Howard S. Black, Trusts Attorney in the United States
Over 41 years of legal practice
Practicing trusts since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Howard S. Black is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Trusts. Howard has over 41 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Toronto, ONTARIO
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Trusts
- Handles Trusts matters from Toronto, ONTARIO.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026).
About Howard S. Black: Howard S. Black is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Trusts. Howard has over 41 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Howard S. Black
Howard concentrates on trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Howard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Trusts cases nationwide
Howard takes trusts matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Howard agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Howard S. Black — Over 41 years of the U.S. trusts experience
Howard S. Black is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Trusts. Howard has over 41 years of legal experience.
Howard’s practice focuses on estate litigation, in-person and online mediation and arbitration of estates disputes, and all aspects of estate planning and administration. In addition to a busy estate litigation and mediation practice, Howard advises on wills and powers of attorney to middle and high net-worth individuals.
Howard is passionate about the law. He has been Adjunct Professor of the Estates and Estate Litigation courses at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto since 1992, and has won two teaching awards. Howard is a past chair of the Trusts & Estates Section of the Ontario Bar Association. He is a regular speaker and contributor to legal education programs sponsored by the Law Society of Ontario, the Ontario Bar Association, as well as other organizations. Howard has published four editions of Wills and Estates: Cases, Text, and Materials. Howard is also ranked by his peers as a “Consistently Recommended” lawyer in the The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and is recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada.
Clients appreciate Howard’s ability to explain complex issues and mediate tense and stressful situations. Clients have stated he exhibits integrity, sincerity, wisdom, and ‘out of the box’ smarts in a manner that all lawyers should emulate.
Howard's approach to trusts cases
Howard’s practice focuses on estate litigation, in-person and online mediation and arbitration of estates disputes, and all aspects of estate planning and administration. In addition to a busy estate litigation and mediation practice, Howard advises on wills and powers of attorney to middle and high net-worth individuals. Howard is passionate about the law. He has been Adjunct Professor of the…
The kind of cases Howard takes
Howard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for trusts matters in the United States.
Credentials
Howard S. Black's legal education and bar admissions
Osgoode Hall Law School
LLM · 2001
Osgoode Hall Law School
LLB · 1983
University of Toronto
— · 1980
Jurisdictions
Howard's state bar admissions
Ontario
1985 · ACTIVE
Howard studied at LLM in Osgoode Hall Law School, LLB in Osgoode Hall Law School, and — in University of Toronto.
Law school and academic background
Howard completed LLM in Osgoode Hall Law School, LLB in Osgoode Hall Law School, and — in University of Toronto. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Howard runs in the state is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Howard S. Black
Howard has received 5 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Past Chair of Trusts & Estates Section of the Ontario Bar Association
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Osgoode Hall Law School - Legal and Literary Society Teaching Excellence Award
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Osgoode Hall Law School - Teaching Award in recognition of teaching excellence
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Past Chair of Trusts & Estates Section of the Ontario Bar Association (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Osgoode Hall Law School - Legal and Literary Society Teaching Excellence Award (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Osgoode Hall Law School - Teaching Award in recognition of teaching excellence (2026).
Locations
Howard S. Black's office in Toronto
Howard's primary office is at 40 King Street West, Suite 6600, Toronto, Ontario. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Howard S. Black
Howard has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Howard S. Black — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new trusts attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Howard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Howard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Howard'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; Howard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a trusts attorney in your state
A short list to run through before you commit: How many trusts 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 Howard
Howard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in trusts practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every trusts 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. Howard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Howard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many trusts practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Howard S. Black
How much does it cost to hire Howard for a trusts case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Howard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Howard offer a free consultation?
Howard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Howard's office. Some trusts attorneys offer free consults — check Howard's current terms during booking.
How long do trusts cases in this state typically take?
Simple trusts 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. Howard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Howard take my case if I'm outside the area?
Howard evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Howard's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Howard?
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. Howard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Howard accepting new trusts clients right now?
Howard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.