Charles E. Carpenter, A Professional Corporation is a small law firm, founded in 1978, with the unique ability to deliver very effective professional legal services to its varied business and corporate clients. The Firm believes that even though it is small in size, its expertise and close relationships enable it to deliver legal services to its clients efficiently and economically, and allows it to give all client matters the special attention and skill which they deserve and respect.

The Firm is located in the historic Tri-State Bank building on Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee. The office building was constructed in the 1890's and has been the home of a variety of the most significant African American owned businesses located on Beale Street for more than 100 years.

Top 10 Historically Significant Tenants of  Three Eight Six Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee
Charles E. Carpenter, Attorney, A Professional Corporation (1992- PRESENT) Tri-State Bank Of Memphis (1946-1971) Memphis World Newspaper (1937-1946) Universal Life Insurance Company (1933-1953) Attorney William H. Foote (After whom the Foote Homes public housing project was named) (1919-1925)		Mississippi Beneficial Life Insurance Company (Predecessor of Universal Life Insurance Company) (1919-1925) Solvent Savings Bank & Trust Company (1914-1927) Pace & Handy Music Company (1914-1918) Dr. George R. Jackson (Pharmacist) (1910-1912) The Home Grocery Company (1891-1895)

Some of the more important planning and strategy meetings during the civil rights era were held in this building. Based on the illustrious history of the building, it is listed on the prestigious National Register of Historic Places. After Tri-State Bank moved out of the building in 1971, the building subsequently endured a fire and was left gutted and abandoned until 1992.  Being in a historic building on a world famous street is the perfect setting for the experienced and innovative law firm founded by Charles Carpenter in 1978.  Attorney Carpenter purchased and renovated the building in 1992, which has been the home of the law firm since November 1, 1992.

The Firm’s philosophy is that clients hire lawyers because they need assistance in making their dreams come true, which the Firm helps to do by using seasoned judgment, giving sound legal advice and providing the basis for leadership by outlining a proven course of action. The Firm recognizes that the legal field is a service industry. Its goal for each client is to deliver sound legal advice and a level of service that meets and exceeds their highest expectations on every assignment. This is the philosophy that has helped the Firm survive through the years and continue to enjoy the reputation and respect of its clients, the business community and members of the bar.

Early in the 1980's, the Firm began working with community development corporations and their governing boards. Through this exposure, the Firm gained expertise in working with government stimulus packages and programs and governmental agencies emphasizing the administration of the small business and other entities. the Firm also has experience in working with various revolving loan programs and other transactional work involving the security and collateral of loans.

In 1991, the Firm established an affiliation with the law firm of Lewis, White & Clay of Detroit, Michigan and became the first African-American owned law firm to be listed as a nationally recognized municipal finance bond lawyer firm in the history of Shelby County, Tennessee. The affiliation with Lewis, White & Clay terminated in 1998. Today, the Firm continues to successfully practice in the municipal finance area having served on the legal financing teams in various capacities for the City of Memphis, Tennessee, Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division, the County of Shelby, Tennessee, and the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, the City of Jackson, Mississippi, as well as counsel to the underwriters for international, national and regional investment banking firms.

At this time, the Firm's primary focus is establishing and structuring business corporations, sub chapter S corporations, nonprofit and 501 (c)(3) corporations, limited liability companies and related business organizations, including partnerships and joint venture structures. The Firm also works to help its clients finance the innovative ideas and concepts in the areas of health, educational and multi-family housing facilities through the issuance of tax exempt bonds. This method of financing provides the absolute lowest form of borrowing available in the lending industry.  In this regard, the Firm serves as general counsel to The Health, Educational and Housing Facility Board to the City of Memphis, TN. 

The Firm has also formed a partnership with the Wisconsin based law firm of Laster & Garcia, LLC for the purpose of practicing municipal finance law.  The partnership practices in the name of Carpenter Laster & Garcia and currently represents Milwaukee County, Wisconsin as Co-Bond Counsel.

The Firm's Wisconsin office is located at 15850 W. Bluemound Road, Suite 304, Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005.

A small part of the Firm's work is in the area of sports and entertainment. The Firm has represented professional football players, boxers, kick boxers, as well as music artists, recording, production, and publishing companies. The Firm also advises individuals on copyrights, publishing and merchandising businesses.

Not certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization. Certification as a specialist in all other listed areas of law is not currently available in Tennessee.