Chertkov Naum Nakhman was born 1 March 1903 in Rēzekne; father — Ruvin, mother — Reyza. Attended local secondary school. During World War I, continued his education in evacuation in Pskov.

In 1919, moved to Riga with his family. Studied at the Ya. Landau Gymnasium; in 1922, graduated from the Riga City Russian Secondary School. Was a private tutor. Afterwards, studied for 2 years at the Higher School of Commerce in Berlin. Later returned to Rēzekne. In 1924, began studying national economics at the University of Latvia; from 1925, studied law, graduating in 1929. From 15 January 1930, assistant to sworn advocate Ya. Kruminsh in Rēzekne.

In the early 1930s in Rēzekne, was chairman of the Jewish boycott committee's court of honour. From 9 December 1936, sworn advocate.