From Dallas Roots to Nationwide Recognition
Barrett R. Howell’s story begins in Dallas, Texas—his hometown and the town that formed his method to regulation. A graduate of Greenhill College, Howell grew up surrounded by individuals who valued onerous work and character.
After highschool, he moved to Atlanta to attend Emory College, incomes twin levels—a Bachelor of Enterprise Administration in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in French. That mixture of analytical considering and cross-cultural communication set the stage for what would turn into a profession outlined by precision and empathy.
Howell later earned his Juris Physician from Southern Methodist College’s Dedman College of Legislation, the place he found his ardour for white-collar protection, particularly in securities and healthcare enforcement. “I used to be drawn to the complexity of these instances,” he recollects. “They mix the human facet of regulation with the enterprise facet—two issues which have at all times fascinated me.”
Early Profession: Studying from Revered, Skilled Practitioners
Howell’s first years in follow have been spent with distinguished regional north Texas regulation firms, together with Haynes and Boone and Winstead. He subsequently superior to nationally acknowledged firms similar to Okay&L Gates, Katten Muchin Rosenman, and Clean Rome, the place he broadened his follow and deepened his experience. Every chapter, he says, taught him one thing very important.
“At these companies, I discovered the right way to put together relentlessly,” Howell explains. “Each case demanded a stage of element that left no room for shortcuts.”
That mindset—meticulous preparation and unwavering dedication—grew to become a signature of his authorized method. Throughout this time, Howell constructed deep expertise dealing with federal prison and civil fraud investigations, International Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) instances, and inner company investigations. He represented purchasers beneath the scrutiny of highly effective businesses just like the Division of Justice and the Securities and Change Fee (SEC).
Constructing Howell Protection, PLLC
After greater than 20 years in follow, Barrett Howell determined to launch Howell Protection, PLLC in Dallas—a agency targeted on strategic, client-centered illustration. For him, it wasn’t about leaving massive regulation behind. It was about making use of every little thing he’d discovered to serve purchasers with a extra private contact.
“I wished to create a agency the place integrity wasn’t only a tagline,” he says. “Shoppers come to Howell Protection in a number of the most anxious moments of their lives. They deserve readability, respect, and a plan.”
At Howell Protection, he handles a variety of white-collar prison and regulatory issues. His instances usually contain allegations of healthcare fraud, Medicare and Medicaid claims fraud, anti-kickback violations, and False Claims Act violations. He’s additionally represented people and firms in SEC enforcement actions associated to accounting irregularities, investor fraud, and insider buying and selling.
However for Howell, each case is greater than a authorized puzzle—it’s a narrative of individuals navigating complicated programs. “The regulation isn’t nearly statutes and guidelines,” he says. “It’s about human conduct. Understanding the human element of any illustration is what helps resolve instances effectively and successfully.”
Recognition and Respect within the Authorized Group
Howell’s friends have taken discover of his work. He has been named by D Journal as one of many “Finest Attorneys in Dallas” in Felony Protection: White Collar in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2023—underscoring his fame among the many area’s high attorneys. As well as, Finest Attorneys, printed by BL Rating and identified for its unique peer-review course of recognizing solely the highest 5% of U.S. attorneys, has honored Mr. Howell as a Finest Lawyer in Business Litigation since 2024. He has additionally been chosen to Tremendous Attorneys, printed by Web Manufacturers, for seven consecutive years (2014–2020) within the areas of White Collar Crimes, Well being Care, and Enterprise Litigation—an acknowledgment reserved for attorneys demonstrating excellent skilled achievement and peer recognition.
Nonetheless, Howell doesn’t dwell on accolades. “Awards are good,” he admits with a modest smile. “However the actual success is when a consumer calls you years later simply to say thanks.”
A Philosophy Grounded in Integrity and Preparation
Throughout his profession, Howell has constructed a fame not only for outcomes, however for his regular, considerate method. He usually repeats 4 core values: relentless dedication, meticulous preparation, private integrity, and proactive problem-solving.
These ideas information each facet of his follow. “You’ll be able to’t faux preparation,” he says. “Shoppers know while you’re prepared. Judges know while you’re prepared. And the opposite facet undoubtedly is aware of while you’re prepared.”
In an period when authorized challenges develop more and more complicated, Howell’s dedication to those fundamentals stands out. He sees his work as equal elements regulation, technique, and human understanding. “Generally the most effective protection isn’t a courtroom battle,” he says. “It’s a quiet decision that protects the consumer’s future.”
After having practiced regulation for over 20 years, Barrett Howell stays as targeted as ever. He continues to deal with high-stakes white-collar protection issues, guiding purchasers by means of investigations and prosecutions with a peaceful, strategic presence.
He sees the authorized panorama evolving—particularly as expertise, healthcare, and finance turn into extra intertwined—however his core philosophy hasn’t modified. “The basics nonetheless matter most,” he says. “Preparation, integrity, and empathy. These by no means exit of fashion.”
For Howell, the mission of Howell Protection, PLLC is straightforward but highly effective: to ship peace of thoughts and justice by means of disciplined advocacy. It’s a philosophy rooted in many years of expertise and a perception that each consumer deserves not only a protection—however understanding.
As he places it: “Legislation is about folks. In case you keep in mind that, every little thing else falls into place.”
