Michael Lai Howard
also known as Mike Howard
About Michael
Biography
The fact that one mistake, one bad day, or even a police officer’s mistake could completely ruin or change the trajectory of your entire life made Mike Howard want to build a team of lawyers and legal professionals to help people facing the weight and power of the criminal justice system.
Mike Howard grew up in Dallas and attended SMU Dedman School of Law. He began his career fighting for people as a Public Defender in Dallas. There, he got a front row seat to how unfairly the criminal justice system treats people, especially if they don’t have a good lawyer.
He wanted to treat his clients how they deserved to be treated – by taking the time necessary to get to know who they are and what they need. He created the Law Office of Mike Howard to do just that. Understanding that people shouldn’t be judged on their worst day, he and his team strive to help people through difficult times with compassion and integrity.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
22 years | 3,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 21 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Mike Howard
3010 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1200, Dallas, TX, 75234
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Michael Lai Howard's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
25 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | 1 star
Posted by anonymous | December 30, 2020 | Criminal Defense
Public safety employee DFW Area. Bad experience.
Even as a local agency employee, This Attorney's office (Mike Howard Law office) his assisstant won't pass the information to his boss to get some remedy or answers for your or your legal defense issues. Buck stops there with his assisstants. They will only give you a typical run around and they stat...
Michael Howard
Replied last February 02, 2026I'm sorry for your experience. We receive a lot of calls from people with non-criminal cases or with criminal cases that are outside the areas we serve, I've asked my staff to ensure that someone has a case with which we can actually help before they pass it on to me. I wish I had the time and staff to address all calls and questions from all people, but I don't. My team shouldn't, however, be turning someone away with a bona fide criminal case/investigation in an area we serve just because the case hasn't been filed yet. I'll talk to my team and make sure they understand this for the future.
Michael Lai Howard's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mike is an excellent and dedicated attorney. He works tirelessly for his clients and has great results. I have no hesitation in endorsing him."
"I have known Mike Hoard for many years. Mike is a bright, hard working, honest lawyer. If you or a family member are in the need of a criminal defense lawyer, Mike is a great choice. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mike Howard has earned a reputation as an aggressive, prepared, and smart trial lawyer. Due to his reputation, courts trust him to defend individuals facing the most serious charges. Mike is truly a rising star at the courthouse."
"Mike is one of the smartest guys I know and a great lawyer. You couldn't ask for more in representation."
"Highly qualified, diligent and caring attorney."
"I have known Mike since our law school days and am continually impressed with his legal talents. He exhibits the perfect balance of intelligence, creativity, and passion for his work and clients. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney."
"Mike is an excellent attorney. He combines solid experience, strong legal knowledge, and genuine compassion for his clients. I've referred clients to Mike with confidence and if I ever found myself on the wrong side of the prison bars, Mike would surely be my one phone call."
"Mr. Howard embodies all of the qualities one looks for in defense counsel, concern for his client, knowledge of the law, and respect of his opponent."
"Mike is the kind of lawyer I would have represent a family member: he is smart and has a big heart! And if that's not enough reason to hire him, he is also the kind of lawyer who gets good deals for his clients from the government and judges because he is well-liked and respected!"
"Mike is one of the smartest and most focused lawyers I know. He also brings authenticity and creativity to his work. I recommended his services with confidence."
"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Mike for several years, and know him to be an enterprising and conscientious defender of his client's rights."
"Mike is one of the rare few criminal lawyers who is simultaneously a great aggressive courtroom lawyer, and a thoughtful and thorough researcher and writer. His work ethic and sincere dedication to his clients have earned him my respect time and time again. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to endorse Mike Howard."
"I cannot endorse my good friend and fellow criminal defense attorney, Mike Howard enough. Mike has been my mentor in the criminal defense arena for some time now, and he is an endless source of knowledge and a man of integrity. Mike works for each client, whether retained by that individual or appointed by the court, like the client is a relative. I have referred several clients to Mike, and they have all come back raving about the personal service and expert advocacy that he provides."
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Health care lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Appeals lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Business lawyer
Business lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Texas Super Lawyers 20219 - 2025, SuperLawyers
2025
Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Dallas (2016 - 2025), D Magazine
2015
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2015
Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2015
Client Satisfaction - 10 Best Under 40, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2014
Superb Rating, Top Attorney Criminal Defense, Avvo
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Attorney, The Law Office of Mike Howard
2008 - 2009
Attorney, Howard & Woodruff, LLC
2005 - 2008
Assistant Public Defender, Dallas County Public Defender's Office
2004 - 2005
Staff Attorney, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
Associations
2010 - Present
Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Associationmember
2006 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Associationmember
2005 - 2009
American Civil Liberties Union of TexasDallas Chapter President
Sample of Legal Cases
No-Bill (finding of no probable cause) by the grand jury
Dismissed
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Dismissed after motion to suppress granted
Education
2004
Speaking Engagements
2026
Jury Selection
2025
2025
Your Constitutional Rights
2025
Building a Law Practice
2025
2024
Criminal Law for the Civil Attorney
2024
A Client-Centered Approach to Representation
2023
Ethical Concerns Representing Clients in High Stakes Cases
2023
2019
Advanced Criminal Defense Trial Skills
2018
Reasonable Doubt
2014
Utilizing Technology in Your Practice
2007
Know Your Rights
Publications
2025
2020
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides