Scope of Legal Practice

J.R. Howell leads a dynamic, mission-driven legal practice at the intersection of civil liberties, cutting-edge technology, and global human rights. With a strong litigation foundation in both U.S. federal courts and international human rights systems, J.R. brings a rare combination of elite strategy, courtroom experience, and moral clarity to every case he takes.

Though based in Santa Monica, California, J.R. maintains an international practice, with bar admissions before multiple U.S. Courts of Appeals and U.S. District Courts. He also works across transnational forums including the United Nations and Organization of American States, serving clients whose needs cross borders—and whose rights demand forceful defense when domestic systems fall short.

CORE PRACTICE AREAS

Class Actions & Strategic Constitutional Litigation
Lead counsel in multi-million dollar class actions involving privacy, reproductive rights, housing, labor, and technology. J.R.’s litigation includes precedent-setting appeals, federal litigation, and policy-changing settlements.

Reproductive Freedom & IVF Litigation
Nationally recognized for his defense of women’s reproductive autonomy, including lead constitutional counsel in California’s first IVF privacy challenge under the Reproductive Privacy Act.

AI, Privacy, & Emerging Technology
A pioneer in litigation against the misuse of AI, biometric data, and unsupervised machine learning systems that generate non-consensual digital behavioral replicas. J.R. is a member of the American Bar Association’s Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

Free Speech & First Amendment
Litigates Anti-SLAPP, injunctions, and defamation disputes in high-profile, high-risk environments. He has reversed censorship efforts and defended clients’ rights to speak freely in volatile legal and media landscapes.

Housing & Civil Rights
Successful class certifications and settlements under California housing law, including suits against developers and private utilities on behalf of residential communities.

International & Human Rights Work

J.R. advocates internationally, including before the United Nations. His international legal work draws on treaties including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, American Convention on Human Rights, and American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.