Big Brother is Watching Your Facebook Page

Online social networking has taken off in recent years.  As more and more people establish Facebook accounts, society learns more about the advantages and disadvantages of online social networking.  In New Jersey, the Division of Youth and Family Services has taken to monitoring Facebook pages.  If you are involved with DYFS, what you say on Facebook can and will be used against you.

Kathy Howes, Somerset County Outstanding Woman in the Law 2011

On March 25, 2011, the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women will recognize Howes & Howes founder Kathy Howes as Somerset County’s Outstanding Woman in the Law for 2011.  During her two decades in private practice in Somerset County, Kathy has given back in many ways to the county that has been so good to her.  She has been an outstanding attorney and outstanding volunteer.  Congratulations to Kathy Howes.

Sayreville GOP Declares Victory in the Courtroom

The Sayreville Republican Municipal Committee is an energetic group that has had success in a county dominated by the Democrats.  When they needed legal assistance to replace a candidate on the ballot one month before the election, they contacted Howes & Howes.  Within a week, the Sayreville GOP declared victory in the courtroom.

Reflections on 25 Years in the Law (Part Three)

My first job after law school was in the Union County Prosecutor’s Office in Elizabeth NJ.  It was a great job.  I was on my feet in court before the end of my first week on the job.  I started prosecuting juvenile crimes in the juvenile section after six months.  Not long after that I was handling jury trials on the adult trial team.  I gained a lot of trial experience as well as experience working with the local media.  One of the cases that I remember as a little different was a robbery of a suburban grocery store by an ex-convict.  He insisted that he was shoplifting, but we proved that he was committing a robbery. (Union County Courthouse pictured below.)

Reflections on 25 Years in the Law (Part Two)

Howes & Howes offers families and small businesses top-notch trial practice.  Our ability to try cases goes back to law school.  My earliest participation in a substantial trial was in the matter of State vs. G.G. in Tangipahoa Parish Louisiana in the mid-1980s.  I was one of several law students who assisted a law professor in defending G.G. against the charge that he murdered an on-duty Sheriff’s Officer.  State v. G.G. matter introduced me to the nitty-gritty of trial practice. Photo:  Historic Tangipahoa Parish Courthouse

Howes & Howes Files Major Constitutional Litigation Against Bayonne Mayor

Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith holds two public offices in the CIty of Bayonne.  He simultaneously holds the office of Mayor and the subordinate office of Deputy Police Chief.  New Jersey law has long prohibited this sort of dual office holding.  Despite recent public outcry for Mr. Smith to choose between these two offices, he has refused to do so.  The City of Bayonne has taken no action, so 31st District Assemblyman Anthony Chiappone (pictured below) has filed suit in Hudson County Superior Court.

Read this Article Before You Drink and Drive

Most New Jersey motorists know the basics about drinking and driving.  That is, most people know that if you are convicted of drunk driving or refusal, that you will pay a fine, lose your driving privilege as well as pay surcharges and greatly increased auto insurance premiums.  In some instances, however, New Jersey law sanctions a drunk driver as a felon or a child abuser.  Please read this article before you drink and drive.

Howes & Howes Partner Set to Serve on Peapack-Gladstone Borough Council

At Howes & Howes, we believe in giving back to the community that has supported us so well.  Last year, Howes & Howes partner Kathy Howes ran in a contested election for a seat on the Peapack-Gladstone Borough Council, an election that she won.  On Tuesday, January 5, 2010, Kathy will be sworn-in as the Twin Borough’s newest Borough Council member.

Howes & Howes Partner Named to Christie Transition Team

At Howes & Howes, we believe in giving back to the community that has supported us so well over the past seventeen years.  By giving service we are giving thanks.  At the same time, we are gaining insight and experience that will help up better serve you.  This week, I was honored as I was chosen to serve as a member of the Transition Team for New Jersey Governor-elect Chris Christie. The photo depicts the Gold Dome of the New Jersey State Capitol.

Reflections on 25 Years in the Law (Part One)

I have been preparing to handle your legal matter for twenty-five years.  Knowing the law and knowing how to find the law is only one part of the lawyer’s stock in trade.  The law must be tempered by experience.  From my work in a law firm while still in college to my time as a prosecutor to my years in private practice, I have accumulated different experiences and insights that help my clients.  At decade’s end, we are taking stock of the successes - and disappointments - that have brought our firm to the new decade. (The photo depicts the Point-a-la-Hache ferry across the Mississippi River in Louisiana’s Plaquemines Parish.)

Collaborative Law and Divorce

In a collaborative law case, husbands and wives are assistd by trained attorneys to reach a settlement with minimal animosity.  A structured and controlled setting encourages trust and objectivity in negotiating an agreement.  The process requires the parties to agree to settle at the outset.  The collaborative divorce permits the parties and the children move forward in an environment that protects their emotional wellness. 

Howes & Howes to Defend Assemblyman Chiappone

Assemblyman Anthony Chiappone represents New Jersey’s 31st Legislative District.  He is a first rate public servant who has fought for fiscal accountability and teen driver safety, and against costly P.S.L.s.  Tony’s political opponents have recycled some old allegations against Tony.  Has now been indicted by a state grand jury.  Assemblyman Chiappone has done nothing wrong.  He has asked Howes & Howes to defend him against these allegations.  On this website, we will provide regular updates on the status of this very important case.