About Us

Bringing Justice and Compassion to Your Legal Journey

Ed Chester is a third-generation lawyer. Above is his grandfather, Willard Chester, Sr.

Effective Representation For Those Who Need It Most

At Chester Law Office, we don't just practice law—we fight for justice. For over 35 years, our dedicated team of attorneys has stood as fierce allies for injury victims throughout Elkhart, Indiana, leveling the playing field against giant insurance companies and powerful corporations. We're not a personal injury mill churning out cases for profit; we're your neighbors, committed to providing personalized, accessible representation when you need it most. When life's most difficult moments strike, our experienced attorneys work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, always keeping your best interests at the forefront. Whether through skillful negotiation or fearless courtroom advocacy, Chester Law Office remains true to our founding mission: helping the underdogs and making a meaningful difference in our community, one client at a time.

Local Lawyers Committed To You And Your Family

Injury victims need a fierce ally in prosecuting personal injury and wrongful death claims. Our lawyers have concentrated their practice in Elkhart for over 35 years. We are proud to be a local firm that helps our community in the best way we know how. We will provide the hard work necessary to make your case successful. We are approachable, accessible, and provide personalized service to meet your needs. our lawyers work for you, and they will always be there to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you get through the most difficult time of your life.

We understand how important your case is to you and your family. We will do whatever is necessary to be your best advocate. If that means trying your case to verdict before a jury of your peers, we are ready to do it. Unlike law firms you regularly see on television, we do not handle hundreds or even thousands of cases at a time. Chester Law Office is not a personal injury mill designed to generate profits. We approach each attorney-client relationship as our ethical requirements demand: with the best interests of every client at the forefront of everything we do.

Ed Chester

Education

Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, Indiana
- J.D. with honors - 1980
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
- B.A. - 1975

Bar Admission

Indiana, 1980
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana, 1980
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana, 2016
U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit, 2010

Representative Cases

Santini v. Consolidated Rail Corp., 505 N.E.2d 832 (Ind. Ct. App. 1987)
Captain & Co., Inc. v. Stenberg, 505 N.E.2d 88 (Ind. Ct. App. 1987)
P.B. v. T.D., 561 N.E.2d 749 (Ind. 1990)
Landis v. Landis, 664 N.E.2d 754 (Ind. Ct. App. 1996)
GEICO Insurance Co. v. Coyne, 7 N.E.3d 300 (Ind. Ct. App. 2014)
Parkview Hospital, Inc. v. Frost, 52 N.E.3d 804 (Ind. Ct. App. 2016)

References

1st Source Bank

Past Positions

Elkhart County, Indiana, Deputy Prosecting Attorney, 1980 to 1983
Elkhart County, Indiana, Public Defender, 1983 to 1984

Professional Associations

Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Director Emeritus and Sustaining Member
American Association for Justice, Sustaining Member, Present
Elkhart City Bar Association, Member
Indiana State Bar Association, Member

Practice Areas

Car Crashes
Motorcycle Collisions
Trucking Accidents
Drunk Driving Injuries
Bicycle Accidents
Boating Accidents
Brain Injuries
Burn Injuries
Dog Bite Injuries
Nursing Home Injuries
Slips, Trips and Falls
Wrongful Death

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Laura Ezzell

Education

Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana
- J.D. - 2002
Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
- B.A. - 1986

Bar Admission

Indiana, 2003
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana 2003
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana 2003

Representative Cases

Parkview Hospital, Inc. v. Frost, 52 N.E.3d 804 (Ind. Ct. App. 2016)

Pro-Bono Activities

Board of Directors, The Samaritan Center

Professional Associations

Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Director and Sustaining Member
American Association for Justice, Member
Elkhart City Bar Association, Member
Indiana State Bar Association, Member

Practice Areas

Car Crashes
Motorcycle Collisions
Trucking Accidents
Drunk Driving Injuries
Bicycle Accidents
Boating Accidents
Brain Injuries
Burn Injuries
Dog Bite Injuries
Nursing Home Injuries
Slips, Trips and Falls
Wrongful Death
Estate Administration

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J. Thomas Vetne

Education

Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana

J.D. , Moot Court Society

University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

B.A. with high honors

Bar Admissions

Indiana
United States District Court, Northern District of Indiana
United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana
U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit
The Supreme Court of the United States

Representative Cases

WEOC, Inc. v. Niebauer, 226 N.E.3d 771 (Ind. 2024)
Lindke v. Combs, 212 N.E.3d 1246 (Ind. Ct. App. 2023)
Progressive Se. Ins. Co. v. Brown, 182 N.E.3d 197 (Ind. 2022)
Stabosz v. Friedman, 199 N.E.3d 800 (Ind. Ct. App. 2022)
Westbrook v. HN Food Plus, Inc., 150 N.E.3d 1077 (Ind. Ct. App. 2020)
Rose v. Martin’s Super Mkts. L.L.C., 120 N.E.3d 234 (Ind. Ct. App. 2019)
Buddy & Pals III, Inc. v. Falaschetti, 118 N.E.3d 38 (Ind. Ct. App. 2019)
V. Ganz Builders & Dev. Co. v. Pioneer Lumber, Inc., 59 N.E.3d 1025 (Ind. Ct. App. 2016)
Kramer v. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Inc., 32 N.E.3d 227 (Ind. 2015)
Schweitzer v. Am. Family Mut. Ins. Co., 16 N.E.3d 982 (Ind. Ct. App. 2014)
Estate of Carter v. Szymczak, 951 N.E.2d 1 (Ind. Ct. App. 2011)
Smith v. Castaways Family Diner, 453 F.3d 971 (7th Cir.2006)
Osterloo v. Wallar, 758 N.E.2d 59 (Ind. Ct. App. 2001)
Dietz v. Finlay Fine Jewelry Corp., 754 N.E.2d 958 (Ind. Ct. App. 2001)

Professional Associations

Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Sustaining Member
Elkhart City Bar Association, Member
Indiana State Bar Association, Member

Achievements

Indiana’s most prolific civil trial attorney, 2022
Indiana’s most prolific civil trial attorney, 2018
Indiana’s most prolific civil trial attorney, runner-up, 2011
AV peer-review rating—Martindale-Hubbell
Client Distinction Award—Martindale-Hubbell
AVVO Superb rating (10.0)
Indiana Super Lawyer

Practice Areas

Appeals
Trials
Car Crashes
Motorcycle Collisions
Trucking Accidents
Drunk-Driving Injuries
Bicycle Accidents
Boating Accidents
Brain Injuries
Burn Injuries
Dog-Bite Injuries
Nursing-Home Injuries
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Wrongful Death

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Contact Our Office

Choose Chester Law Office to be your advocate and guide in handling your personal injury or wrongful death case. We are a local firm committed to helping our fellow residents get the best possible representation that is professional, efficient, and personal. Schedule a free initial consultation with us today by calling 574-584-3839. You can also get in touch via email.

We represent clients throughout Northern Indiana and especially in Elkhart County.

Ready to get started?

Schedule a consultation with us today.