Richard Keith Howell, Business Attorney in Costa Mesa, California
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Construction, and IP · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratRutan Tucker Llp
Costa Mesa, CA
Practicing business in Costa Mesa since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Richard Keith Howell?
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Quick answer
Richard Keith Howell is a partner based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and IP. Richard has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rutan Tucker Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Costa Mesa, CA
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Business · Construction · IP
- Handles Business, Construction, and IP matters from Costa Mesa, CA.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Richard Keith Howell: Richard Keith Howell is a partner based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and IP. Richard has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rutan Tucker Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Richard Keith Howell
Richard concentrates on business, construction, ip, litigation, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Construction
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IP
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Litigation
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Trusts
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Employment
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Business cases in Costa Mesa, California
Richard takes business matters in Costa Mesa, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Construction cases in Costa Mesa, California
Richard takes construction matters in Costa Mesa, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Costa Mesa, California
Richard takes ip matters in Costa Mesa, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Costa Mesa, California
Richard takes litigation matters in Costa Mesa, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Costa Mesa, California
Richard takes trusts matters in Costa Mesa, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Richard Keith Howell — Over 37 years of California business experience
Richard Keith Howell is a partner based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and IP. Richard has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rutan Tucker Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Richard Keith Howell is a lawyer practicing general business practice, all civil trial business litigation, business litigation and 5 other areas of law. Richard received a B.A. degree from University of California, Santa Barbara in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years. Richard practices at Rutan & Tucker, LLP in Costa Mesa, CA.
Richard's approach to business cases
Richard Keith Howell is a lawyer practicing general business practice, all civil trial business litigation, business litigation and 5 other areas of law. Richard received a B.A. degree from University of California, Santa Barbara in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years. Richard practices at Rutan & Tucker, LLP in Costa Mesa, CA.
Clients Richard works with
Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, construction, and ip matters in Costa Mesa and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Richard Keith Howell's legal education and bar admissions
University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall, School of Law
J.D. · 1989
University of California, Santa Barbara
B.A. · 1986
Jurisdictions
Richard's state bar admissions
California
1989 · ACTIVE
Richard studied at J.D. in University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall, School of Law and B.A. in University of California, Santa Barbara.
Law school and academic background
Richard completed J.D. in University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall, School of Law and B.A. in University of California, Santa Barbara. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Richard Keith Howell
Richard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Locations
Richard Keith Howell's office in Costa Mesa
Richard's primary office is at 611 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1400, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626-1931. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Rutan Tucker Llp
611 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1400
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1931
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Richard Keith Howell — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Richard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Costa Mesa.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Richard Keith Howell claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Richard Keith Howell — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard'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; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Costa Mesa, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Richard
Richard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Richard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Richard Keith Howell
How much does it cost to hire Richard for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Richard's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business 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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Costa Mesa?
Richard 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 — Richard 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 Richard?
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. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new business clients right now?
Richard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Costa Mesa, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Richard handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- Costa Mesa1,835 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
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