Attorney Spotlight: Phaedra Howard

In what area of law do you practice and why did you choose this?

I practice in the area of real estate law, with an emphasis on community association law. Like most community association lawyers, I did not specifically set out to practice in this area of law and instead fell into it when looking for a job as a young associate, but am happy I did.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings.

When did you decide you wanted to be a lawyer?

In 8th grade, after I realized that the dream to become a linebacker was not going to happen for various reasons, I decided that I would make an excellent Supreme Court Justice. Going to law school and becoming a lawyer were necessary steps to realizing this goal.

What do you like best about practicing law at H&J?

I love the collegial environment at H&J and the fact that if I don’t know the answer to a question, someone here will. It is great to be able to bounce ideas off each other and to work together for the best outcome for our clients.

What is an item on your bucket list?

I want to do a lot more traveling before I die. Places that are high on my list to visit include Peru (specifically the Incan ruins in Cuzco and Machu Picchu), the Galapagos Islands, Greece, Morocco, and Liberia (where my husband is from and where we own land that I have never seen).

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Favorite places that I have been so far include Fiji, Italy and Botswana.

When you are not working, what would people find you doing?

Camping with my family, walking the dog, working in my garden or enjoying a glass of wine on the deck.

Who is your hero?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Not only did she make it to the Supreme Court, but she had a good head on her shoulders and the tenacity to continue fighting for what is right up until the day she died.

What is a recent good book you read?

Who has time to read these days?

What might people be surprised to know about you?

Probably the linebacker thing. I was a huge tomboy growing up.