About Howard East Business Law Firm
Big-firm skill. Boutique attention. Proven results for businesses in Illinois, Missouri, and New York.
Who We Serve
We work with businesses across:
- Illinois – Peoria/Bloomington/Springfield, Chicago Metro
- Missouri – St. Louis Metro
- New York – NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, and other major markets
Typical clients include:
- Established small-to-mid-sized companies ($5M–$50M annual revenue)
- Professional services firms
- Manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and technology businesses
- Business owners preparing for succession or exit
Our Mission
At Howard East, we provide strategic, results-driven legal counsel to established small and mid-market companies navigating critical moments — from mergers and acquisitions to complex litigation and regulatory compliance.
We believe in delivering the skill of a big law firm with the responsiveness and personal touch of a boutique practice. Our clients trust us to handle pivotal business challenges with precision, discretion, and a focus on their long-term success.
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.
Results & Reputation
Our attorneys have achieved
- Multi-million-dollar M&A deals
- Successful defense in complex litigation
- Regulatory approvals in high-compliance industries
- Favorable outcomes in agency appeals
FAQ: 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.