Practicing law since 1992, Christopher (C.J.) Czaia has earned an outstanding reputation for his commitment to his clients. Extremely passionate, he believes in aggressive representation, service and goes the extra distance to achieve the best possible results for each and every client.
The son of a Foreign Service officer, C.J. spent his early years traveling the world. He has come to appreciate this great nation which guarantees the rights of ordinary citizens to rally against the abuse and oppression of government, the wealthy, insurance companies and corporations. C.J. is dedicated to representing the people and ensuring they receive the rights and justice to which they are entitled so that our democracy works in the manner our country’s forefathers intended.
Upon being admitted to the bar, C.J. chose to work as a public defender in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Manatee, Sarasota, and Desoto Counties. CJ feels that by defending the rights of individuals against the government, he ensures that the checks and balances our Constitution guarantees will work for all citizens. In private practice, C.J. originally focused on criminal law, working on thousands of cases and successfully winning murder cases. Later he began incorporating personal injury cases which today constitute the bulk of his practice.
The former head of the Manatee County Democratic Party, C.J., a community activist, has been involved in politics most of his life. He has been a candidate for political office and, in fact, spoke at the Democratic convention of Florida. In addition he is a well-known political radio and television commentator, and frequent speaker of current and controversial topics.
Out of the office, C.J. is an avid motorcycle rider and racer, who also enjoys boating, sailing, scuba diving, hang gliding, and photography. He is also a baseball, soccer, and theater fan who enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.
Education:
Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing, Mi – Juris Doctor
Florida International University, Miami, Fl – Bachelors of Arts, International Relations
St. Petersburg College, St. Petersburg, FL – Associates of Arts, Communications
Organizations & Affiliations
The Florida Bar
Manatee County Bar Association
Sarasota County Bar Association
Lee County Bar Association
Florida Justice Association, Eagle Member
Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Healthy Start Coalition of Manatee, Board Member
Palmetto Youth Center, Board Member
UnidosNow.org, Board Member
Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce, Former Chairman
Community Redevelopment Agency of Palmetto, Former Board Member
Advisory Council of the Adult Farm Workers Program, Former Board Member
Manatee County Heart Association, Former Board Member
Manatee County School Foundation, Former Board Member
Manatee Opportunity Council, Former Board Member
Manatee County Inns of Court, Former Member
Daughtrey Elementary School, Former SAC Member
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
Licensed to practice in the states of Florida & Minnesota.














