Michael Cory Howes

Cory Howes, Esq., brings to his work both education and practice in the law, as well as a keen financial mind developed from his experience advising individuals and business in the areas of tax, investments and insurance, and employee benefits. A native North Carolinian, Cory earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Wake Forest University and embarked upon a career as a financial advisor and employee benefits consultant.

At the onset of his career, Cory assisted individuals and families with financial planning, insurance, and investments. He also worked with companies to design and implement employee benefits programs, as well as executive compensation plans. After working for several years in collaboration with a variety of attorneys, Cory caught the legal bug and went back to school at the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. After beginning his legal career at a litigation firm in Raleigh, Cory founded Howes Law, PLLC, focusing on Estate Planning, Probate and Estate Administration, and Business Planning. In August of 2016, Howes Law merged with the Forrest Firm—a certified B corporation serving entrepreneurs, executives, and their families—where Cory led the firm’s trusts and estates practice. Cory joined Strauss Attorneys, PLLC in July of 2021, where he now heads up the firm’s Raleigh office.

Cory is a member of WealthCounsel, LLC, a national organization of estate and business planning attorneys who freely share their knowledge and experience. He is also a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, Wake County Bar Association, Wake County Estate Planning Council, and serves on the Board of the North Carolina Forum of Estate Planning Attorneys. Cory is married to his wife, Lindsay, and they have twins, Caleb and Harper. Outside of spending time with his family, Cory enjoys playing basketball, golf, camping and skiing/snowboarding during the winter.