Chad Van Horn, Esq. is a South Florida business leader and founding partner attorney of Van Horn Law Group, P.A. He and his strong team of attorneys, paralegals and staff have built Van Horn Law Group into the largest bankruptcy firm in Broward County, Florida, based on the number of cases filed in the last 12 months.
The firm’s success rests on the legal expertise of its staff as well as its client-oriented mission: to restore peace of mind to individuals in financial distress by providing first rate, affordable legal services with compassion, understanding and respect. This philosophy filters down into all practice areas, including student loan consolidation and litigation, estate planning/asset protection, LGBT estate planning/asset protection, foreclosure defense, corporate representation, debt consolidation, civil litigation, debt relief and consumer law, in addition to personal and corporate bankruptcy. He also is well known for his proficiency in business and real estate transactions, commercial and real estate litigation, loan modifications and landlord-tenant disputes.
“I believe the overall improvement of our community starts with giving our citizens – people who make up the foundation of our community – equal access to the legal system,” he said. “This serves as a stepping stone for their future accomplishment, opens doors to success, and strengthens the fabric of our society.”
In support of this view, Van Horn recently wrote and published Everything You Need to Know About Bankruptcy in Florida, a roadmap to bankruptcy outlining options available to those deep in debt. Chapters in the 65-page book include the pros and cons of bankruptcy, types of bankruptcy, famous bankruptcy filers, a step-by-step guide to bankruptcy filing, and more. The book is free and available by visiting www.freebankruptcybook.com.
Helping people, especially those facing hardship, is a way of life for Van Horn that extends far beyond his law practice into all of his community and civic efforts. He applies his resources and network to helping others through a combination of spirited entrepreneurship, dedicated philanthropy and legal expertise.
He gives generously to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County serving as a board member since 2013, sponsoring and participating in the organization’s events and as a Big Brother mentor to Desmond since 2012, a life-changing experience for both Big and Little Brother. In addition, he provides significant volunteer pro bono services to veterans through Mission United and helps children in need by consistently supporting the OJ McDuffy Foundation.
Van Horn was recognized for his efforts by being named 2017 Florida Big of the Year out of 15,000 mentors statewide and 2017Attorney of the Year by Legal Aid Service of Broward County. In 2017, he also received the prestigious 40 Under 40 award by the South Florida Business Journal and was selected for Leadership Broward Class XXXVII.
Van Horn’s journey to success began as a business major at Robert Morris University, in Pittsburgh, PA. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a focus on Entrepreneurship and International Business in 2005, including a semester abroad at American University of Rome in Rome, Italy. This experience broadened his horizons by opening his eyes to global economic and social perspectives.
In 2005, Van Horn moved to South Florida and started working as a bankruptcy law clerk while attending law school at night. He earned his juris doctor from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law School in 2009 and was elected graduating class speaker, a vocation which he still avidly enjoys. Van Horn, a Fort Lauderdale resident, received his certification by the Florida State Bar in 2009 and from the Supreme Court of the United States in 2014. He is accredited in both consumer and business bankruptcy by the ABA.
AWARDS
• Superstar Pro Bono Attorney Legal Aid Service of Broward County, Inc 2016
• LEGAL AID OF BROWARD COUNTY'S 2017 PRO BONO ATTORNEY OF THE YEAR, 2017
• South Florida's Top Rate Lawyers Legal Leaders 2014
• AV Preeminent® Rated from Martindale-Hubbell®
• 2016 Big Brother of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County
• 2017 Florida Big Brother of the Year by Big Brother Big Sisters
• Super Lawyer Florida Rising Star Super Lawyers Magazine 2016/2017
• Avvo Top Bankruptcy Contributor 2014
• Avvo Clients' Choice 2017
• Overall Client Rating 5.0 Martindale-Hubbell 2012 - 2017
• Lead Counsel Rated Attorney LawInfo.com 2017
• 2017 American Institute of Legal Counsel 10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction in Bankruptcy Law Division
• 2018 American Board Of Certification (ABC) Member
• 40 under 40 Award
