From Law School to the Bankruptcy Courts to Clown University

Send us a text

Just in time for Thanksgiving, meet Charles "Chuck" Tatelbaum, an octogenarian attorney who has built an extraordinary 59-year legal career by recognizing opportunities and going all in.

When Congress enacted the new Bankruptcy Code in 1978, Chuck was ready to take the new laws and rules and run with them. When the chance arose to help post-communist countries draft their first-ever business laws, he got on a plane. And when he sees ways to give back—to the profession, to his South Florida neighbors, and at a certain parade this time of year in New York City—he steps up.

Listen in as Chuck talks about his remarkable legal career, misconceptions about bankruptcy law, notable cases, outreach efforts that took him abroad, and his commitment to pro bono work, public television, and the local immigrant community. It's not all serious, though; there's time for some clowning around, too.