Chinwe O. Fossett
Attorney

Chinwe Okpechi Fossett is a graduate of Stetson University College of Law that is reputed as having one of the top trial advocacy programs in the United States of America.  While attending Stetson, Fossett established herself as one of the country’s premier student trial attorneys. In light of this, Fossett was twice selected as a member of the Stetson Trial Team and on those occasions, the team was victorious.  Fossett won the prestigious Best Advocate Award for the America Bar Association (ABA) National Criminal Justice Competition in Chicago in 2000.   Her team also won 1st Place in the ABA, National Criminal Justice Competition, Chicago, 2000.  Furthermore, Chinwe’s team won 1st Place in the Chester Bedell Memorial Trial Competition.  In that competition, Chinwe was again named Best Advocate in the State of Florida.  Chinwe was also honored as an outstanding advocate and litigator by being awarded both the International Academy of Trial Lawyer’s Award and the Victor O. Wehle Trial Advocacy Award in 2000. 

Ms. Fossett arrives at CFR by way of the 13th Judicial Circuit where she served as an Assistant State Attorney holding the position of Deputy Chief, Felony Division.  Her exceptional trial skills in the courtroom have earned her accolades from judges, attorneys, victims and even defendants. She has professionally handled all the duties of a State prosecutor in both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.  In Hillsborough, she was promoted to Deputy Chief of a Felony Division where her caseload involved the most serious of charges including first-degree murders, kidnappings, sexual batteries, home invasions, robberies, and drug trafficking cases.  She was also a member of the Arson division where she prosecuted several cases.  Ms. Fossett’s background includes experience with civil litigation, primarily litigating nursing home cases.  Fossett has had over 70 jury trials and has enjoyed great success in her cases.  Ms. Fossett will be handling cases with both the criminal and civil divisions at Cohen, Foster & Romine

One of Chinwe’s most memorable trials involved two defendants in a drug trafficking case.  The opposing attorneys were father and son who consistently tried to intimidate and bully her.  They underestimated her skills and in the end she convicted both their clients.  Her reputation among attorneys and judges is one of excellence.  One prominent Tampa attorney, after watching Fossett in trial, described her closing argument as phenomenal.  A judge told Fossett that she “is the best cross examiner he had ever seen.” And a now retired judge told Fossett, “It is always a joy to have you in my courtroom.”

At Cohen, Foster & Romine, P.A. Fossett will be practicing in the areas of criminal and civil law.

Education

• Stetson University College of Law, J.D. 2000
• University of Florida, B.S. Journalism, 1997

Bar Admissions

• Florida, 2000

Honors &Activities

• 2006- Current: The Herbert G. Goldburg Criminal Law American Inn of Court
• Member of Stetson University College of Law trial team, 1999-2000
• Best Advocate Award, ABA National Criminal Justice Competition, Chicago, 2000
• 1st Place, ABA, National Criminal Justice Competition, Chicago, 2000
• Best Advocate, Chester Bedell Memorial Mock Trial Competition, 2000
• 1st Place, Chester Bedell Memorial Mock Trial Competition
• International Academy of Trial Lawyer’s Award, 2000
• Victor O. Wehle Trial Advocacy Award, 2000
• 2nd Place, Phi Alpha Delta Closing Argument Competition, 1999
• Honor Court Attorney, 1999-2000
• Who’s Who among American Law Students, 2000