Howard had extensive experience in representing employers and group insurers in employee benefit disputes governed by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). He was chairman of the Barnes & Thornburg ERISA Litigation Practice Group and had chaired the law firm's Construction Practice Group. He also represented manufacturers in commercial disputes involving dealership contracts, dealership terminations, franchises, leases, and matters involving the purchase or sale of goods.

Howard litigated throughout the United States, in both state and federal courts. Aside from his substantial trial practice, he was a proponent of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and emphasizes pre-claim attention to such matters as liability insurance review, review of form contract language, and implementation or review of client document retention policies.

Howard attended Indiana University-Bloomington, where he graduated with highest distinction in accounting. He graduated cum laude from Indiana University School of Law in 1983. He joined Barnes & Thornburg in 1983 and became a partner in 1991.