Biography

Chelsea C. Maukonen, Esq., is a Junior Partner in the Fort Myers office. She is an experienced civil defense litigator whose practice focuses on representing insurers, businesses, property owners, management companies, homeowners’ and condominium associations, employers, and other commercial clients throughout Florida. Chelsea regularly handles complex matters involving first-party property claims, premises liability, automobile negligence, general liability, employment practices liability (EPL), professional liability, directors and officers (D&O) liability, construction defects, and homeowners’ and condominium association disputes. She represents clients through every stage of a dispute, from pre-suit investigation and early resolution through mediation, arbitration, administrative proceedings, and trial.

A significant part of Chelsea’s practice is devoted to defending employers against workplace-related claims before state and federal administrative agencies and in civil litigation. She represents employers in matters involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and other employment-related misconduct. Chelsea has experience responding to charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR), including investigating allegations, interviewing witnesses, evaluating personnel records and other evidence, preparing position statements, and guiding employers through the administrative investigation and resolution process. She also defends employers in proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), including matters involving alleged retaliation, protected concerted activity, and unfair labor practices. Chelsea works closely with employers to develop fact-driven defenses, evaluate potential exposure, and pursue practical resolutions that account for both legal and operational concerns.

Prior to joining the firm, Chelsea represented insurance carriers in residential and commercial property disputes involving allegations of wind, water, fire, mold, and fraud. She also advised insurers on complex coverage issues, policy interpretation, and bad-faith exposure, helping clients navigate high-stakes claims while minimizing litigation risk. In addition, she defended businesses, employers, property owners, and professionals in a wide range of liability matters, including premises liability, general negligence, construction defects, employment law, and commercial litigation.

Known for her strategic and practical approach, Chelsea emphasizes early case evaluation, creative problem-solving, and vigorous advocacy when litigation becomes necessary. She has extensive experience taking and defending depositions, preparing corporate representatives and expert witnesses, arguing dispositive and discovery motions, negotiating favorable settlements, and defending clients at trial and in administrative proceedings.

Chelsea graduated summa cum laude from Thiel College in 2014, earning a Bachelor of Arts with double majors in Accounting and Business Administration and a minor in Psychology. Her educational background provides her with a strong understanding of financial analysis, business operations, and human behavior skills that complement her litigation practice and enhance her ability to evaluate complex commercial and employment disputes and develop practical defense strategies for her clients. Chelsea earned her Juris Doctor from Ave Maria School of Law in 2018. During law school, she served as Senior Editor of the Ave Maria Law Review.

Chelsea is admitted in Florida (2018) and continues to represent clients throughout Florida in a broad range of civil defense and employment matters.

Practice Areas

Practice Areas

• Auto & Fleet Liability
• Boating Liability and Maritime
• Construction Defect
• Directors & Officers
• EPL | Employment Law
• First Party Property
• General and Retail Liability
• Home Owners Association and Condo Association
• Premises Liability
• Professional Liability | E&O

Experience

Bar/Court Admission

• 2018, Florida

Education

• Thiel College, B.A., summa cum laude, 2014
• Ave Maria School of Law, J.D., 2018

Industries Represented

Verdicts

Verdicts

Presentations

Presentations and Speaking Engagements

Publications

Articles