Christine Marie Howard

Of all the lawyers I have hired, fired, sued, litigated against, and observed in court, Christine Howard stands out as one of the most uncompromising (of her own ethics and integrity), authentic, trustworthy legal professionals, I have ever observed. Her responsiveness to my inquiries, feedback is ou...tstanding and noteworthy. One of her superpowers is her ability to maintain expertise objectivity while also standing in her humanity and heart, to see each client individually, as opposed to the patronizing pomposity and disregard I have observed in most legal professionals. I consulted a few lawyers before hiring her. To me, hiring a lawyer isn't a simple or trivial matter, as the outcome can have major impact on my life. My ex and I worked out the details of our divorce and wanted a lawyer to shape/execute properly. Because I am who I am, the settlement is VERY unusual. Rather than do the pointed finger thing I heard from other lawyers (oh you can't possibly understand/mean this, the law is too complex you will shoot yourself in the foot, be taken to the cleaners, etc.) she just asked me questions like 'have you considered xyz what do you want to do about abc'. Although I was entitled to certain things, she didn't try to talk me out of what I decided was best for me. She simply heard me and informed, then devised the best legal path to what I wanted. She told me with as much exactitude as I desired, what she was doing, why thus and such wouldn't fly, etc. Rendered legal guidance and direction, in simple terms with genuine intent to inform, based on client objectives. Presented strategies and options, risks. I was very glad to observe, she is, almost excruciatingly, detail oriented (which is a hoot for a career technical prof data worshipper to assert) in her attention to my info, docs, filing schedule, mailing, etc I understand too many clients see themselves as victims of a complicated legal system, so act accordingly, giving up all control to their hired expert. I understand why many legal professionals are habituated to objectify (label us) and patronize clients as if their superior legal knowledge gives them complete control even over our objectives. I have had lawyers tell me that exact thing, in essence. 'If you hire me stay out of my way I'll make all the decisions'. To those lawyers: NOPE. Only on legal process/procedures. Only in accordance with MY objectives. It's my legal affairs pal, I have to live with the results! I consider Christine the go to lawyer for clients who want to be treated as if they are in charge of their own affairs - which we truly are. If more lawyers could meld their humanity/expertise like Christine, perhaps the Judiciary wouldn't be so shrouded against legal profession

Christine had me set out goals for what I wanted the results of my divorce to be. Not only did we meet these goals, we exceeded them. My ex wife was seeking child support even though we had agreed on equal custody and equal cost sharing. Christine explained that no one "wins" or "loses" a divorce an...d that everything would be 50/50 anyway. My ex wife continued to pursue illogical goals and Christine encouraged us several times to come to an agreement together to save us money which impressed me because rather than encouraging me to pay her, she said we could save money by communicating ourselves. When we were unable to do so, Christine stepped up and allowed me to get a fair settlement that would pay for all my lawyer fees and have fair and joint custody. It all turned out better than I could have Imagined and it was because of her skill and diligence.

When selecting a divorce attorney I read a lot of online reviews. I selected Christine based on her stellar reviews online. I was very impressed with Christine and her staff from the first meeting. Christine gave me solid advice throughout the process (even when it was not what I wanted to hear). She... was diligent in her guidance throughout the process and lead me down the right path from day one. She did not sugar coat anything for me which I appreciated. My personal pet peeve is not being able to communicate in a timely fashion which seems to be pretty normal for some attorneys around the area. I have to say the communication was great! I always got a call or email back in a timely manner. The staff there is very friendly and always willing to help if they can. I cannot say enough good things about Christine Howard and her staff (Lisa Harris & Connie Woods).