JD Howard: I Am Barnes & Thornburg

I AM...

• Brand new to the firm. I started on September 22, 2025. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share a little bit about who I am, where I’m from, and—most importantly—recognize a few of the people who have helped me along the way.
• Married to an amazing woman. Prior to becoming the MVP of our family, Cameron Ellis was a menace on tennis courts across the country. She went undefeated throughout her high school career (which included not losing a single set for two years and winning four consecutive state championships). Cameron then went on to play tennis at the University of Georgia and is still in the top five for most combined singles/doubles wins. These days, when she isn’t travelling the globe for work, she gets her kicks out of dominating the family ping pong games that break out every Christmas.
• The proud father of a two-year-old. It’s a long story, but Hunter Howard narrowly avoided being birthed in a truck back in September of 2023. He is currently a huge fan of fire trucks and school buses.
• The son of Bridget and Steve Howard. My mom was a librarian at several elementary and primary schools in Houston County, and my dad was the building inspector in Perry for 31 years. They mostly go by “Honey” and “Grumpy” these days, thanks to Hunter.
• Lucky to still have one grandparent alive! “Papa Jim” is a Korean war veteran, a native Hoosier, and former brewer of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. He and Hunter were born 93 years and one day apart (which he still will not let Cameron live down).
• Originally from the thriving metropolis of Perry, Georgia (population ~20,000 as of the 2020 census). Perry celebrated its 200th birthday in 2024 and has played host to the Georgia National Fair every year since 1990 (Hunter and I just got back from his second trip to the fair).
• A washed-up college baseball player. I went to Tusculum College (now Tusculum University) in Greeneville, Tennessee for undergrad and played baseball there for four years. After graduating from Tusculum, I spent a year working odd jobs to save up money for law school. Eventually, I made it to the University of Georgia School of Law (Go Dawgs!), where I wound up being the president of our graduating class.
• A huge Atlanta Braves fan. I went to Game 4 of the 2021 World Series with Cameron and my dad, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Cameron got a commemorative brick at Truist Park (after the Braves ultimately won the World Series) and I visit it before every game that we go to.
• A huge fan of Skipper Johns fried chicken. If you’re ever driving down I-75 and find yourself in need of sustenance or a break from the road, definitely stop to check this place out.
• Always looking for an opportunity to go fly fishing, especially for bonefish, tarpon or permit 

This profile appeared in the November 2025 edition of I Am Barnes & Thornburg.

View the full publication.