Howard is a Shareholder in the firm’s Litigation Group, and heads the Health Care Litigation Team. His practice emphasizes the defense of medical negligence cases as well as drug and medical devise litigation and professional liability matters.
Since beginning practice in 1979, he has handled the defense of hundreds of medical negligence matters, all over Florida, representing physicians, hospitals, allied health personnel, and insurers at both the trial and appellate levels. His experience includes the defense of virtually any type of case that involves medical or scientific issues.
Howard is the President of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates for 2010, and has served on its executive committee for several years. He is also on the executive committee for FLABOTA and is affiliated with the Defense Research Institute, Florida Defense Lawyers Association and the Florida Association of Hospital Attorneys. He has chaired both a Florida Bar grievance committee and the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Thirteen Circuit of Florida, and has experience as an analyst and staffer for the Florida Legislature. He is a certified circuit mediator and is a member of the Florida Academy of Professional Mediators.
Howard and his wife, Sharon, a practicing veterinarian, have five children, ages 15 through 28. He is an Eagle Scout, and has served as a Cub Scout Packmaster, Scout Troop Committee Chair, Philmont Crew Guide and Chair of Timucua District, Gulf Ridge Council, B.S.A. He continues to serve in the Timucua District Committee and the Gulf Ridge Council Board of Directors. He has served on the Board of Florida State University Seminole Boosters and the Florida State University Alumni Association.
In his leisure time, Howard is an avid but underutilized scuba diver, shot gunner, hunter and golfer. His career as an underrated youth football coach ended several years ago.