Charles H. Van Horn is a shareholder in the firm. Chuck’s practice focuses on advising companies and their principals on a wide variety of legal issues.

Specifically, Chuck’s practice involves business and commercial litigation with an emphasis in litigation arising out of real estate transactions. Chuck’s practice includes representation of real estate brokers, lenders, mortgage companies, appraisers, builders and developers, in all types of disputes including contract disputes, business torts, unfair competition claims, malpractice allegations, title disputes and partnership, shareholder and other internal corporate disputes, particularly those arising out of real estate enterprises.

Chuck’s practice also includes a substantial amount of mortgage-related litigation, including instances of mortgage fraud and violations under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures (“RESPA”) and Truth In Lending Act (“TILA”) claims.

Chuck’s representation of real estate professionals includes professional malpractice actions against real estate brokers, appraisers, attorneys, title abstract companies, and other licensed professionals. This portion of Chuck’s practice also includes handling claims for unpaid real estate commissions, and representing real estate professionals before administrative agencies such as the Georgia Real Estate Commission, and local Boards of Realtors.

Chuck’s representation of builders, developers and contractors includes representation of both plaintiffs and defendants in disputes involving construction defects, title issues, as well as disputes involving tortious interference with business and contractual relations, breach of fiduciary duty and/or duty of loyalty, and unfair and deceptive trade practices.

In addition to handling claims arising out of errors and omissions insurance policies, Chuck has extensive experience litigating issues arising out of directors and officers insurance policies, as well as employment practices liability insurance policies.
Chuck lectures frequently on trends in the real estate industry, including conducting numerous seminars designed for real estate brokers, salespersons, appraisers and other professionals providing practical tips on malpractice prevention and other emerging issues in the real estate industry. Chuck has also conducted seminars on how to identify mortgage fraud.

Chuck serves as the secretary of the Real Estate Section of the Atlanta Bar Association, and previously has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Litigation Section of the Atlanta Bar.
Chuck is the Alumni Recruitment Network Coordinator for Georgia on behalf of his alma mater, Villanova University. Chuck has taught as an adjunct professor at Emory University School of Law, as well. Chuck was named a Super Lawyer by Atlanta Magazine in 2005 and again in 2009.

After graduating from Villanova University, Chuck obtained his law degree from The Emory University School of Law, and has lived in Atlanta since 1991. Chuck is married to Christy Van Horn and has three young daughters, Sara, Kate and Claire. Chuck ran track and cross-country in college, and remains an active runner. Chuck is also an avid baseball fan.

Education

B.A., Villanova University, cum laude, 1991
J.D., Emory University School of Law, 1994

Bar Admissions

Georgia, 1994
- Supreme Court of Georgia
- Court of Appeals of Georgia
Federal
- Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
- United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia

Professional Memberships

State Bar of Georgia
- Real Property Section
- General Practice & Trial Section
- Tort and Insurance Practice Section
Atlanta Bar Association
- Litigation Section
- Board of Directors (2002-present)
- Co-Chair: We Can Work It Out Seminar (2003-2005)
- Real Estate Section
o Secretary 2008 – Present
o Treasurer 2007-2008
o Board of Directors 2006-2007
- Young Lawyer Division
American Bar Association
- Litigation Section
- Real Estate Section
Federal Bar Association
Lawyers Club of Atlanta

Significant Reported Cases

The Levin Company, Inc. v. Walker 289 Ga.App. 299, 656 S.E.2d 588 (2008)

Udoinyion v. Re/Max of Atlanta, 289 Ga.App. 580, 657 S.E.2d 644 Ga.App. (2008).

Walker v. Johnson, 278 Ga. App. 806, 630 S.E.2d 70 (2006)

Hill v. Filsoof, 274 Ga. App. 474, 618 S.E.2d 12 (2005).

Mil-Spec Indus., Inc. v. Pyrotechnic Specialties, Inc., 262 Ga. App. 582, 586 S.E.2d 7 (2003).

Sky-Shots Aerial Photography v. Jack Franks, et. Al., 250 Ga. App. 411, 551 S.E.2d 805 (2001).

BDI Distributors, Inc. v. Beaver Computer Corp., 232 Ga. App. 316, 501 S.E.2d 839 (1998).

Speaking Engagements/Appearances

Chuck frequently conducts seminars for real estate professionals. The seminars are designed for real estate brokers, salespersons, appraisers and others, and provide them practical tips on malpractice prevention and cover emerging issues in the real estate industry. Chuck has also conducted seminars on how to identify mortgage fraud for real estate professionals.

Community Involvement

Villanova University
- Alumni Recruitment Network Coordinator (1998-present)
- Alumni Association: Board Member, Atlanta Chapter (1998-present)

Emory University School of Law
- Adjunct Professor (1998-2002)
- Alumni Association, Class Agent (2002-2004)

Honors

Chuck was selected as a 2005, 2009 and 2010 Georgia “Super Lawyer” based on research and surveys conducted by Law and Politics Media