Barrett Howell
Founding Member
Dallas, Texas
About Barrett Howell
Barrett R. Howell is an attorney based in Dallas, Texas. He is the founding member of Howell Defense, PLLC, a law practice he launched in February 2025. His work focuses on white collar criminal defense and government investigations. He represents companies, executives, and healthcare professionals in criminal and civil fraud investigations, criminal prosecutions, and enforcement actions. He also conducts internal investigations and advises management teams on compliance issues and self-reporting decisions.
Before starting Howell Defense, Howell practiced law for nearly 25 years at large law firms. He has held partner roles at Blank Rome LLP, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Bracewell LLP, and K&L Gates. Earlier in his career, he worked as an associate at Winstead PC and Haynes and Boone, LLP. His matters have included alleged healthcare fraud tied to Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance claims, as well as securities, accounting, and financial transactions investigations. His practice has also involved issues related to bribery, kickbacks, corruption, and matters brought under laws such as the False Claims Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Howell earned a Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law (1998 to 2001), with a focus listed in securities enforcement. He earned undergraduate degrees at Emory University (1994 to 1998), including a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and a Bachelor of Arts in French. He is admitted to practice law in Texas, with admission listed as November 2001. He has received recognition including D Magazine Best Lawyers in Dallas (white collar) and Chambers rankings for white-collar crime and government investigations.
Areas of Focus
Career Background
Winstead PC
Education
Media
Press
Awards & Recognition
D Magazine Best Lawyers in Dallas (Criminal Defense: White Collar), issued by D Magazine, Jun 2023
Chambers Ranked for White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, issued by Chambers and Partners, Jan 2023
D Magazine Best Lawyers in Dallas (Criminal Defense: White Collar), issued by D Magazine, Jun 2022
Chambers Ranked for White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, issued by Chambers and Partners, Jan 2022
D Magazine Best Lawyers in Dallas (Criminal Defense: White Collar), issued by D Magazine, Jun 2020
Recognized as Top Attorneys in Texas, issued by Texas Monthly Magazine, Oct 2018
2018 Super Lawyer (Criminal Defense: White Collar), issued by Super Lawyers Magazine, Sep 2018
D Magazine Best Lawyers in Dallas, issued by D Magazine, Jun 2018
2018 Best Lawyers in Dallas, White Collar Defense, issued by D Magazine, May 2018
2017 Super Lawyer (Criminal Defense: White Collar), issued by Super Lawyers Magazine, Sep 2017
D Magazine Best Lawyers in Dallas, issued by D Magazine, Jun 2017
2017 Best Lawyers in Dallas, White Collar Defense, issued by D Magazine, May 2017
2016 Super Lawyer (Criminal Defense: White Collar), issued by Super Lawyers Magazine, Sep 2016
Super Lawyer (Criminal Defense: White Collar), May 2016
2015 Super Lawyer (Criminal Defense: White Collar), issued by Super Lawyers Magazine, Sep 2015
2014 Super Lawyer (Criminal Defense: White Collar), issued by Super Lawyers Magazine, Sep 2014
D Magazine Best Lawyers in Dallas (Criminal Defense: White Collar), issued by D Magazine, Jun 2014
2014 Best Lawyers in Dallas, White Collar Defense, issued by D Magazine, May 2014
Best Lawyers in Dallas (Securities Litigation & Enforcement), issued by D Magazine, Apr 2014
Licenses & Certifications
Admitted to practice law in Texas, Nov 2001
Boards & Memberships
Alcuin School, Board of Trustees
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Barrett Howell do?
Barrett Howell is an attorney and the founding member of Howell Defense, PLLC, a Dallas law practice he launched in February 2025. His work focuses on white collar criminal defense and government investigations, representing companies, executives, and healthcare professionals in criminal and civil fraud matters, enforcement actions, and internal investigations.
What is Barrett Howell known for?
Howell is known for his white-collar defense work, including matters involving alleged healthcare fraud, securities and accounting investigations, and issues under the False Claims Act and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He has been recognized by D Magazine as a Best Lawyer in Dallas for white collar criminal defense and ranked by Chambers for white-collar crime and government investigations.
Where is Barrett Howell based?
Barrett Howell is based in Dallas, Texas.
Where did Barrett Howell study?
Howell earned a Juris Doctor from SMU Dedman School of Law with a focus in securities enforcement, and undergraduate degrees from Emory University, including a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and a Bachelor of Arts in French.
Who does Barrett Howell work for?
Barrett Howell works for Howell Defense, PLLC, a law practice he founded, after previously holding partner roles at Blank Rome LLP, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Bracewell LLP, and K&L Gates.
Last updated February 20, 2026