Chris Patterson was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1985, and is a practicing attorney with more than 20 years experience. Mr. Patterson is certified by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education as a criminal trial specialist (1995) and by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a criminal trial advocate (1995). He is the only attorney in the 14th Judicial Circuit to have such a distinction. As a trial attorney, he tried to verdict in excess of 100 jury trials, while handling in excess of 3000 cases in various fields during his career. He routinely handles the most serious of cases, from death penalty cases, terminations of parental rights, complex civil litigation, probate and family law matters. He is a graduate of Clemson University, where he received a Bachelors of Arts degree, and Nova University, from which he received a Juris Doctorate degree in 1985.Chris Patterson began his legal career as an officer in the United States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps. As an officer, he commanded an office recognized by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff's Award for Excellence in 1990. Mr. Patterson served two tours of duty, to include the Desert Shield/Storm conflict. He possessed a Top Secret security clearance, and secured an Acquisition Law Specialty designator. Among his decorations, he was awarded two Meritorious Service Medals. He also served as a Military Magistrate during a portion of his military career.Chris Patterson was appointed in 1987 by the U. S. Department of Justice to serve as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. He served for several years prosecuting civilian offenses occurring on federal installations and other federal jurisdictions.Mr. Patterson returned to Florida and established a private practice of law emphasizing criminal law, juvenile matters (civil and criminal) and mediation (family law, dependency law and County Court matters). He is certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Mediator in the areas of Dependency and Family law. Mr. Patterson was the first Dependency Mediator in his circuit, and has mentored numerous other mediators seeking certification. He is a member of the Florida Supreme Court's Mediator Qualifications Board.Chris Patterson is active in local, state, and national bar associations. Among other courts to which he is admitted, Mr. Patterson is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He is a past recipient of the Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Service Award, representing the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. Mr. Patterson is a frequent lecturer to various agencies and civic organizations. He is a featured guest analyst on Court TV, and has hosted several radio broadcasts on current legal issues. He is an author of three novels, as well as a contributing writer to several legal journals and magazines. He is listed in Who's Who in American Law and Who's Who in America. He is active in this community with membership in numerous service and religious organizations, to include Rotary International, Past President Rotary Club of Panama City Beach, Assistant Governor District 6940 Area 4. Former Board Member of the Gulf Coast Childrens Advocacy Center, Bay and Washington County Teen Courts, The Federalist Society, The American Legion, Military Officers' Association of America, and Adjunct Professor- Gulf Coast Community College. He was a former volunteer football coach for Bay High School during their memorable State Runner's Up campaign, and was selected as an Olympic / USOC Torchbearer in 1996.