About Chris Debari
When everything feels uncertain, he brings clarity—and fight.
Chris DeBari is an experienced trial attorney and personal injury attorney in Tampa who has practiced Personal Injury law, Personal Injury Protection, and Criminal Litigation in the Tampa Bay area for nearly 25 years. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey in 1991 and his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, FL. In 1998.
While at Stetson he excelled in trial advocacy and is a former member of Stetson University College of Law’s world-class trial team where he competed on national, regional, and state levels, earning the distinction of “Best Advocate” in the Intrastate Trial Competition and upon graduation from Stetson and was honored by the faculty for individual excellence in trial competition.
In addition to being a trial lawyer, Mr. DeBari is a Certified Circuit Court Mediator and is licensed to practice before the Florida Supreme Court and the Federal Middle District of Florida. He has lectured in the areas of Personal Injury, Personal Injury Protection and Criminal Litigation. He is a member of the Florida Justice Association (FJA) which promotes the rights of consumers and Plaintiffs against corporate interests, and has for the last five years, served on the Board of Directors and as an Officer of the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association (TBTLA) where he is currently the Treasurer. Chris comes from a background of Theater and Literature having performed professionally with the New York Shakespeare Festival, and the Shubert Organization in on and off-Broadway theatrical productions, and has made several appearances on ABC television. He credits his success as a trial lawyer in large part to his theatrical training.
Empathy
You didn’t plan for this. No one does.
One moment, life is normal—and the next, you’re juggling pain, paperwork, and pressure from people who don’t seem to care what you’ve been through. It’s overwhelming. You want to heal. You want someone to help you navigate the chaos. Most of all, you want to feel like you matter again.
That’s where Chris DeBari comes in.
From the first conversation, clients say the same thing: “He actually listened.”
Chris understands that you’re not just looking for a lawyer—you’re looking for relief, for answers, and for someone who sees you as more than just a case.
Identity
Chris isn’t a TV personality or a billboard brand. He’s a trial-tested personal injury attorney with 25+ years of experience and a deep belief: when someone is hurt, they deserve to be heard—and helped.
He began his legal career in the criminal justice system, learning how to read people, think fast, and never back down. He later transitioned into personal injury law with a clear mission:
To give regular people the power to stand up to systems designed to wear them down.
Chris’s unique background—working both sides of the courtroom—means he understands the games insurance companies play. And he knows how to beat them. But what really sets him apart? He doesn’t chase cases. He takes on stories that matter, and then he fights like hell to make them right.
Integrity
Some attorneys promise results before they understand your story. Chris does the opposite.
He builds trust the old-fashioned way: through direct answers, steady guidance, and honest expectations. You won’t be handed off to junior staff. You’ll speak directly with Chris—because the outcome of your case depends on more than paperwork. It depends on how deeply your advocate cares.
“For my clients, this isn’t just a legal matter. It’s their life, their future. That means it’s personal to me, too.” – Chris DeBari
Every decision he makes is rooted in one question:
“What will help this person heal and move forward with confidence?”
That’s the standard. And he holds himself to it every single day.
Impact
When you work with Chris, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re getting a steady hand through one of the most chaotic moments of your life.
- He’ll help coordinate your medical care so nothing falls through the cracks.
- He’ll deal with the insurance adjusters, the documentation, the deadlines—so you can focus on healing.
- And when the time comes, he’ll negotiate or litigate with a calm intensity that only comes from deep preparation and purpose.
Clients describe him as clear, calm, and relentless. Not because he makes noise, but because he gets results—and because he shows up, fully present, from start to finish.
Why People Choose Chris
- “I felt seen.” – Every case starts with a conversation, not a script.
- “He never gave up.” – Chris digs in where others tap out.
- “He explained everything clearly.” – No pressure. No legalese. Just real answers.
- “He made a difference.” – Because your outcome isn’t just a file. It’s your future.
The Bottom Line
When everything is spinning, you need someone steady.
When the system feels cold, you need someone human.
When the stakes are high, you need someone who knows how to win—and why it matters.
That’s Chris DeBari.
And if you’ve been injured, he’s ready to help you find your way forward.
Easy Process:
Fill out the form and Chris will get back with you quickly
Get even quicker response by texting Chris directly through our chat widget
Chris will call or text you to discuss your case
Your Consultation is 100% Free
