Overview
Howard M. Cooper brings nearly four decades of experience litigating complex civil and criminal disputes as well as significant civil rights and First Amendment cases for clients across New England and around the country. His record of success in obtaining favorable results in the courtroom and in alternative dispute resolution forums has earned him the reputation as a “go to” attorney for high-stakes, high-profile matters. A tireless advocate for his clients, he prides himself on providing hands-on attention to every matter and on being relentlessly responsive and thoroughly prepared.
Since forming Todd & Weld in 1992, Howard has represented a diverse cross-section of businesses, organizations and individuals ranging from health care, religious, retail, education and tribal entities to judges, politicians, physicians, executives, and public figures. He regularly represents plaintiffs and defendants in federal and state trial and appeal courts, in arbitration proceedings and before licensure boards. His approach, which combines practicality, creativity and integrity, always begins with preparing every case for the potential of trial.
Drawing from his deep experience in civil litigation and criminal defense, Howard effectively advises clients when cases involve the interplay of criminal prosecution and civil liability — a situation that occurs frequently. By taking a 360-degree view of these matters, he helps clients understand their potential risks and claims.
Many of Howard’s wins, which include obtaining multimillion-dollar jury verdicts for his clients and establishing new legal precedents, have attracted widespread regional and national attention. Most recently, as lead trial counsel he secured a $16.4 million state Superior Court jury verdict following a 15-day trial on behalf of a major health care provider in a business dispute against a medical practice. The verdict is one of the largest in Massachusetts in 2022. His successful defense of a doctor in an eight-week trial in federal court prompted an editorial in The Wall Street Journal decrying governmental overreach in using vague federal drug laws to prosecute physicians. Howard also prevailed for a prominent Massachusetts judge in a landmark public figure defamation case that underscored the independence of the judiciary.
As head of Todd & Weld’s pro bono program, Howard has advanced the firm’s long-standing commitment to helping those in need obtain top-flight representation. Sought-after for insights and commentary on timely legal issues, Howard is frequently quoted in articles appearing in legal journals, business publications and general interest media. He has been recognized for excellence by Best Lawyers in America, Benchmark Litigation and Super Lawyers and holds Martindale-Hubbell’s AV-Preeminent ranking.