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John R. Howell
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John R. Howell
John R. Howell Attorney at Law
301 East Colorado Blvd
Suite 320
Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (626) 796-3004 | Fax: (626) 796-0118
No stone left unturned when drafting your contracts
Legal Topic
Real Estate
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with clients with real estate and business opportunities and transactions who recognize the value of working with an attorney to realize expectations.
Sub-Categories
Commercial Real Estate
- Architectural & Engineering
- Building Codes
- Buying & Selling
- Condominiums & Cooperatives
- Construction Contracts
- Construction Financing
- Conveyancing
- Homeowners' Associations
- Land Contracts
- Land Use & Zoning
- Mortgages
- Property Taxes
- Real Estate Loans
- Renting & Leasing
- Title Insurance
- Architectural & Engineering
- Building Codes
- Buying & Selling
- Condominiums & Cooperatives
- Construction Contracts
- Construction Financing
- Conveyancing
- Homeowners' Associations
- Land Contracts
- Land Use & Zoning
- Mortgages
- Property Taxes
- Real Estate Loans
- Renting & Leasing
- Title Insurance
Legal Topic
Business Law
Preferred New Clients
People who understand the value of an attorney in preparing accurate and thorough documents for purchases, sales, leases and other transactions.
Sub-Categories
Banking & Finance
- Commercial Banks & Loans
- Commercial Leasing
- Mortgages & Foreclosures
- Business Successions
- Buying & Selling
- Closely Held Businesses
- Corporations
- Joint Ventures
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures
- Nonprofits & Tax-Exempt Corporations
- Partnerships
- Professional Corporations
- Contract Drafting & Review
- Employment Contracts
- Non-Compete Contracts
- Secured Transactions
- Commercial Construction Contracts
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1975
Bar Number: 66248
Specialty Certifications
There are no certifications offered for real estate or business.
Other Court Admissions
Supreme Court of California
Association Memberships
Pasadena Bar
Continuing Education
Aside from meeting all required State Bar requirements, as a licensed real estate broker I meet all of the continuing education requirements of the Department of Real Estate.
Example Cases
Simple residential transaction: Documented the sale of a home by my client to a purchaser without a broker using standard C.A.R. forms. "Value added" commercial transaction: Represented a widow owning a neglected inherited asset resulting in collection of 8 years' back rent in connection with approval of the sale of the existing subtenant's restaurant business to a new tenant who is paying 45% higher rent with a new lease. Complicated commercial transaction: Sale of a facility (real estate with going business) with carryback subordinate financing, subsequent restructuring of financing involving 11 entities utilizing substituted real and personal property collateral, stock pledges, guaranties. Gratifying transactions: Fourteen completed purchases of land for conservation purposes in a sensitive geographic area.
Contract: Drafted an agreement between a client and a professional sports team to facilitate telemarketing ticket sales programs that the client subsequently used with many other professional franchises.
Start-up: Created LLC for graduate physics students and their university; advised and drafted agreements to secure patent and licensing rights from the university and from a company the clients had earlier formed and sold; drafted user agreement for the software they created.
Education
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Occidental College
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1971
Focus and Accomplishments:
Major: Political science
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Loyola Law School
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1975
Honors:
Dean's List: 1972-1973, 1974-1975
Focus and Accomplishments:
McGeorge School of Law, Summer Session, 1974, comparative law - Vienna, Austria
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I started my firm in 1983 and specialize in transactional real estate and business law, with extensive experience negotiating and drafting agreements. I represent real estate owners and operators, lessors and lessees, start-ups and existing businesses, investors, homeowners' associations and non-profits. I handle a broad range of contractual matters, such as purchases and sales of real estate and businesses, leases, loans, finance (both conventional and HUD-insured), formation of business entities, options, tenancy-in-common agreements, easements, license agreements, employment agreements and most other types of agreements.
I also engage in dispute resolution for clients who desire my services, knowing that I do not litigate but refer as required.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to forming my firm in 1983, I worked with a downtown Los Angeles law firm for five years. Before that, I was a law clerk to a federal judge (United States District Court, Central District of California) for 1½ years after graduating from law school.
Activities and Awards
It has been particularly helpful to my practice to have been a real estate investor, owner and operator. I am a member of closely held limited liability companies that own an historic retail and office building and apartment buildings with other 40 tenants. I draft the leases, handle refinancings and play an active role in managing the properties.
I have been a licensed real estate broker for nearly the entire time I have been in private practice, although my professional focus is on law, not brokering.
I have served as President of a non-profit that oversaw the conversion of a historic 150-room YMCA building to very low-income, single-room occupancy apartments, and on the boards of Pasadena Heritage (historic preservation) and Union Station (homeless shelter). I am active in the Pasadena Rotary Club, and currently serve on its board of directors.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It can be valuable. A client can better direct his or her attorney when he or she already has an understanding of the legal issues involved.
Nolo's How to Buy a House in California may provide ideas in how best to use the services of an attorney in real estate matters.
The Nolo article "Should I Hire a Real Estate Agent or Lawyer to Buy a House?" may also prove useful.
Potential business clients may find the Nolo article "Buying or Selling a Business" helpful in understanding relevant legal issues.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
It can be helpful for the client to provide completed standardized forms, like those customarily used in residential transactions (C.A.R.), if prepared or reviewed by the client. That will at least narrow the scope of information to be gathered and decisions to be made, and perhaps be useable with appropriate editing. While I am willing to review other client-prepared documents, it is often more cost-effective for me to generate the documents from scratch. It can be helpful, however, for the client to provide a written list of deal points or concerns.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am willing to coach a client when I believe it will be effective and in the client's best interest, depending on the nature of the matter, the client's skill set, the amount at stake, and economies. Small claims matters are often suitable for such direction. Otherwise, it is generally more efficient to handle the matter directly.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I enjoy helping people accomplish their goals, and wanted to provide a valuable service where the client's interest comes first. The legal profession seemed a good fit.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Working with a downtown Los Angeles law firm in business and real estate transactional law for five years provided invaluable training and experience. I was fortunate to have a great mentor at that firm. Prior to that, clerking for a Federal judge gave insight into the legal system and developed skills outside of law school. In my own practice, I have represented nationally known clients for nearly the entire period of my practice, which has honed my skill set. My practice, however, is locally focused on individuals and small businesses, and I feel that all of this experience translates into efficient, thorough and competent representation for my clients.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I enjoy business and have a strong interest in real estate. I wanted to work in a positive setting. Transactional work succeeds only if all sides are reasonably satisfied upon completion.
What do you like best about your career?
I like helping clients accomplish their goals thoroughly and efficiently.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner. My secretary/bookkeeper has been working with me for about 8 years. I have established relationships with accomplished attorneys with whom I consult and to whom I refer matters outside of my areas of practice.
What are your strengths and style?
Integrity, attention to detail, excellent drafting skills, an inclination to look for opportunities to "add value" to a transaction, and a focus on results.
I want to get to know the client to learn quickly what I can do to help, set the course, and then complete the work in a timely fashion. I enjoy people and like to do my part to make the experience a pleasant one.
Personal Interests:
I am passionate about the environment and involved in the community. I like being active out of doors. I cycle regularly, enjoy working in the yard, and love to backpack in the High Sierra. But I enjoy my family the most.
Office Manager/Assistant
None
Fax
(626) 796-0118
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Business services: $1,250 plus costs for incorporations.
Hourly Rates
$300 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
I generally offer a brief initial consultation to allow the client to determine whether to retain my services.
Typical Retainer
$1,000.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
