Fran Novak has been with Chesser & Barr for 27 years, working for Harry Barr for 25 of those years. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Detroit and attended Detroit College of Law for two and a half years prior to living in Europe. Ms. Novak received her PLS (Professional Legal Secretary) certification in 1993 from the National Association of Legal Secretaries. She was certified by Legal Secretaries International as a CL§ (Certified Legal Secretary Specialist) in 2005 for her knowledge of federal court rules and procedures. She received her PP (Professional Paralegal) certification in 2005. Fran has also received certification as a Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP). Ms. Novak received the Liberty Bell Award in 2006 from the Okaloosa Walton Bar Association for her contributions and outstanding service. This award is given during Law Day to a non-lawyer who has given of his or her time and energy to strengthen the effectiveness of the American system of freedom under law, in keeping with the spirit of our Constitution. Fran was the first non-judge or non-politician to receive this award. In 2002, she was named Florida Legal Support Specialist of the Year for the State of Florida.
