• Business and Commercial Litigation
• Banking Law
• Creditors’ Rights
• Collection Law
• Pre-Bankruptcy Workouts
• Trustee and Creditors’ Committee Representation
• Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors
• Certified Circuit Court Mediator

Experience
Chris Kasten is a seasoned civil trial lawyer who concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial litigation, collection law, bankruptcy, and creditors’ rights.  His practice includes civil trial and appellate work in state and federal courts, including the representation of commercial lenders in bankruptcy court.  In addition, as Chair of the Commercial Collections Practice Group, Mr. Kasten regularly represents institutional lenders and other corporate clients in all aspects of their collection needs.  Mr. Kasten serves as regional outside counsel for John Deere Company and represents General Electric Capital Corporation, The Bank of Tampa, M&I Marshall & Iisley Bank, Bay Cities Bank, and Platinum Bank.  He also represents many medium and small business clients in general commercial and litigation matters.

Mr. Kasten has been a Florida Certified Civil Mediator since 2007, and is a member of the Florida Academy of Professional Mediators.  He mediates business disputes, including contract warranties, trade secrets, commissions, buy/sell agreements and non-compete agreements.

Bar Admissions
Mr. Kasten is admitted to practice in Florida, the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States Court of Federal Claims.

Education
Mercer University, B.A., 1979

Mercer University, J.D., 1988

• Jessup Cup International Moot Court Team

Recognitions, Associations & Professional Activities
Mr. Kasten is a member of the Trial Lawyers Section of the American Bar Association as well as the Trial Lawyers Section and Business Law Section of The Florida Bar.  He is also an active member of the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association, the American Bankruptcy Institute, the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts Bankruptcy Bar Associations, and the Florida Academy of Professional Mediators.  He is a Master in the Ferguson-White American Inn of Court and was awarded the 2004-2005 Mentor of the Year Award.  Mr. Kasten served on active duty in the United States Army Signal Corps from 1979 to 1985 and with the United States Army Reserves and the Georgia National Guard from 1985 to 1992.  Mr. Kasten has been awarded an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell.

Personal
Mr. Kasten was born in Spangler, Pennsylvania and raised as the son of a career Naval officer, living in many different places in the United States and overseas.