John M. Howe
John M. Howe is the President of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, and joined our Firm "Of Counsel" April 2011. John is a trial attorney with more than 12 years of experience representing victims and their families devastated by serious and fatal injuries, individuals charged with crimes and individuals and companies involved in business disputes. As a former Division Chief and Felony-Level Trial Attorney with the Public Defender's Office for the 15th Judicial Circuit, John represented hundreds of clients charged with serious criminal offenses. Today, he represents citizens and organizations in civil and criminal matters in both state and federal courts. Beyond his formidable legal skills are John's abilities as a listener and compassionate advocate for his clients.
"The practice of law is about connecting with people. In order to effectively represent my clients, I listen closely to them to understand their unique circumstances and how their lives have been impacted. That's the first step in crafting a strategy to pursue the justice they deserve." He continued, "Seeking justice for my clients, to me, is a fight worth fighting."
John M. Howe is a native of West Palm Beach, Florida, born into a family that had just immigrated from Jamaica. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Loyola University. He obtained a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law while concurrently earning a Masters in Business Administration.
John believes in giving back to the community in a variety of ways, including volunteerism and through contributions of resources and time. He represents clients throughout the state of Florida.
John is the first African-American to ever serve as President for the Palm Beach County Bar Association. In his tenure on the Association's board, he founded its Committee for Diversity and Inclusion, and served on the Historical and Judicial Relations Committees.
John M. Howe concentrates his practice in general personal injury matters, criminal law and commercial litigation.
Legal Communal Involvement:
- President, Palm Beach County Bar Association; Appointed Co-Chair and Founder, Committee for Diversity and Inclusion; Chair, Docent Training Program for Lawyers and Judges at 1916 Historical Courthouse
- Member, Florida Bar Association. Appointed, Florida Bar Association Member Outreach Committee
- Board of Directors, Legal Aid Society of the Palm Beaches
- Director at Large, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Board of Directors, Urban League of Palm Beach County
- Past President, Palm Beach Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Appointed, Palm Beach County Lawyer Professionalism Council
- Board of Directors, Historical Society of the Palm Beaches
- Member, South Florida's Most Accomplished Blacks in Law, ICABA TM
- Member, National Bar Association
- Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member, Hispanic Bar Association of the Palm Beaches
- Member, Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association
- Member, F. Malcolm Cunningham Bar Association
- Member, Past-Director Florida Justice Association Young Lawyers Division
- Member, Palm Beach County Justice Association
Communal/Charitable Involvement:
- Volunteer/Teacher, Florida Supreme Court Justice Teaching Program
- Volunteer/Supporter, Palm Beach Lakes High School Law Magnate Program
- Member, Florida Blue Key Leadership Honorary
- Member, Gator Club of the Palm Beaches
Awards:
- "AV" rated by Martindale-Hubbell. (This independent rating, determined by other lawyers and judges, is the highest possible for both legal ability and general ethical standards. The Martindale Directory was first published in 1868).
Personal/Biographical Information:
- Born in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Education:
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, Loyola University, 1994.
- Masters in Business Administration, University of Florida, 1997.
- J.D., University of Florida-Levin College of Law, 1998.
E-mail: jhowe@lesserlawfirm.com
or: jhowe@johnhowelaw.com
