Summary

From start-up through exit, Howard is a trusted advisor to private equity funds, private equity-backed companies, venture capital funds and emerging growth companies. He leverages his vast experience with private equity transactions, early and growth-stage transactions to help position numerous clients for success. Howard’s practice is primarily devoted to mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital.

As chair of the firm’s Venture Capital and Emerging Companies practice, Howard counsels private equity and venture capital firms, other institutional investors and angel investors on all aspects of acquisitions, dispositions, capital formation and private placements. He regularly represents and advises funds on their organization and formation, the fundraising process, governance matters, investments and compliance with pertinent regulations, such as the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

Howard also serves on the board of the Ohio Venture Association, Gross Schechter Day School and MedWorks. Howard was also a member of Taft’s Executive Committee in 2020 and 2021.

Howard received his undergraduate degree from Miami University and earned his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

Awards

  • Honoree, Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers®, Venture Capital Law, Cleveland

    (2013, 2017, 2020, 2024)

  • Honoree, Best Lawyers in America® (2007 – present)

  • Honoree, Ohio Super Lawyers, Business/Corporate

    (2013 – present)

  • Leading Lawyer Honoree, Inside Business magazine (2010)

  • Honoree, Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2005 – 2006, 2009)

All Service Areas

Education

  • Case Western Reserve University School of Law (1996)
  • Miami University (1992)

Admissions

  • Federal - Northern District of Ohio
  • State - Ohio

Professional Affiliations

  • Ohio Venture Association

    Member, Board of Trustees

  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

    Member

Community Involvement

  • MedWorks

    Member, Board of Directors