Biography
Charles S. Stahl, Jr. is a co-founder of the Creditors’ Rights and Bankruptcy Practice Group at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP. Since 1982, Charlie has concentrated his practice on representing debtors, creditors’ committees, secured lenders, landlords, lessors and taxing bodies in Chapter 11 cases under the United States Bankruptcy Code and in out-of-court debt restructuring arrangements through the United States. His insolvency and commercial litigation practice has included fraudulent transfer and preferential transfer actions, state court foreclosure proceedings, Ponzi scheme shams and mechanics lien issues.
Charlie regularly counsels financial institutions regarding collection strategies and Uniform Commercial code (UCC) rights and remedies. Charlie also counsels clients on a variety of transactional issues, including leveraged buyouts, the disposition of assets by financially troubled companies, partnership disputes, and corporate mergers and acquisitions.
Practices
Creditors' Rights, Banking and Bankruptcy
Commercial Litigation and Business Disputes
Real Estate Litigation and Transactional Services
Awards
- Selected for inclusion in Leading Lawyers, 2024-2025
- Selected for inclusion in Leading Lawyers in the categories of Creditors’ Rights/Commercial Collections Law, Commercial Bankruptcy and Workout Law, and Individual Bankruptcy Law
- Peer review rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell since 1985
- Illinois Civic Leaders’ Tour sponsored by the United States Military Airlift Command, 1987
- Designated representative, National Conference of Law Reviews, Atlanta, Georgia, 1974
- Graduate research grant, United States Army Corps of Engineers, 1971-1972
Clerkships
- Law Clerk to the Honorable John J. Stamos, Justice of the Appellate Court of Illinois, First District, 1975-1977
Publications
- Co-Author, The Buyer’s Guide of Master-Planned Communities, Southeast Region, AuthorHouse, 2006
- Co-Author, Foreclosure and Repossession in Illinois, Lorman Business Center, 1990
- Co-Author, The Ins and Outs of Bankruptcy Practice for Non-Bankruptcy Practitioners, Lorman Business Center, 1990
- Co-Author, Guidelines for Lenders to Financially Troubled Companies, 1987
Presentations
- “Protection of Creditors’ Rights Under the United States Bankruptcy Code,” Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce, Carol Stream, Illinois, 1998
- “Avoidance and Recovery of Fraudulent Transfers Under the United States Bankruptcy Code and Illinois Law,” Chicago Bar Association, Chicago, Illinois, 1992
- “The Confirmation Process for a Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code,” Lorman Business Center Seminar, Chicago, Illinois, 1990
- “Bankruptcy Considerations Relating to Foreclosure and Repossession in Illinois,” Lorman Business Center Seminar, Chicago, Illinois, 1990
- “Professional Negligence: Protection of a Partner’s Property,” public accounting firm, Chicago, Illinois, 1989
- “The Ins and Outs of Floor Plan Financing,” Leisure and Marine Credit Association National Conference, Chicago, Illinois, 1988
- “Guidelines for Lenders to Financially Troubled Companies,” various financial institutions, Chicago, Illinois, 1987-1989
News
January 10, 2025
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Recognized as Leading Lawyers and Emerging Lawyers for 2025
Fifty-three Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 edition of Leading Lawyers, published by Law Bulletin Media. This honor highlights their outstanding skill and leadership in the legal field. Attorneys selected were nominated by their peers as among the top in Illinois. Leading Lawyers recognizes the most qualified and trusted attorneys within their respective practice areas and geographical regions.
Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, St. Louis, Madison County, Indiana, Kansas City, August 15, 2024
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2025 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch Lists
Fifty-six Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys were named to the 2025 Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® lists. In addition, Partners Michael W. Drumke and Gary C. Pinter were recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" in their respective practice areas.
Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, Madison County, January 11, 2021
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2021
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommended by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.
Chicago, January 16, 2019
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2019
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommend by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.
Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, Madison County, January 23, 2018
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2018
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommend by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.
