Don Howarth

Don Howarth, Appellate Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Class Action, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratHowarth And Smith

Los Angeles, CA

Practicing appellate in Los Angeles since 1972.

54+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Don Howarth is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Class Action, and Litigation. Don has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Howarth And Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Los Angeles, CA
Experience
over 54 years
Known for
Appellate · Class Action · Litigation
  • Handles Appellate, Class Action, and Litigation matters from Los Angeles, CA.
  • Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Don Howarth: Don Howarth is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Class Action, and Litigation. Don has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Howarth And Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Don takes on

Don concentrates on appellate, class action, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Don handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Los Angeles, California

Don takes appellate matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Don agrees to represent you.

Class Action cases in Los Angeles, California

Don takes class action matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Don agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Los Angeles, California

Don takes litigation matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Don agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Don Howarth — appellate lawyer in Los Angeles

Don Howarth is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Class Action, and Litigation. Don has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Howarth And Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Don Howarth is a lawyer practicing trial practice, appellate practice, civil litigation and 1 other area of law. Don received a degree from Harvard Kennedy School, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in 1972, and has been licensed for 54 years. Don practices at Howarth & Smith in Los Angeles, CA.

How Don handles appellate matters

Don Howarth is a lawyer practicing trial practice, appellate practice, civil litigation and 1 other area of law. Don received a degree from Harvard Kennedy School, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in 1972, and has been licensed for 54 years. Don practices at Howarth & Smith in Los Angeles, CA.

Who Don represents

Don reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, class action, and litigation matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Harvard University

    J.D. · 1971

  • Harvard Kennedy School, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

    M.P.P. Harvard · 1972

Jurisdictions

Don's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court I

    1979 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1973 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1972 · ACTIVE

Don studied at J.D. in Harvard University and M.P.P. Harvard in Harvard Kennedy School, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

Law school and academic background

Don completed J.D. in Harvard University and M.P.P. Harvard in Harvard Kennedy School, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Don runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Don has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Don's professional memberships and bar associations

  • American College of Trial Lawyers. Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Visiting Fellow and Law Lecturer, Oxford University, England. Visiting Scholar, Cambridge University, England. Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, 1979-1985. Member, Committe

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  • Antitrust Law) Bar Associations

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  • State Bar of California

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Locations

Don Howarth's office in Los Angeles

Don's primary office is at 523 West Sixth Street, Suite 728, Los Angeles, CA, 90014. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Howarth And Smith

523 West Sixth Street, Suite 728

Los Angeles, CA 90014

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Don Howarth — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Don. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Los Angeles.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Don Howarth claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Don Howarth — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Don usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Don charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Don's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Don will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Los Angeles, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Don

Don discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Don confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Don's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Don Howarth

  • How much does it cost to hire Don for a appellate case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Don walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Don offer a free consultation?

    Don charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Don's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Don's current terms during booking.

  • How long do appellate cases in California typically take?

    Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Don gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Don take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?

    Don is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Don will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Don?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Don will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Don accepting new appellate clients right now?

    Don's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California

Don handles appellate matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Don's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.