Chuck Staples grew up in Auburn, Alabama, where he was educated in the local public schools. He received his B.S. degree from Washington and Lee University in 1967 and his J.D. degree, magna cum laude, in 1971 from the University of Georgia School of Law where he was on the Georgia Law Review and was admitted as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Chuck has been with the Firm since 1971 and currently serves as Managing Partner. Chuck's areas of practice include corporate and business organizations and related areas, entity selection/formation, estate planning and probate. Chuck provides estate and tax planning advice for individuals, including the preparation of wills, trusts, family partnerships and various charitable planning techniques. Chuck also represents small and family-owned businesses, and a number of physician groups. He advises these clients on the best form of entity from a tax, liability, and operational standpoint, entity formation, and continued representation on matters such as buy-sell agreements, contracts, leases, retirement plans and other matters related to the operation of a business. Chuck was included in the 2008 and 2009 editions of the Best Lawyers in America. Outside of the law practice, Chuck has been active in civic activities and serving as President of the Columbus Lawyers Club, Chairman of The Brookstone School Board of Trustees, President of Girls, Inc. of Columbus, President of Big Eddy Club, and on several charitable and civic boards.