Edward J. Chester is a third generation Elkhart lawyer and is the owner of the Chester Law Office. Ed’s family has lived in Elkhart for over 100 years. There has been a Chester Law Office in Elkhart for at least 90 years. Both his father and grandfather practiced law in Elkhart, and his great-grandfather was elected Mayor of Elkhart almost 100 years ago.
Ed earned his Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University - Bloomington in 1975. He graduated from the Indiana University at Indianapolis School of Law in 1980, with honors. Ed worked his way through law school, enhancing his legal training through employment as a law clerk and investigator for an Indianapolis law firm.
Ed’s career as a trial lawyer began soon after he was admitted to the Indiana bar in 1980. He tried many criminal cases during his service as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Elkhart County from 1980 to 1983. Thereafter, he served as a Public Defender for one year. Throughout his career, he has tried numerous jury trials involving personal injury, wrongful death, employment discrimination, and complex commercial and insurance disputes. In addition to his extensive trial court experience, Ed has handled numerous cases on appeal to the Indiana Court of Appeals and the Indiana Supreme Court.
Ed is a Director and sustaining member of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and a sustaining member of the American Association for Justice. He is also a member of the Elkhart City, Indiana State and American Bar Associations.