John H. Howard

Attorney with more than four decades of trial experience representing clients in complex legal matters.
John

John H. Howard

Attorney

Biography

John H. Howard has practiced law for more than four decades and is currently in his 47th year of practice. His work has focused on complex personal injury, mass tort, wrongful death, negligent security, and sexual abuse matters, with extensive experience preparing and trying cases in California courts.

 

Over the course of his career, John has handled approximately 80 jury and court trials, with results typically ranging from six to eight figures. His approach is grounded in preparation, careful review of the facts, and a clear understanding of how cases are presented in the courtroom.

 

In addition to his legal practice, John has remained active in the local legal community and in community-oriented service. He is a veteran who served in the United States Navy Reserve and has contributed time to youth athletics, professional associations, and local nonprofit efforts.

Education

Ventura College of Law

  • Juris Doctor

Pacific University

  • Bachelor of Arts, 1972
  • Major: Business and Economics
Bar Admissions
  • California, 1979
Professional Associations
  • Ventura County Trial Lawyers Association, President, 1992
  • Ventura County Bar Association, President, 1997
  • California Coast Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, President, 2004
  • American Board of Trial Advocates, National Board Representative, 2005–2026
Reported Cases
  • Firmino v. Fedco, 30 Cal. Rptr. 2d (Cal. 1994), Supreme Court of CA, S30396
  • David v. Hernandez, 226 Cal.App.4th 578 (2014), Court of Appeals of CA 2nd Dist Div. 6, B245342
Honors
  • Cal-ABOTA Trial Lawyer of the Year, 2021
  • Ventura County Trial Lawyers Association Trial Lawyer of the Year, 2006 and 2016
  • Pro Bono Attorney of the Year, Ventura County Bar Association, 2011
  • Civility Award, ABOTA California Coast Chapter, 2010
  • Listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
  • AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell for over 30 years
  • ABOTA Foundation Senior Life Fellow, 2021
Classes and Seminars
  • Master’s in Trial
  • James Otis Seminars
  • Lectures on civility for law students
Community Involvement
  • Coached varsity football and baseball at Villanova Preparatory School, St. Bonaventure, and Nordhoff, 2003–2023
  • Ventura County Bar Pro Bono Volunteer
  • Ventura County Branch of the Southern California Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, President, 1987
Of Counsel
  • John H. Howard is Of Counsel with Lowthorp Richards, LLP.