Baltimore, MD commercial litigation attorney James Howard talks about why he became a lawyer and the most rewarding aspect of his practice. He shares that he comes from a family of lawyers—his mother and grandfather both practiced law—which instilled in him an early familiarity with the profession. Growing up, he was surrounded by lively discussions, friendly debates, and a culture of critical thinking. His academic path, including studies in philosophy and American history, further shaped his analytical skills and deepened his interest in law. Early experiences working in law firms reinforced his sense of purpose, cultivating a passion for applying logic, rationality, and problem-solving to real-world legal challenges.

He finds the most rewarding aspect of his practice in fully engaging with a case: preparing it meticulously, keeping the client informed, and positioning it for success. His goal is often to achieve a favorable settlement that not only meets the client’s needs but also provides them with confidence and relief. While he represents both large corporate clients with in-house legal teams and smaller contractors or individual clients with limited resources, his focus remains the same—protecting their interests and, when possible, safeguarding their financial and personal futures.

Though he is fully prepared to take cases to trial when necessary, he finds particular fulfillment in negotiating settlements that resolve disputes efficiently, reduce stress for the client, and allow them to move forward without the prolonged burden of litigation.