters, including: public offerings of securities registered under the federal and state securities laws; corporate mergers, acquisitions and dispositions; private placements of securities, including Rule 144A offerings; venture capital financing; SEC periodic reporting and compliance matters; financing, mergers and acquisitions and regulatory matters for various financial institutions; eurodollar financings, mortgage and other asset-based securities offerings; corporate control contests, including proxy fights and tender offers; complex asset-based and other lending transactions; numerous issues arising under the Uniform Commercial Code; and other various business matters.

How Chester handles business matters

Chester E. Bacheller is a transactional lawyer practicing in the areas of securities, mergers and acquisitions and finance including, venture capital financing. The majority of Mr. Bacheller's practice has centered on representing companies and investors in various corporate and financial transactions. He has substantial experience in a wide range of corporate, securities and banking matters,…

The kind of cases Chester takes

Chester reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, m&a, and securities matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Florida
— · 1981
University of Florida
— · 1981

Jurisdictions

Chester's state bar admissions

Florida, The Florida
ACTIVE

Chester studied at — in University of Florida and — in University of Florida.

Law school and academic background

Chester completed — in University of Florida and — in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Chester runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Chester has received 42 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Governance Law (Tampa)
2026
Lawyer of the Year — Securities Regulation (Tampa)
2025
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Tampa)
2023
Lawyer of the Year — Securities Regulation (Tampa)
2019
Lawyer of the Year — Securities / Capital Markets Law (Tampa)
2018
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Tampa)
2017
Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Governance Law (Tampa)
2016
Lawyer of the Year — Securities Regulation (Tampa)
2013
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Tampa)
2012
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Securities / Capital Markets Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Securities Regulation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — International Trade and Finance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Accounting
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Audit Committees
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Capital Markets
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Finance
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Director and Officer Liability
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Disclosure
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Executive Compensation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — General Corporate
2026
Best Lawyers in America — High Yield
2026
Best Lawyers in America — International
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Leveraged Buyouts
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mergers & Acquisitions
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Private Placements
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Publicly-Held Companies
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Restructurings
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Securities
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Transactions
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Venture Capital
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Counsel Edition, Super Lawyers magazine, January 2009
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Client Service All-Star, The BTI Consulting Group, Inc., 2013
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Florida Super Lawyers magazine, 2006-2013
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA – America's Leading Business Lawyers guide, Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity, 2008-2013
2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Governance Law (Tampa) (2026). Lawyer of the Year — Securities Regulation (Tampa) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Tampa) (2023). Lawyer of the Year — Securities Regulation (Tampa) (2019). Lawyer of the Year — Securities / Capital Markets Law (Tampa) (2018). Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Tampa) (2017).

Locations

Chester E. "Chet" Bacheller's office in Tampa

Chester's primary office is at 100 North Tampa Street, Suite 4100, Tampa, Florida, 33602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

100 North Tampa Street, Suite 4100

Tampa, Florida 33602

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Chester E. "Chet" Bacheller

Chester has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Chester E. "Chet" Bacheller can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Chester E. "Chet" Bacheller — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Chester usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Chester charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Chester's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Chester will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Tampa, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Chester

Chester discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Chester confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Chester's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Chester E. "Chet" Bacheller

How much does it cost to hire Chester for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Chester walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Chester offer a free consultation?
Chester charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Chester's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Chester's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Florida typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Chester gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Chester take my case if I'm outside Tampa?
Chester is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Chester will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Chester?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Chester will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Chester accepting new business clients right now?
Chester's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Florida residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Chester E. "Chet" Bacheller. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I Force A Partner To Sell Their Share In My Florida Business?
I have a co-owner in my Jacksonville, Florida, business who isn’t contributing anymore and I want to buy them out. I’m unsure if I can force them to sell their share. What legal op
1 verified answer · Business · Florida
Do I Need A Business License For My Food Truck In Florida?
I’m planning to start a food truck in Orlando, Florida, and I’m confused about the licensing requirements. I heard I might need several permits, including a health permit and a bus
1 verified answer · Business · Florida
What Are The Penalties For Non-Compliance With Labor Laws In Texas?
My business in Houston just received a notice for a labor law violation regarding employee overtime pay. I’m worried about the potential penalties, including fines or back pay. Wha
1 verified answer · Business · Texas
What Are The Consequences Of Not Complying With Business Licenses In South Carolina?
I launched a catering business in Greenville, South Carolina, without realizing I needed specific licenses. I could face fines or even business closure if I'm not compliant. What a
1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still
1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida

Chester handles business matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

Chester E. "Chet" Bacheller, Business Attorney in Tampa, Florida

Quick answer