Our Story

Charles has parlayed his founding interests in Tenants Rights into a thriving firm with 3 full time attorneys and a wonderful staff of seven, where he continues to welcome repeat clients who are both landlords and tenants.

Attorney Charles Drennen has earned a sterling reputation amongst clients, peers, and judges alike as one of the hardest-working and most visible attorneys on the Daley Center's 13th and 14th floors.  Compelled by a belief in public service, advocacy, and in fighting for the underdog in any given situation, he understands the nuances of the law and work to read the subtext of every client's situation. 

We believe strongly in the centrality of personal relationships as the cornerstone of our professional life and work with many community organizations to help enhance the lives of all Chicago communities. As a featured guest lecturer at venues such as the Loyola School of Business, John Marshall Law School, and LIFT Annual Summits, Charles enjoys a lasting relationship with these organizations and the people they serve. We are continuing our work as a LIFT supporter and enjoy a strong relationship with many members of their staff and clients.

Charles Drennen, Founding Attorney & CEO, grew up in the South and has been a Chicagoan for more than ten years, where he earned his law degree from John Marshall Law School. Charles has en encyclopedic knowledge of American history, a soft spot for Rogers Park, and is a tireless political field worker. Devoted to building a stronger community, Charles gives much of his time to volunteering for wards all over the city and loves developing relationships people who are also committed to Chicago's safety and well-being.

Anayensi Hernandez-Bustamante, Senior Field Director, met Christy and Charles years ago through her wonderful husband, Jorge. Together, they have three beautiful girls: Sylvia, Nancy, and Yarit. A native Spanish speaker, Ana enjoys spending time with her family and engaging with her church community.

Sylvia Bustamante, Junior Field Director, is a high school senior who works part-time and enjoys spending time ministering to her church and local community.

Machelle Davis, Client Intake Paralegal, comes to us with several years of experience in landlord/tenant law offices. A mother of three, she is the first person many of our clients and potential clients interact with and has brought a wonderful, positive energy to our office.

Yohanna Flores, Field Operations, has brought so much joy to our office by allowing her wonderful son to come into the work environment. We're a child-friendly office and we support our staff in their determination to provide for their families by having a child-safe and welcoming environment. Yohanna works every day to make sure our clients online and at home hear about our firm.

Tenants Rights Law can provide you with comprehensive legal support allowing us to advocate for you in many areas of law. Take control of your life with CTRL!

We offer free initial consultations. Our services include but are not limited to:

  • Chicago Landlord and Tenant Services

  • Help Dealing with Difficult Landlords or Tenants

  • Complete Packages for Both Landlords & Tenants (What to Expect, How to Get What You Need, Vetting, etc.)

  • Recovering Security Deposits from Landlord

  • Civil Litigation

  • Class Action Suits and Defense

  • Consumer Advocacy and Protection

  • Contracts

  • Criminal Defense

  • Divorce

  • DUI/DWI

  • Evictions

  • All RLTO Matters

  • Family Law

  • Harassment

  • Personal Injury

  • Probate Products

  • Liability

  • Real Estate Title Closings

  • Wills and Trusts