Howard East Corporate Attorneys
Protect Your Company. Win Bigger Deals. Sleep Better Knowing Our Corporate Lawyers Have Your Back.
Welcome to Howard East Law Firm, where expert legal guidance aligns seamlessly with robust business acumen. We deliver advanced B2B legal solutions for established small and mid-market firms (typically generating $5–$50 million in revenue) looking for decisive strategies during critical moments. Whether you’re sealing a significant deal or confronting a challenging lawsuit, our dedicated team is here to safeguard your interests and elevate your business to new heights.
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Navigating Corporate Law with Howard East Law Firm — Trusted Legal Advisors for Midwest Businesses
Howard East Law Firm is where serious businesses turn when results matter. Serving Illinois, Missouri, and New York, our seasoned corporate attorneys don’t just know the law—they know business. Every move we make is built to protect your company, your contracts, and your bottom line.
From mergers and acquisitions to complex contract negotiations, we help you stay one step ahead of competitors and regulators alike. Our team has guided startups through their first corporate filings and Fortune 500s through high-stakes transactions—always with the same goal: minimize risk, maximize growth.
Howard East Law Firm is your advantage in the boardroom and the courtroom. We speak the language of business, anticipate challenges before they appear, and deliver solutions that build lasting value.
Meet Our Howard EAST Attorneys
Our Core Practice Areas
- Mergers & Acquisitions – Buy-side, sell-side, and succession planning.
- Commercial Litigation – High-stakes dispute resolution.
- Regulatory Compliance – Federal, state, and industry-specific requirements.
- Administrative Review & Appeals – Challenging adverse agency actions.
- Shareholder Disputes & Fraud Litigation – Protecting ownership rights and investments.
Thomas Howard
Attorney - Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin
Our Values
- Integrity: We put your interests first, always.
- Excellence: We deliver top-tier legal work without compromise.
- Accessibility: We are responsive and clear in communication.
- Partnership: We see ourselves as part of your business team.
Our Approach
Strategic. Responsive. Results-Oriented.
We start by understanding your business goals, then develop a legal strategy that aligns with your operational priorities. Every case is prepared as if it will go to trial — but we also seek practical, efficient solutions that protect your time, money, and reputation.
Our Howard East Law Firm Attorney's Recognition
Our founding attorney, Tom Howard, has been recognized by both Leading Lawyers & Super Lawyers, quoted in the Wall Street Journal & Top 200 Lawyer. He is a member of the NORML Legal Committee & a Certified Ganjier.
Contact Experienced Lawyers Now
FAQ:Frequently Asked Questions for a Business Lawyer
1. What does a mergers & acquisitions attorney actually do for business owners?
We’re not paper-pushers. A seasoned M&A lawyer protects your money, your leverage, and your future. We run due diligence to uncover hidden liabilities, negotiate terms that shift risk off your plate, and structure deals that maximize your after-tax payout. Buyers and sellers who “wing it” without this guidance often leave millions on the table.
2. How can your firm help me sell my business for maximum value?
Most owners think their business is worth X. Buyers will tell you it’s worth Y (and it’s always less). Our job is to bridge that gap in your favor. We prep your company’s financials, contracts, and compliance so you look bulletproof. Then we position the sale, negotiate earn-outs and indemnities, and fight for terms that protect your retirement—not the buyer’s balance sheet.
3. What industries do you represent in M&A transactions?
If it’s a business with contracts, employees, or intellectual property, we’ve likely handled it. Technology, manufacturing, professional services, food & beverage, logistics—you name it. The common thread is complexity. We thrive on deals where there’s money to be made… and risks that only sharp legal counsel can manage.
4. How long does it usually take to close a business sale or acquisition?
Plan on months, not weeks. A mid-market deal can run 3–9 months depending on due diligence, regulatory approvals, and financing. But here’s the secret: delays cost money. With us running the process, you’ll avoid the traps that stall deals and keep momentum on your side.
5. Can you also represent me if a deal turns into a lawsuit?
Absolutely. Unlike “transaction-only” firms, we also litigate. If a buyer refuses to pay, a seller hides liabilities, or a partner breaches a non-compete, we don’t just hand you off—we go to court and fight. That combination of dealmaking and litigation experience means our contracts are battle-tested before they’re ever signed.