Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Legal Solutions in San Diego
Founded in 1979, JW Howard Attorneys is a boutique business litigation firm with a proven track record of success in corporate law, constitutional matters, and preventative legal strategies. Our team brings decades of experience as former house counsel to major corporations, offering clients a unique blend of legal insight and business acumen. We specialize in resolving disputes efficiently, avoiding litigation when possible, and securing favorable outcomes through strategic preparation and trial expertise. Recognized for excellence through awards like the AV Preeminent Award and Super Lawyers, we prioritize client needs with transparent communication and cost-effective solutions.Our attorneys have represented businesses across industries, from Fortune 500 companies to startups, and have been featured in national publications for landmark cases in free speech and corporate governance. With offices in San Diego and Los Angeles, we serve clients nationwide, combining local knowledge with international legal expertise.
Services
Litigation
Federalism
Constitutional Law
Corporate Transactions
Preventative Law
Eminent Domain
Corporate Governance
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- Over 40 years of experience in business litigation and corporate law
- Former house counsel to major corporations with insider business perspective
- Specialize in preventative law to minimize litigation risks
- Proven trial success in complex cases nationwide
- Personalized strategies with transparent fee structures
Associations and certifications
- AV Preeminent Award
- Super Lawyers
- Marquis Who's Who
What people say
Most capable attorney
Trustworthy legal advisor
Excellent litigation skills
Highly recommend services
Proactive problem solver
Services
Litigation
Our trial lawyers specialize in resolving business disputes through strategic litigation. With decades of courtroom experience, we focus on early case resolution while maintaining aggressive trial preparation. Our success stems from meticulous evidence analysis, motion practice expertise, and persuasive trial presentation that has secured favorable outcomes for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses.
Constitutional Law
We defend constitutional rights through landmark cases involving free speech, religious freedom, and federalism. Our attorneys have challenged unconstitutional government actions in federal courts, represented states in sovereignty disputes, and protected individual liberties in high-profile litigation. This practice combines historical constitutional analysis with modern legal strategy to preserve fundamental rights.
Corporate Transactions
From entity formation to complex mergers, we structure transactions that minimize legal risks. Our services include drafting shareholder agreements, negotiating joint ventures, and creating protective contract provisions. With deep corporate governance expertise, we help businesses establish legal frameworks that prevent future disputes while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Preventative Law
We develop proactive legal strategies to avoid litigation through contract audits, compliance programs, and corporate policy reviews. Our team identifies potential risks in business operations, drafts protective documentation, and implements governance structures that reduce exposure to lawsuits while maintaining operational efficiency.
Federalism
Our federalism practice focuses on state sovereignty issues, public lands disputes, and constitutional boundary challenges. We represent governments and organizations in matters involving the Tenth Amendment, RS2477 rights-of-way, and federal land policy. This includes advising state legislatures on constitutional governance and litigating landmark cases that redefine federal-state relationships.
People
John W. Howard
Founder
With over 40 years of litigation experience, John Howard specializes in constitutional law and business disputes. Formerly house counsel to Fortune 500 companies, he combines legal expertise with business strategy to deliver client-focused solutions.
Michelle Volk
Business & Civil Lawyer
Michelle Volk brings extensive experience in corporate litigation and civil rights cases. Her practice focuses on contract disputes, employment law, and business governance matters for clients in California and beyond.
Peter Shelling
Business & Civil Rights Lawyer
Peter Shelling specializes in civil rights litigation and business law. He represents clients in constitutional challenges, employment disputes, and commercial litigation with a focus on protecting individual and corporate freedoms.
Scott Street
Corporate & Business Trial Lawyer
Scott Street handles complex business litigation and corporate transactions. His practice includes shareholder disputes, merger agreements, and commercial contract enforcement for businesses across multiple industries.
Mitch Stein
Corporate & Business Trial Lawyer
Mitch Stein focuses on business litigation and transactional law. He represents corporations in contract disputes, partnership disagreements, and corporate governance matters with an emphasis on practical legal solutions.
Questions
What areas of law does JW Howard specialize in?
We focus on business litigation, constitutional law, corporate transactions, federalism issues, and preventative legal strategies to minimize litigation risks.
How long has JW Howard been in business?
The firm has provided legal services since 1979, with founder John Howard practicing law for over 40 years.
Do you handle cases outside California?
Yes, our attorneys have represented clients in multiple states and international jurisdictions, particularly in federalism and constitutional matters.
What makes JW Howard different from other law firms?
Our unique combination of former in-house counsel experience, constitutional expertise, and trial success sets us apart in delivering business-focused legal solutions.
Can you help with preventative legal strategies?
Yes, we specialize in developing proactive legal frameworks to minimize litigation risks through contract audits, compliance programs, and governance reviews.
