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Attorney Christopher J. Schisani was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, before he moved to Naples, Florida with his family. He graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Central Florida. Upon obtaining his master’s degree, Mr. Schisani decided to pursue his passion of the law. He subsequently moved out to San Diego, California, where he attended his first year of law school. During his first semester he earned the Academic Achievement Award for superior marks in his courses. Additionally, he was invited onto his law school’s Moot Court Honors Board after an extensive interview process and exceeding academic benchmarks. As a member, Mr. Schisani competed in many interscholastic mock trial competitions, which aided in honing his advocacy and trial skills. After realizing that his heart remained in Central Florida, he moved back to Florida and finished his last two years of law school at Barry University School of Law where he received his Juris Doctor degree.
During his law school tenure, Mr. Schisani excelled academically. He earned the highly coveted Book Award—for the highest grade in class—in two courses and was invited onto the prestigious Law Review journal. Membership is generally extended to a limited number of students who are in the top of their class. In addition to working as an editor on Law Review, Mr. Schisani was a Senator for his school’s Student Bar Association and a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Being an active member of SBA provided him the opportunity to get students involved in the Central Florida community, as well as allowed him to make a positive impact on those less fortunate. In addition to being extensively involved on campus and in the local community, Mr. Schisani also worked as a legal intern at the Office of the Public Defender in Orange County, Florida. It was this opportunity that fueled his passion for criminal law and advocating for justice.
Mr. Schisani took the Florida Bar Exam in July 2018 and passed on his first attempt. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in September 2018. Soon thereafter, Mr. Schisani commenced his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney at the Office of the State Attorney in Orange County, FL. As a prosecutor he successfully led numerous trials and court proceedings. Before being recruited by the Joshi Law Firm, P.A., Mr. Schisani served as a prosecutor from 2018-2019.
Mr. Schisani joined the high-profile criminal defense law firm Joshi Law Firm, P.A. in June of 2019. He quickly became partner at the law firm in November of 2020. At that time, the law firm transitioned over to Joshi & Schisani Law Firm, P.A.
Throughout his legal career, Mr. Schisani has accomplished many milestones and received a myriad of accolades. In 2022, Mr. Schisani was selected to join the National Institute of Trial Lawyers as one of the Best Trial Lawyer's in America, in the field of criminal law. Less than .03% of all lawyers will be selected to become a member of said organization. Additionally, Mr. Schisani was selected and accepted membership to the prestigious Lawyers of Distinction organization in 2022. The selection committee reviews and vets over 55,000 attorneys before extending membership. Members are featured in "The New York Times," as well as the highly regarded "The National Law Journal."
For 2021, The American Institute of Legal Advocates (AIOLA) selected Mr. Schisani as an "Elite Advocate" in the field of criminal law, and therefore, considers him one of the best legal advocates in the United States of America. Membership is only extended to those attorneys who demonstrate leadership, superior qualifications in their field, and trial results in their state. Less than 1% of all attorneys will be invited to be a member of AIOLA.
Further, Mr. Schisani earned the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. He is considered a "Top Attorney" on Avvo--with a 10 Avvo rating. This is the highest numerical rating an attorney can receive.
Additionally, Mr. Schisani was selected and received the Elite Lawyer award for 2020 and 2021, which recognizes exceptional attorneys that demonstrate a high degree of skill and success in their respective practice areas.
In 2020, Mr. Schisani was selected and joined the American Institute of Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. The American Institute of Trial Lawyers is an invitation only professional organization composed of premier trial attorneys from each state. Attorneys selected for membership exemplify the very best qualities and qualifications of an attorney--and must meet stringent qualifications as a criminal trial attorney. Less than .03% of all lawyers will be selected to become a member of the American Institute of Trial Lawyers. Additionally, the American Institute of Trial Lawyers selected Mr. Schisani as a Litigator of the Year for 2021. Membership is extended to only a select few in each state and/or region.
Additionally, in 2020, Mr. Schisani was selected and joined The National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the state of Florida. Only a select few of the most qualified attorneys from each state or region receive invitations to join this exclusive organization regulated by objective and uniformly applied standards. Due to his continued legal efforts, he was extended membership again in 2021.
In 2020, The National Alliance of Attorneys (NAOA) nominated and selected Mr. Schisani as an "Attorney of the Year" in the field of Criminal Law. Said organization is committed to advocating for attorneys with the highest legal standards in each state. Membership is only extended to attorneys who demonstrate leadership, superior qualifications in their field, and trial results in their state. Less than 1% of all attorneys will be invited to be a member of NAOA. Thus, Mr. Schisani is considered a top legal advocate in the field of Criminal Law.
Orlando Style Magazine voted Mr. Schisani as one of Orlando's "Attorneys of the Year" in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively.
After roughly two and half years at Joshi & Schisani Law, Mr. Schisani decided to take on the exciting challenge of starting his own law firm. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs and having a business degree from Florida State University, this was a personal objective and passion Mr. Schisani aspired to accomplish one day—having his own business. Thus, in October of 2021, the Schisani Law Firm, P.A. was established.
Mr. Schisani has handled thousands of felony and misdemeanor cases in the great state of Florida. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Schisani brings his knowledge from the other side of the law to methodically dissect and analyze the unique facts of each case to find the best possible defense and ultimately get the best result for his clients. He prides himself in putting the client first and providing personalized representation. Therefore, he strives to keep each client fully informed with their case and makes himself available as much as possible, including after hours and weekends. Mr. Schisani believes a successful defense team is one that is aggressive, strategic, hardworking, and with the client in mind. He strongly believes he demonstrates all those characteristics, and attributes that to his firm’s successes.
Mr. Schisani is a proud member of The Florida Bar, Orange County Bar Association, and the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
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Chat withState: Florida
Acquired: 2018
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121 S. Orange Ave., Suite 1556, Orlando, FL, 32801
Showing 1 - 5 of 56 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | September 15, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Great lawyer! I hired Chris for a family member and couldn’t have gotten better results. He went above and beyond, and we’re truly grateful for the outcome
Posted by anonymous | September 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Such a blessing. Always kept me updated and I never had to call more than once to get a returned call.
Posted by John | September 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I can’t say enough great things about Chris Schisani and his law firm. Chris recently handled a case for me that could have gone very badly, but thanks to his hard work, sharp strategy, and never quit attitude, we won. From start to finish, he fought for me like it was his own battle, and his knowled...
Posted by Mike | September 14, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
Chris was highly knowledgeable on the topic of my inquiry. He was more than capable of providing adequate information.
Posted by Jay | March 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Chris smart and witty even tho he can come off arrogant. I was hit wit some bs trafficking charges facing life. This mfer play it cool the whole time when I be stressin but my charges were dropped. I recommend my boy chris 1000%. He a real g.
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Schisani is courteous and professional with clients. He has excellent litigation skills, a deep understanding of criminal procedure, and puts forth an individualized plan of action for each and every client."
"Chris is a highly experienced and professional attorney. I couldn’t recommend him more. He always goes above and beyond for his clients and is a zealous advocate!"
"Mr. Schisani was the prosecutor on a few criminal matters I was defending. He was always extremely fair, reasonable, and on top of his work. He was always prepared for court and created a great reputation among the criminal defense community for being fair and just on the other side of the table. I'm confident that he will apply his experience as a prosecutor to benefit his defense cases. He is a great lawyer who keeps the interest of his clients close to heart."
"I endorse attorney Schisani because he has a proven track record and an excellent work ethic. He's the kind of attorney you want representing you."
"I had the pleasure of working alongside Christopher as a prosecutor at the State Attorney’s Office in Orange County. In all aspects, Christopher has exemplified professionalism, superb work ethic, and attention to detail. I fully endorse Mr. Schisani with no reservations."
"Christopher is an excellent attorney, professional, hardworking, and dedicated to his clients. I highly recommend this attorney."
"Chris is kind, intelligent and above all conscientious. I first met Chris in class and on Law Review where his work ethic became immediately apparent. This easily translated to his professional career. He is compassionate and always willing to go the extra mile for each of his clients. I have seen firsthand that he treats his clients with respect as this is done through constant communication and hard work. He is an ethical and zealous advocate and it is no surprise that he continues to attain positive resolutions among the large variety of cases he handles. Chris is an indispensable attorney at his firm. I am proud to call him a friend and a colleague, and look forward to watching his sustained success as he fights for residents of Central Florida. I emphatically endorse Chris."
"Aggressive; intelligent; and competitive. That's the lethal combination that makes Christopher Schisani an outstanding criminal defense attorney. I've had the pleasure of first getting to know Christopher in law school when we served together on Law Review. Then we started our legal careers together working as prosecutors in Orange County, FL. In every stage Christopher has stood out as someone who is hard working and aggressive in his pursuit to succeed. I trust that Christopher will continue that work ethic to realize countless success stories for his clients. It is without hesitation that I endorse Christopher."
"I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Chris for many years. He is an exceptional attorney who subscribes to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity. He is quick on his feet, creative, and passionately aggressive in his advocacy. I strongly endorse Chris and would not hesitate to refer him my most valued clients."
Personal injury lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
General practice lawyer
2025
Client's Choice, Avvo
2022
Client's Choice, Avvo
2021
Client's Choice, Avvo
2021
Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyers of America
2021
Top Attorney, Avvo
2020
Client's Choice, Avvo
2020
Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyers of America
2020
Top 40 Under 40, American Institute of Trial Lawyers
2020
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2019
Client's Choice, Avvo
2021 - Present
Founder and Attorney-at-Law, Schisani Law Firm, P.A.
2019 - Present
Partner, Joshi & Schisani Law Firm, P.A.
2018 - 2019
Assistant State Attorney, Office Of The State Attorney, 9th Circuit
2017 - 2017
Legal Intern, Office Of The Public Defender, 9th Circuit
2020 - Present
Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2019 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
2018 - Present
Florida BarMember
2018 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
Not guilty on Armed Burglary of a Dwelling; not guilty on all three counts of Agg. Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon; guilty on lesser Tamp. w/ a Witness; guilty on Vio. of PTR Condition on DV Case. All other charges dropped.
1 day credit time served (withhold of adjudication)
No Information (State did not file formal charges).
No Information (State did not file formal charges).
Withhold and costs.
Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped)
First degree murder down to manslaughter; 8 years prison.
Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped)
No information filed (not formally charged by the State)
Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) misdemeanor cannabis & paraphernalia; withhold of adjudication and 12 months probation on the felony possession
Withhold of adjudication, 12 months of probation, ICC, 50 CSH (option to buy out half)
Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped)
Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped)
Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) NVDL & NVR; withhold of adjudication and fine for the reckless driving charge
Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) misdemeanor cannabis & paraphernalia; withhold of adjudication and 12 months probation on the felony
Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped)
Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped)
No information filed
Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped)
VOP Dismissed.
Motion granted. Bond set at $2,500 from "no bond."
Motion granted. Bond set at $2,000 from "no bond."
Reduced to simple battery (withhold of adjudication)
Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) two charges, including felony; pled to one misdemeanor
DUI reduced to reckless driving (withhold of adjudication)
Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped)
Motion granted. Bond reduced from $250,000 to $150,000
Pre-Trial Diversion
Pre-Trial Diversion
No Information filed
Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped)
2018
JD - Juris Doctor
2014
MS - Master of Science
2012
BS - Bachelor of Science
2018
2017
English
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