Profile

Charles advises clients on a variety of business and commercial law matters. He represents clients in connection with mergers and acquisitions, business formations, contract negotiations and financing transactions.

Charles is also a member of the firm's business restructuring, creditors' rights and bankruptcy practice, and provides representation to both creditors and business debtors. His practice includes representation of agricultural clients such as cooperatives, agricultural suppliers, agricultural lenders, food processors, producers and other agribusinesses. Charles is a frequent speaker on a variety of business and bankruptcy law topics.

  • Listed in:
    • The Best Lawyers in America®, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Corporate Law; Litigation - Bankruptcy, 2010-2025 (listed for 15 years)
      • Lawyer of the Year (Syracuse), Corporate Law, 2017; 2019; 2021; 2023
    • New York Super Lawyers®, Business and Corporate, 2024
    • New York State Bar Association
  • Onondaga County Bar Association
  • Central New York Bankruptcy Bar Association
  • American Agricultural Law Association
  • Associate Member, Northeast Cooperative Council
  • National Council of Farmer Cooperatives; Delegate, Legal, Tax and Accounting Committee
  • Statutory Draftsperson, Colorado Cooperatives Act and Amendments to the New York Abandoned Property Law
  • Head Note and Comment Editor, Buffalo Law Review

  • Executive Council of the Alumni Association, St. Lawrence University, 2009-2018; Treasurer 2010-2012
  • School Commission, Holy Family School, Syracuse, 2006-2016; Commission Chairperson 2014-2016
  • Board of Directors, NY State Industrial Exhibit Authority, 2004-2008
  • Board of Directors, Food Bank of Central New York, Inc.,1998-2004; President 2003-2004

  • Moderator, Resolving Mass Tort Liability in Bankruptcy Post Purdue Pharma, TMA Upstate New York Chapter, October 13, 2022
  • Moderator, The State of the Wine Industry Report - What Does it Really Mean for New York Wines?, B.E.V. NY Business Day Conference, February 26, 2020