Charles T. Staples, Business Attorney in Columbus, Georgia
Over 55 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Real Estate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatHall Booth Smith, P.C.
Columbus, GA
Practicing business in Columbus since 1971.
- 55+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Charles T. Staples?
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Quick answer
Charles T. Staples is an of counsel based in Columbus, GA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Real Estate. Charles has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hall Booth Smith, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Columbus, GA
- Experience
- over 55 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Planning · Real Estate
- Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Real Estate matters from Columbus, GA.
- Over 55 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Charles T. Staples: Charles T. Staples is an of counsel based in Columbus, GA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Real Estate. Charles has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hall Booth Smith, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Charles takes on
Charles concentrates on business, estate planning, real estate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Planning
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Real Estate
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Trusts
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Business cases in Columbus, Georgia
Charles takes business matters in Columbus, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Columbus, Georgia
Charles takes estate planning matters in Columbus, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Columbus, Georgia
Charles takes real estate matters in Columbus, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Columbus, Georgia
Charles takes trusts matters in Columbus, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Charles T. Staples — business lawyer in Columbus
Charles T. Staples is an of counsel based in Columbus, GA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Real Estate. Charles has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hall Booth Smith, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Chuck Staples grew up in Auburn, Alabama, where he was educated in the local public schools. He received his Bachelor of Science from Washington and Lee University in 1967 and his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, in 1971 from the University of Georgia, 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.
His areas of practice include corporate and business organizations and related areas, entity selection/formation, estate planning, and probate. He 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 as well as 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, real estate transactions, commercial financing, retirement plans, and other matters related to the operation of a business.
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.
Recognition
•Top Lawyers, Trusts & Estates, GaBiz Magazine, 2026
•The Best Lawyers in America , Trusts and Estates; Best Lawyers; 2006-2026
•AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
•Lawyer of the Year, Trusts and Estates, Columbus, GA; Best Lawyers; 2019
In the Press
27 HBS Partners Recognized as 2026 Top Lawyers by GaBiz Magazine
January 29, 2026
Hall Booth Smith is pleased to announce that 27 of the firm’s partners have been recognized as 2026 “Top Lawyers” by GaBiz Magazine in its Winter issue.
Charles's approach to business cases
Chuck Staples grew up in Auburn, Alabama, where he was educated in the local public schools. He received his Bachelor of Science from Washington and Lee University in 1967 and his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude , in 1971 from the University of Georgia, 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. His areas of…
The kind of cases Charles takes
Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and real estate matters in Columbus and the surrounding Georgia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Georgia
J.D. · 1971
Washington & Lee University
B.S. · 1967
Jurisdictions
Charles's state bar admissions
Georgia U. S. Court
1971 · ACTIVE
Charles studied at J.D. in University of Georgia and B.S. in Washington & Lee University.
Law school and academic background
Charles completed J.D. in University of Georgia and B.S. in Washington & Lee University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Charles runs in Georgia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Charles has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Charles's professional memberships and bar associations
Memberships •American Bar Association •Columbus Bar Association •Columbus, Georgia Pension Fund: Employer's Board of Trustees Member (former) •Georgia Institute of Continuing Legal Education: Trustee (former) •Girls, Inc
membership
of Columbus: Advisory Board Member •The Brookstone School, Inc
membership
: Board of Trustees, Chairman
former · membership
Locations
Charles T. Staples's office in Columbus
Charles's primary office is at Suite 100, 1301 First Avenue, Columbus, GA, 31901. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Charles T. Staples — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Charles. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Columbus.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Charles T. Staples claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Charles T. Staples — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Charles usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Charles charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Charles will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Columbus, Georgia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Charles
Charles discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Charles confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Charles's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Charles T. Staples
How much does it cost to hire Charles for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Charles walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Charles offer a free consultation?
Charles charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Charles's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Georgia typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Charles gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Charles take my case if I'm outside Columbus?
Charles is licensed in Georgia. Matters governed by Georgia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Charles will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Charles?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Charles will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Charles accepting new business clients right now?
Charles's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Columbus, Atlanta and Marietta in Georgia
Charles handles business matters throughout Georgia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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