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Anna Cathleen Howard

Family Attorney at Carlsbad, CA

5.0   11 reviews
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  • Licensed for 11 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2012
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Excellent Attorney
Estela De Orduna
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Amazing work done in a hurry!
Justin
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Anna

Learn Anna’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas

Anna founded the A. C. Howard Law Firm to providing the following legal services to help families secure their future:
•    Estate Planning (wills, trusts, health care directives, powers of attorney)
•    Family Law (divorce, child custody and visitation, guardianship, spousal & child support)
•    Assisted Reproduction (surrogacy, egg, embryo and sperm donation)
•    Adoption (independent and agency, judgments of parentage)

Anna grew up in San Diego and Los Angeles, and she obtained her bachelor’s degree at University of Southern California (USC).  As a student there, she served on the Academic Honors Society and mentored at-risk youth in the South Central Los Angeles community.

Anna attended University of San Diego’s School of Law.  Volunteering for several immigration clinics, clerking for Federal Judge Michael Anello, and working with the Public Defender’s office were just a few of her pursuits while in school. After graduation, Anna worked at several law firms, focusing on security transactions and assisted reproduction rights, before starting her own firm.

Anna lives and practices law in Carlsbad, California.  She spends her free time with her close-knit family, swimming, body surfing, and volunteering.

****************

Anna Cathleen Howard creció en San Diego y Los Ángeles, y obtuvo su licenciatura en University of Southern California (USC). Como estudiante allí, fue miembro de la Sociedad Académica de Honor y fue mentor de jóvenes en situación de riesgo en la comunidad del Sur Central de Los Ángeles.

Anna asistió la Escuela de Derecho de la Universidad de San Diego. Actuar como voluntaria en varias clínicas de inmigración, ser “clerk” para el juez federal Michael Anello, y trabajar en la oficina del Defensor Público fueron sólo algunas de las actividades en las que participaba en la universidad. Después de graduarse, Anna trabajó en varios bufetes de abogados, centrándose en las transacciones de seguridad y derechos de reproducción asistida, antes de establecer su propia firma.

Anna vive y practica derecho en Carlsbad, California. Ella pasa su tiempo libre con su familia muy unida y haciendo natación, surfing, y trabajo de voluntariado.

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A. C. Howard Law
2725 Jefferson Street, Suite 2A
Carlsbad, CA, 92008
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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  11 customer reviews
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Posted by Estela De Orduna | December 16, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
Anna and I have worked together as co-counsels in several cases and she is very committed to her clients, professional and ethical. I also hired Anna to do my estate planning and she did an excellent job with ease and for a very reasonable fee. I highly recommend Anna, she is not just a great lawyer but a very kind person who cares for all her clients.
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Posted by Justin | May 8, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing work done in a hurry!
My husband and I had some last minute reality checks before our daughter was born in our, for lack of a better term, surrogate situation. We were in pretty solid panic mode not sure if we would be able take our daughter home once she was born. Anna was able to walk us all through the requirements to establish legal parentage that matched the intentional parentage of our situation. She helped us to develop a plan and execute it just the way we hoped, and it all got accomplished with great success with less than three months before the due date. Our family could not be what it is today without Anna and her caring, expertise and knowledge. We are so thankful to her!
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Posted by Kevin | March 21, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Positive experience
I consulted with her regarding my mother's revocable living trust and pour-over will. She responded in a more than timely manner. I would hire her.
Posted by Kellen | March 3, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Anna is a to-the-point Attorney and she delivers!
We retained Anna's services for contract work related to a non-traditional situation related to our family planning. We didn't exactly fit in the traditional surrogacy bucket, nor did adoption apply and Anna found the right way to define what we were doing while achieving our legal goals. Anna was clear in her plan, she executed on her promises and her work was spot on! We were very pleased with the outcome and highly recommend her to anyone trying to navigate surrogacy law.
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Posted by Dixie | January 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Trust
Anna Howard was very professional and efficient with conducting our legal needs. Her fees were reasonable and appropriate for her services. We intend to use her for our continued family legal needs. We would not hesitate to reommend Anna Howards services.
Posted by Debbie | January 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An Excellent Attorney
Anna assisted my husband and I with surrogacy law. Anna is extremely knowledgeable and up to date with this area of the law and she really impressed us with her knowledge and guidance. Anna drafted our surrogacy contract which was negotiated with the other side for weeks and she made sure that we were comfortable and happy with every single provision- and there were lots of them. Anna even spoke to us over the phone on evenings and weekends. I would definitely recommend Anna to anyone needing a surrogacy attorney.
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Posted by William | January 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate planning
Hired Anna Howard to plan my wife and myself estate so that after death my children will avoid probate and reduce their taxes. All of our assets will be in our trust. Anna was very professional and she made it easy!
Posted by anonymous | December 29, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgble in working with contested adoption
Anna represented me in the appeal phase of a contested adoption in which I was the biological parent. Anna set realistic expectations, was accessible, and most importantly she treated my concerns and worries as if they were her own. Anna's preparation for my case was unmatched. Her attention to detail and thinking outside the status quo really set her apart in my mind.
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Posted by Wehtahnah | December 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Trustworthy and Dependable
Ms. Howard's guidance was invaluable during my estate planning. She asked compelling questions in order to create a will and trust that reflects my objectives. With her consistency and legal knowledge she guided me through a process that can be difficult with ease. I appreciate Ms. Howard's compassionate and professional demeanor. It was such a relief to have my family's future secure.
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Posted by Alexa | November 3, 2015
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Excellent Explanation of Wills and Trusts
I consulted with Anna about estate planning, and I was so impressed with her level of expertise and her ability to explain complex legal concepts in plain English. She clearly delineated the difference between a will and a trust and helped me understand the benefits and drawbacks of each scenario. Anna is very knowledgeable and really took the time to ensure that I understood various estate planning options. I appreciated the FAQs that she developed--they're a great reference. I felt very comfortable during my meeting with Anna. She is very professional and trustworthy. Were it not for the fact that my own father is an estate planning attorney, I absolutely would have hired Anna.
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Posted by Christopher | October 15, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Comfort and Confidence
After an interview with Anna we decided to go with her to create our family's Living Trust. I can't think of a more important document to create to protect your most valuable assets and those you love. I also can not think of one in which you spend more time agonizing over. There are so many important decisions you are making within that you are truly put to task in the hopes you are making the right decisions for all. Some of these questions/ actions you are setting in motion should the unthinkable happen are morbid and daunting to even try to fathom. Anna has a manner of getting you through the process that is seamless. She allows you the time to process but also keeps you on schedule. She makes sure you understand all that is involved and helps you make the decision that is right for you and your family. I would not hesitate to refer Anna. I believe any and all would feel comfortable and confident in her professionalism and her ability to get you through the process.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 20 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.7 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Founding Attorney
  • A.C. Howard Law
  • 2014 - Present
  • Associate Attorney
  • The Surrogacy Law Center, PLC
  • 2012 - 2014
  • Contract Clerk
  • Law Offices of Rancho Santa Fe
  • 2011 - 2012
  • Pro-Bono Researcher
  • Children's Advocacy Institue
  • 2011 - 2012
View all work experience

Education

  • University of San Diego School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2011
  • University of Southern California
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 2005

Associations

  • The Honorable Fiorenzo V. Lopardo American Inn of Court
  • 2015 - Present
  • BabyQuest Foundation
  • Board Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Trojan Club of San Diego
  • 2015 - Present
  • Trojan League of San Diego
  • 2014 - Present
  • North County Bar Association
  • 2012 - Present
  • Lawyers Club of San Diego North County
  • Committee Membership Chairperson
  • 2012 - Present
  • Alpha Chi Omega Kappa Omicron Kappa Alumnae Chapter
  • 2011 - Present
  • Kids for Peace
  • Committee Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Daughters of the American Revolution
  • 2010 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • 2009 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish
  • French

Honors and Awards

  • Outstanding Child Advocate
  • James A. D’Angelo
  • 2011
  • Honors Scholarship Recipient
  • University of San Diego School of Law
  • 2011
  • Highest Grade Earned: Latin American Law
  • CALI Excellence for the Future
  • 2011
  • Highest Grade Earned: Mexican Law
  • CALI Excellence for the Future
  • 2011
  • Certified Estate Planner
  • National Institute of Certified Estate Planners
  • 2011
  • Comment and Case Note Editor
  • San Diego International Law Journal­
  • 2011
  • Warren Family Endowment Award
  • Warren Family Endowment
  • 2011
View all awards

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Good Ol' Gals Business Connections Meeting
  • Estate Planning Basics
  • 2015
  • Five Rings Financial Meetings
  • Money Matters 101
  • 2015

Attorney endorsements

Received (15)
Given (13)
Endorse Anna
Nadine Marie Sayegh headshot
Nadine Sayegh
Family Attorney | Feb 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Anna has always been a colleague that I can count on. She is extremely knowledgeable, dedicated to her craft, caring and kind. Her clients are in very good hands!"
Y. Jennifer Lee headshot
Y. Jennifer Lee
Family Attorney | Nov 29
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have had the pleasure to work with Ms. Howard on a couple of different family law matters, and she always impresses me with her kind and professional demeanor. Ms. Howard is knowledgeable of the law, respectful to her colleagues, and attentive to her clients. The legal community is lucky to have her and clients are well-served by Ms. Howard's legal skills and knowledge."
Amanda Dawn Singer headshot
Amanda Singer
Family Attorney | May 03
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have worked with Anna on numerous occasions on both prenuptial agreements and marital settlement agreements. Anna is very knowledgable and cares for her clients. She always looks out for her clients best interests but also understands how to work collaboratively to get the best result and have a smooth process. I look forward to working with Anna again in the future."
Douglas Wayne Lytle headshot
Douglas Lytle
Estate planning Attorney | Jan 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Anna for several years, and have no hesitation in referring clients to her for their estate planning needs."
Bryan Dean Wilson headshot
Bryan Wilson
Family Attorney | Jan 10
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Anna is thorough, thoughtful, and very capable. A pleasure to work with."
Valerie Ann Murphy headshot
Valerie Murphy
Family Attorney | Dec 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Anna and I have discussed in depth many issues in the Family Law field and I am always impressed with the depth of her inquiry, her willingness to see both sides to an issue while developing the strength of her argument, the concern she expresses for clients, and her love for the practice of law. She is just the kind of ethical, honest and polite but firm attorney you want to represent you and, if you are an attorney, you want to have on the other side of a case."
Katharine Ann Tremblay headshot
Katharine Tremblay
Family Attorney | Dec 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Anna is a talented and smart attorney who cares for the well being of her clients. I have sent several clients to Anna, including family members. I have heard nothing but positive feedback from those clients. I highly recommend speaking to Anna if you have any surrogacy, adoption, or family law issues."
Christine Chin Wu headshot
Christine Wu
Estate planning Attorney | Dec 18
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I highly recommend Anna for all estate planning, surrogacy, adoption, and family matters. She is an expert in her field, prioritizes client service, and is a trustworthy advisor and attorney. I have referred several people to her and feel confident she will take great care of her clients. She is also an amazing colleague and is a very supportive and encouraging person. I can't say enough good things about her and truly believe she is the best of the best!"
Aalok Sikand headshot
Aalok Sikand
Family Attorney | Dec 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Anna is an expert in Artificial Reproductive Technology law. She has handled over four hundred unique cases having to do with surrogacy as well as egg and sperm donors. Her expertise in this field is evident from how efficiently and effectively she takes care of her clients."
Brian Scott Klein headshot
Brian Klein
Family Attorney | Dec 15
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have been involved in many cases where Anna has been the 'opposing counsel.' In matters relating to third party assisted reproduction, we are fortunate enough to have clients with mutual interests, and that are ultimately working toward the same goal. Anna has been wonderful to work with as a colleague. She's easy to communicate with, accessible, honest, professional and detailed. Through the years, I have seen the level of care and dedication that she she provides to her clients, and I would enthusiastically recommend Anna to anyone that was considering her services."
Kevin T Kellar headshot
Kevin Kellar
Family Attorney | Dec 15
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have worked with Ms. Howard on several matters and have found her to be knowledgeable and competent. She is professional in her handling of client and counsel communications. I have been pleased to work with her and would not hesitate to recommend her."
Ramin Hariri headshot
Ramin Hariri
Family Attorney | Oct 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Anna is a fantastic attorney. She is very knowledgeable in the area of family law. She is friendly, approachable and always has a smile on her face. She will give excellent feedback on legal issues and is willing to go to great lengths to put her client's minds at ease. Family law cases can be stressful and Anna brings clarity to the issues facing her clients and let's them know they are in good hands. I would recommend Anna as an excellent attorney in Family Law matters!"
Jeffrey Paul Mach Jr headshot
Jeffrey Mach
Family Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Anna is a fantastic attorney who zealously represents her clients and goes above and beyond what most people would expect. I have witnessed Anna argue cases and she is incredibly well spoken, thorough, and creative. Highly recommended."
Christine Marie Hanisco headshot
Christine Hanisco
Family Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Anna Howard is a talented and caring attorney who is passionate about working with individuals and couples who are building their families through assisted reproductive technology or adoption. Her knowledge and experience in the field is tremendous and her personality and compassion make her an even better attorney. I enjoy working with Anna and endorse her for these reasons."
Amy Yiting Hsiao headshot
Amy Hsiao
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Anna is a great attorney. She is very knowledgeable about family and estate planning. She provides excellent services to her clients. She is also super easy to work with. I highly recommend Anna!"
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Carlsbad Family Lawyer Anna Cathleen Howard
Anna Cathleen Howard
Family Attorney
Carlsbad, CA
Licensed for 11 years
Free Consultation
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