Our People

John Howe

John Howe

Managing Director and COLP
John Howe studied law in Newcastle and Leeds and worked for various practices around West Yorkshire before establishing the firm in his home town, Pudsey.

Having qualified in 1988, John has gained experience in a variety of different areas of law with marked success. He has had two cases reported in case law reports concerning Children Act proceedings and he holds the record for completing the quickest divorce ever in 5 days. He has conducted litigation in this country and abroad.

John has appeared on TV and he is a regular contributor on local radio. He has appeared in both local and national newspapers in connection with cases for which he had personal conduct, including being responsible for the preparation of the contractual documents for a prestigious development in Bulgaria.

His wealth of experience and his common sense approach has enabled him to build the firm with consummate ease with a significant following around the country. He now practices as a general practitioner predominantly for businesses of varying sizes giving advice on such matters as employment, contracts, succession, mergers, litigation and exit strategies, as well as being able to give advice on divorce, family and other related issues.

E-mail: john@jhowe.co.uk

Jenna Howe

Director and COFA

Jenna started working at John Howe & Co in 2013 and has since completed her law degree in 2015 then her LPC and Masters in law, business and management in 2016.

Qualifying as a Solicitor at the beginning of 2018 following her training contract overseen by her father and Managing Director John Howe, Jenna now intends to follow in John’s footsteps as a general practitioner, providing common sense legal advice on a variety of different subject matters in a way that people can easily understand.

E-mail : jenna@jhowe.co.uk

Bob Howe

Director

Following the completion of his law degree in 2013 Bob began his career with the firm in 2014 as a Conveyancing Executive. Beginning his Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in 2021, Bob successfully qualified as solicitor in 2023 and undertakes a wide range of matters including Residential and Commercial Conveyancing transactions, Matrimonial including Divorce and Financial Resolution, and Private Client matters.

Richard Whitaker

Solicitor (Head of Litigation)

Having qualified in 1992 Richard joined John Howe & Co in 2023, bringing with him over 30 years of experience in Litigation and Dispute Resolution matters. Richard draws on his wealth of experience to provide practical and outcome-orientated advice, assisting a wide range of commercial and individual clients across all aspects of Litigation. This includes; commercial contract disputes; boundary/land disputes; landlord/tenant disputes; will/ probate/Court of Protection disputes and personal injury compensation claims.

In particular, Richard is a highly experienced advocate and especially enjoys the cut and thrust of advocacy in court.

Outside of the office, Richard is a keen Leeds United fan and is a Supervisor Steward for Leeds Unitied at Elland Road Stadium. Additionally, Richard enjoys travelling, reading, going to the gym and is a long-standing Trustee of All Saints Parish Hall in Halifax.

E-mail: Richard@jhowe.co.uk

Raqeeya Zaman

Solicitor

Having graduated in 2020, and completing the LPC and a training contract, Raqeeya was admitted to the Roll in 2022. Raqeeya joined John Howe & Co at the start of 2024 with a background in Property Law and Litigation.

Raqeeya is known for her friendly and personal approach, advising both commercial and individual clients across a wide variety of Property and Commercial matters.

Outside of the office Raqeeya is a keen football fan, playing in a local womans five-a-side and supporting Liverpool FC. Raqeeya also has a love of travelling and can regually be found planning her next trip, visiting new places and exploring new cultures.

E-mail: raqeeya@jhowe.co.uk

Bryn Rees

Trainee Solicitor

Having completed his law degree in 2015, Bryn subsequently began his career as a Compliance Officer in Scotland before joining the firm in 2021 to commence his Training Contract. Such training being overseen by Managing Director John Howe whereby he assists in a variety of matters including commercial and residential conveyancing transactions.

Georgia Phillips

Paralegal

Graduating with a law degree from the University of Leeds in 2023, Georgia joined John Howe & Co after graduating, initially supporting clients from the front desk. In 2024 Georgia was promoted to the role of Paralegal and began training for qualification under the SQE pathway. As a Paralegal, Georgia supports fee-earners across the full range of matters John Howe & Co advise upon.

Born and raised in Pudsey, Georgia can often be found walking her ‘Pugalier’ Willow and is a keen Ballroom and Latin dancer.