Howard's Experience

From Cost Engineering, to Finance, to Law

Cost Engineering: Domestic & International Energy Projects

Back when spreadsheets were paper, Howard developed estimates, forecasts, and pricing models for billion dollar energy projects. This work took Howard to the Orient where he was the lead cost engineer in several multi-currency bid evaluations which supported successful export loan acquisitions. During his decade with a leading engineering firm, Howard analyzed projects ranging from exotic energy alternatives to mundane office leases. While with that firm, Howard added an MBA from CSU Long Beach to his engineering degree from UC Santa Barbara. Howard became actively involved in real estate and investment management.

Financial Advisor: Estate Planning, Executive Benefits & Investments

With the decline in the energy industry in the 80's, Howard took his analytical skills to a financial planning practice. Initially, he worked with professionals and small business owners in the Los Angeles area. His work involved business succession as well as investment, tax, and personal estate planning. After a few years, Howard was hired by an insurance company as a consultant to other estate planners. From his office in Sherman Oaks, Howard worked behind the scenes to develop plans that, in Hollywood speak, his people took to their people. That insurance company later transferred Howard to its home office as its variable life insurance product manager. In consultation with independent financial advisors, Howard coordinated the work of actuaries and investment managers to develop public and private financial products. Howard held a general securities (i.e. stockbroker) license as well as several insurance licenses. He remains a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Fellow of the Life Management Institute as well as a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

Financial Industry Consultant: Financial Modeling & Advisor Training

Recognizing the need for a more robust executive benefit financing model, Howard learned Visual Basic and developed software which financial advisors used to compare executive benefit funding alternatives. Because his model incorporated GAAP as well as cash flow considerations, Howard frequently addressed industry meetings on the subject of executive benefit accounting. The success of this model led to consulting and training assignments with insurance companies, independent advisors, and corporate management. Ultimately, Howard sold his technology, allowed his securities and insurance licenses to lapse, and fulfilled a long held desire to attend law school.

Lawyer: Estate Planning, Trusts, Probate & Mediation

After being named the outstanding law student at JFK University and passing the California Bar Exam on his first attempt, Howard commenced practicing law in 2007. Drawing on the estate planning work he began in 1984, the focus of Howard's legal work is estate planning and the administration of trusts and probate. Howard represents and consults parties regarding financial products and elder financial abuse.

Following training programs at JFK University, UC Berkeley, and Pepperdine University, Howard has mediated over100 commercial disputes and serves as a volunteer mediator for the courts.

Howard is a member of estate planning sections of several bar organizations, the Estate Planning Council of Diablo Valley, the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting, and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Howard serves on the boards of the Congress of Neutrals and the Estate Planning Council of Diablo Valley. He is a trustee of the Diablo Regional Arts Association and services on its financial committee.