ABOUT HOWELL DEFENSE

Message From Barrett

The Power of Prevention

And in my world? That’s not just a philosophy. That’s the difference between quietly moving on…And publicly fighting for your name.

I represent leaders, executives, and decision-makers in high-stakes government investigations and enforcement actions.

Most of my work happens before things become public. Before a target letter hits your desk. Before your name appears in a headline. That’s the power of prevention. I don’t just defend, I intervene early—before there’s something to defend against.

Clients come to me for strategy. But they stay because I bring something most attorneys don’t — Clarity. Containment. And Calm. When we work together, I carry the mental load. I’ll tell you what’s worth your attention—and more importantly, what isn’t.

There’s a saying you already know — An ounce of prevention is worth ten pounds of cure.

PRIVATE CONSULTATION

Professional Distinctions & Credentials

Barrett Howell

Barrett Howell is consistently recognized by clients, peers, and the legal industry for his excellence in high-stakes white collar defense.

Honors:

  • Named among the Best Lawyers in Dallas – White Collar Criminal Defense (D Magazine) 2022, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2014

  • Selected to Super Lawyers, published by Internet Brands, for seven consecutive years (2014–2020) in the areas of White Collar Crimes, Health Care, and Business Litigation

  • Super Lawyers “Rising Stars, Texas” 2011–2014

  • Ranked by Chambers & Partners in Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations, 2022

  • Best Lawyers, published by BL Ranking and known for its exclusive peer-review process recognizing only the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, has honored Mr. Howell as a Best Lawyer in Commercial Litigation since 2024

  • The Legal 500 United States, Recommended Attorney 2020, 2017

  • Named by D Magazine as one of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” in Criminal Defense: White Collar in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2023

Admission:

  • State Bar of Texas

  • U.S. District Court - Northern District of Texas

  • U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Texas

  • U.S. District Court - Western District of Texas

  • U.S. District Court - Southern District of Texas

Education

  • Emory University, BA

  • Emory University, BBA

  • Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, JD

Selected Engagements

  • Defended a physician-owned medical practice in a criminal investigation alleging healthcare fraud, tax fraud, and wire and mail fraud.

  • Defended a doctor-owned dental practice in a federal False Claims Act (qui tam) whistleblower lawsuit and parallel federal criminal and civil investigations.

  • Represented a publicly traded real estate investment fund in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation and parallel Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal investigation.

  • Represented multiple individuals and companies in SEC accounting, disclosure, asset valuation, and insider trading investigations.

  • Defended numerous companies and individuals in federal and state whistleblower lawsuits and resulting civil and criminal investigations conducted by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Attorneys’ Offices, and state Medicaid officials.

  • Represented healthcare providers and durable medical equipment/pharmaceutical companies in Anti-Kickback Act, Stark Act, and False Claims Act investigations.

  • Conducted an internal investigation for a national bank’s audit committee into whistleblower allegations involving related-party transactions.

  • Defended a Fortune 500 computer hardware company in a federal False Claims Act (qui tam) lawsuit and parallel government investigation.

  • Defended a large-scale energy and lighting systems management company in an SEC investigation involving revenue recognition and related accounting issues.

  • Defended a specialty practice pain physician in a nationwide criminal investigation into a pharmaceutical manufacturer’s promotion of a fentanyl-based opioid; successfully advocated for the physician’s reclassification from target to witness within five months.

  • Defended a multibillion-dollar multinational conglomerate in an SEC investigation into alleged fraudulent misrepresentations in securities offerings and violations of the Investment Advisers Act by an affiliate.

  • Defended the co-owner of a high-complexity molecular laboratory raided during Operation Double Helix; avoided indictment despite a multi-year investigation resulting in indictments of two other co-owners and a marketer in a $107 million laboratory testing fraud case.

  • Represented multiple clients in criminal and civil forfeiture actions resulting in successful recovery of improperly seized funds.