Thomas J. Howlett

Thomas J. “Jake” Howlett represents business clients involved in complex commercial litigation and real estate matters. He leverages his experience as an attorney and a business executive with a real estate development company to analyze disputes and transactions from both a business and a legal perspective, helping him resolve issues with maximum efficiency and with minimal disruption to his clients’ operations.

His litigation experience includes representing clients ranging from mid-size businesses to major organizations with national or global footprints in a broad range of commercial disputes. He has also served as counsel to both buyers and sellers in connection with transactions involving significant commercial, industrial, and multi-tenant residential properties located throughout the United States. Mr. Howlett also serves as City Attorney for Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan.

Mr. Howlett rejoined Bodman in January 2019 after practicing with a highly regarded business law boutique in suburban Detroit and serving as President of Crown Enterprises, Inc., a nationally recognized commercial real estate company with a diverse portfolio of properties located in most U.S. states and in Canada. In addition to directing Crown’s business strategy and day to day operations, he personally managed significant legal issues, from major real estate transactions to complex litigation. He began his legal career at Bodman as a member of the Firm’s Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Group before leaving to join the Crown Enterprises leadership team.

He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan.

While in law school he served as Associate Editor of the Washington Journal of Law and Policy. He also served an internship with United States Senator Carl Levin in Washington, DC.

Honors, Awards, and Recognition

• The Best Lawyers in America® 2022-2023, Real Estate Law
• DBusiness Magazine “Top Lawyers” 2021, Municipal Law

Civic, Cultural, and Community Activities

• Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education, Member, Board of Directors

Professional Affiliations

• State Bar of Michigan
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution, Government Law, Real Property Law, and Litigation Sections 
• Macomb County Bar Association
• Macomb County Chamber of Commerce

Related News

• 08/23/202270 Bodman PLC Attorneys Listed In The Best Lawyers in America 2023
• 08/19/202168 Bodman PLC Attorneys Listed In The Best Lawyers in America 2022
• 10/30/202076 Bodman Attorneys Included in DBusiness Top Lawyers 2021
• 01/24/2020Bodman Year in Review - 2019 Edition