Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Van Horn
Hi Chad, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my journey with a simple but powerful belief: that everyone deserves a second chance, no matter how challenging their circumstances may seem. Losing my father at the age of one and being raised by a single mother taught me the value of resilience, hard work, and mentorship. Watching her navigate life’s challenges while raising me instilled a deep appreciation for the importance of having support and guidance. This experience eventually led to my involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, where I’ve served as both a mentor and board chair, working to provide young people with the same sense of hope and direction I was fortunate to receive.
During my college years, I had the life-changing opportunity to study abroad at the American University of Rome. Immersing myself in a new culture broadened my horizons and gave me a global perspective that continues to influence how I approach challenges and connect with people from all walks of life.
After earning a business degree from Robert Morris University, I moved to South Florida to attend Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law School. With a clear vision of my future, I immersed myself in bankruptcy law, knowing it was a powerful tool to help individuals and businesses start fresh. After graduation, I founded Van Horn Law Group with a mission to provide compassionate, client-centered legal solutions at an affordable cost.
The early days were tough—I worked tirelessly, often handling every aspect of the business myself. But my dedication paid off. Over time, we became one of the largest bankruptcy firms in the Country, handling more than 5,000 cases and earning recognition for our innovative approach to debt relief.
Throughout my career, giving back has been a cornerstone of my mission. I’ve partnered with organizations like Legal Aid Service of Broward County, pledging countless hours to pro bono work to ensure underserved communities have access to quality legal services. My commitment to mentorship continues to drive me, not just through my work with Big Brothers Big Sisters but also in my day-to-day efforts to inspire and support those around me.
Beyond my legal practice, I’ve explored unique experiences—such as being a finalist on Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge, where I proudly finished in the top 10. These experiences have shaped my character and deepened my drive to inspire hope and resilience in others.
Today, my journey continues as I seek to impact my community further, not just through my legal work but also by stepping into leadership roles that can create lasting change. Whether helping a client navigate bankruptcy or contributing to broader community initiatives, my mission remains the same: to positively transform lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been far from a smooth road, but honestly, that’s what makes you battle-tested. If life were easy, you’d never figure out how to roll with the punches—and trust me, I’ve had to roll with plenty.
Growing up, my brother and I were raised by our single mom, who worked tirelessly to give us a shot at something better. Watching her juggle everything on her own taught me resilience early. And when I say early, I mean early—my brother and I started helping out with a paper route when I was just five years old. We’d run up to the doors to deliver papers, and that’s where I learned the value of hard work (and how to avoid cranky dogs).
From there, I pretty much did every job you can imagine. I worked at Foot Locker, served tables, bartended, did construction—you name it, I probably did it. Each job taught me something different, from how to hustle and connect with people to how to solve problems on the fly. Those lessons have stuck with me and shaped how I run my law firm today.
Fast forward to adulthood, and the challenges only got bigger. Gabriela and I got married on February 29, 2020—a leap day, which we thought was a fun way to start our life together. But just weeks later, COVID-19 hit, and everything turned upside down. Revenues at the firm took a dive as our clients were struggling to make ends meet. I had some tough decisions to make, but one thing was clear: I wasn’t going to lay off anyone on my team.
Instead, we adapted. I expanded our office space so everyone could work safely and comfortably, and we leaned on each other to get through it. Those were tough times, but they reminded me why I do what I do: because when things fall apart, people need someone who’s willing to fight for them.
Being a first-generation lawyer hasn’t made the road any smoother either. There was no family name in the legal world or a roadmap to follow—just a lot of grit, determination, and figuring it out as I went. Starting my own law firm and building it into one of the largest bankruptcy practices in Florida was no small feat, but every struggle has made the success that much more meaningful.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth. But the bumps, the paper routes, the late nights, and the curveballs—those are the things that have made me who I am today. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
We’ve been impressed with Van Horn Law Group P.A., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Van Horn Law Group is a law firm focused exclusively on helping individuals and businesses resolve debt-related challenges. We specialize in bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and debt resolution, offering compassionate, practical solutions to help clients regain control of their financial lives. Whether it’s guiding someone through a Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, defending against foreclosure, or negotiating debt settlements, we’re here to provide a clear path forward.
In addition to helping individuals, we’re proud to work closely with small business owners facing financial difficulties, including those seeking reorganization under Chapter 11 bankruptcy. We understand the challenges entrepreneurs face and are committed to helping them protect what they’ve built while finding the best solutions to keep their businesses moving forward.
What truly sets us apart is our experience and our results. Over the years, I’ve personally consulted with more than 10,000 people dealing with debt and financial struggles, giving me an in-depth understanding of the challenges our clients face. I’m also proud to be one of the few board-certified consumer bankruptcy attorneys in Florida, a distinction that underscores my expertise in this field. Our firm has earned recognition as one of the top bankruptcy filers in the country—a testament to the trust our clients place in us and the results we deliver.
Beyond helping our clients, we’ve worked to improve the legal landscape for Floridians. One accomplishment I’m especially proud of is our role in increasing the state’s vehicle exemption from $1,000 to $5,000, ensuring that more individuals can keep their vehicles—often their most vital asset—while navigating financial challenges.
At Van Horn Law Group, we understand that debt can feel overwhelming and isolating. That’s why we approach every case with empathy, personalized care, and a deep commitment to finding solutions that make a real difference. From individuals and families to small business owners, we’re here to help rebuild lives and create brighter financial futures.
If you’re facing financial struggles, whether personally or in your business, I want you to know there’s always a way forward. At Van Horn Law Group, we’re ready to guide you through every step of the journey with dignity, compassion, and confidence.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has definitely played a role in my life and business—both good and bad—but I’ve always believed that luck tends to even out over time. I’ve seen my share of bad luck, like losing my father at just one year old and growing up in a single-parent household where resources were tight. Watching my mom work so hard to provide for my brother and me taught me early on that bad luck might knock you down, but it’s the effort you put into getting back up that really matters.
In business, bad luck has hit me too—COVID-19 being one of the most memorable examples. Gabriela and I had just gotten married in February 2020, and weeks later, the world shut down. Revenues at the firm took a nosedive as our clients, already dealing with financial challenges, faced even more uncertainty. But instead of letting it derail us, I saw it as an opportunity to lead. We expanded office space to keep the team safe, adapted to new ways of working, and made it through without laying off a single employee. It wasn’t easy, but it proved to me that with the right mindset and effort, you can turn bad luck into a chance to grow.
Of course, I’ve also had some great luck along the way. Opportunities like studying abroad at the American University of Rome gave me a global perspective that’s shaped how I connect with people. Meeting mentors, clients, and colleagues who’ve believed in me have been invaluable. But I’ve learned that even with good luck, it’s about the effort you put into making the most of those breaks. Luck might open the door, but it’s up to you to walk through it.
At the end of the day, luck is part of life—it gives you obstacles and opportunities in equal measure. What counts is how you handle both. For me, the key has always been staying focused, putting in the effort, and refusing to let setbacks define me. That mindset has shaped who I am and the business I’ve built.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vanhornlawgroup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanhornlawgroup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VanHornLawGroup/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/VHLawGroup?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VanHornLawGroupPAFortLauderdale
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/van-horn-law-group-fort-lauderdale-2
