Howard Pikel

Overview

Howard Pikel concentrates his practice in medical malpractice defense with a background in defending case individuals and businesses in cases involving wrongful death, catastrophic injury, toxic tort, premises and product liability, construction liability, fires and explosions and auto/trucking liability. He has resolved cases through dismissal, jury trials, mediation and settlement with significant savings to clients.

Prior to private practice, Howard served for fourteen years as an Assistant States Attorney for Cook County, Illinois, where he was the supervisor for the Narcotics Felony Trial Unit, and a member of the Juvenile and Felony Trial Divisions.

Professional Leadership

Howard is a member of the Missouri Bar Association, as well as the Illinois Association of Defense Counsel.

Community Leadership

Howard previously served as a coach, vice-president, member of the Board of Directors of the Orland Park Soccer Club.

Honors & Recognitions

Howard is Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rated, indicating the highest ranking in legal ability and ethical standards as determined by peers in the legal community.

More information on awards and rankings can be found here.

Education

Howard earned his J.D. from The John Marshall Law School, now known as the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, in 1981 after completing his Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Administration B.A. in 1977 from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Admissions

Howard is authorized to practice in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri. He is also admitted to practice in the Northern District of Illinois’ Trial Bar; U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Illinois, and the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana.

Publications & Presentations

  • “No Petrillo Violation for Meeting by Hospital Defense Counsel with Retired Nurse,” IDC Quarterly, 2018
  • “Late to the Party: The Rapid Development of Electronic Discovery Law in Illinois, “ IDC Quarterly, 2017
  • “Legal Malpractice Claim Dismissed Under Six-Year Statute of Repose Where Plaintiff’s Alleged Negligent Legal Advice in Underlying Breach of Contract Lawsuit,” IDC Quarterly, 2016
  • "Highlights of Illinois’ New Rules of Professional Conduct," Pretzel & Stouffer, Chartered, December 2009

Contact

hpikel@fgppr.com
312.863.5041