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

I retained this lawyer for a divorce last January 2018. I was very impressed with the favorable reviews she has on the web. Her secretary, Lisa, is precious and very easy to talk to. Prior to getting a Separation Agreement, on August 30, 2018, she gave me 10 days notice she was closing her office ...per a phone conversation. She said she was taking another "position" and would transition me to another lawyer. I was not fully convinced of this due to the fact she had lied to me before. In a voice mail she left (8/6/18) she said there was a deadline to my case and mediation would have to be set. However, when I asked her per phone conversation (8/30/18) when the deadline was, she said there wasn't any deadline. I called her office three times on 9/5/18 with no answer twice and a full voice mail box on the last effort. I reached Lisa the next day to ask how I was suppose to transition now that she is closing her office. Lisa was a bit stunned and said this was the first she had heard of this! I asked her about the 2 lawyers I had in mind and Christine in the background said "No" to each of them and would not give an explanation when asked. I had no trust in her to chose my lawyer after spending $4695.00 already and nothing to show for it. I assumed she was going to direct me to the same kind of treatment or to someone she owed a favor to. I went with one I chose and so far am very happy with the results. My new lawyer didn't like the judge she had scheduled with for mediation because he "didn't get things done", so she called my husband's lawyer to get the ball rolling with another judge- all prior to getting a retaining fee. My case is simple- no kids, no alimony- the only snare is the marital property. I wrote all the narratives that she used almost verbatim to tag on to her usual forms. I don't believe she gave me any counsel, but just repeated my wishes. These are the reasons I would recommend you seek alternative representation for your case: 1) She cannot be trusted -besides "misleading" "misspeaking" or really downright lying about a deadline, she has lied about closing her office! I see she has a new website! I was an easy client that paid my bills, but evidently there was not enough money in it for her 2) She overcharges for the little work she does. She will "nickel and dime" you to eternity! 3) She is arrogant and borders on being unethical. I have had to be out another retaining fee due to her dumping me. Then she had the nerve to send me another bill which would have taken my total to $5300.00 with no Separation Agreement yet! I was victimized in my marriage and then again with this lawyer. It is your choice. But you have been warned!

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.

I can't explain in words how grateful I am for this law firm. Actually was recommended to me by my father. Very professional and the firms knowledge is incomparable. Very helpful. Walked me through every little detail to make sure everything was done right. Great advice and let me know everything tha...t was going on with my case. When they found out something they immediately let me. Very fast results and will have your back on anything. I strongly recommend this firm to anyone needing a family attorney. They're the best.