Patrick Michael Howe

I have been a civil litigation lawyer for 24 years. I am "AV" rated by Martindale & Hubbell, which means I have received the highest peer rating available in the legal industry.

I opened my own law office in 2009, after spending 18 years practicing with two large regional and national law firms in San Diego and San Francisco. I wanted to have the freedom and flexibility to practice the law in the areas I choose and to give my clients the individualized attention and customer service that is so often missing in larger law firm organizations.

In my 24 years as a civil litigation lawyer, I have represented businesses and individuals in all types of cases, both at the trial court and appellate court levels. I believe that a civil litigator who is persuasive, smart, and knows how to handle himself in court can effectively represent a client in almost any type of civil case. Often, my most enjoyable and challenging experience is to represent a client in an entirely new industry, under a different set of issues and facts and governing law.

I also know that many clients regularly face litigation problems within a particular industry and want a lawyer who is well-versed in the facts and law that face that industry. I have specialized expertise in the following areas of law:

Insurance Bad Faith Litigation

All personal and commercial lines, including insurance claims involving commercial property and liability risks (primary and excess), automobiles, homeowners, garage facilities, life and disability policies, professional liability/E&O risks, employment practices, and insurance fraud/misrepresentation investigations.

Insurance Coverage

Pre-lawsuit coverage analysis and investigation involving the same personal and commercial insurance policies and claims.

Insurance Coverage Litigation

Declaratory relief, breach of contract and inter-insurance carrier indemnity/contribution lawsuits involving the same personal and commercial insurance policies and claims.

Personal Injury

Injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents and from slips and falls, defective products, dog bites, and exposure to dangerous elements.

General Business Litigation

Breach of contract, business practices, property disputes, malicious prosecution, defamation and enforcement of judgment matters.

Abusive Debt Collection

Litigation against debt collectors for violation of federal and state laws governing the fair collection of consumer debt.