Howard works closely with clients to understand their values and provide customized strategies that optimize asset protection while facilitating effective wealth transition to ensure their vision for future generations. He advises clients on asset protection planning, establishing charitable foundations, creating conservator and guardianships as needed, and planning for potential disability using trusts or other vehicles.
When working with business owners on a succession plan, Howard prepares business buy-sell agreements and cross-purchase trusts, as well as other types of arrangements for owners of closely held companies. Notably, his experience includes working with foreign trusts and frequently provides access to his network in the international banking community to realize client goals.
Leveraging sophisticated experience in tax law, Howard deciphers complex issues and structures and communicates in a way that anyone can understand. In addition, Howard’s genuine concern for – and sensitivity to – the emotional elements involved in estate and wealth planning allow him to deliver not only thoughtful, comprehensive legal counsel, but also to develop long-lasting relationships. In fact, many of Howard’s clients span decades, an indication of his total dedication and commitment to making their ambitions a reality.
Experience
- Created a complex foreign trust that leverages a network of international fiduciaries. The trust provides protection against future creditors who may attempt to pierce the trust to access assets, provides both asset and currency diversification as assets within the trust are invested to diversify across asset class and currency type, and provides tax protection as death of the decedent triggers substantive potential tax protection on the accumulation and growth of assets post-death of the decedent.
- Created a dynasty trust plan that utilized a promissory note and charitable planning to zero out the potential $200 million estate tax liability associated with the transfer of ownership of a closely-held business.
Credentials
Education
- Boston University, LL.M., 1982
- California Western School of Law, J.D., 1980
- University of Minnesota, B.S.B., 1977
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
- U.S. Tax Court

