Thomas Howard
Illinois Cannabis Lawyer
Leading Attorney in Commercial Law and Cannabis Regulation
Located in Peoria, IL, Thomas E. Howard serves as a distinguished attorney for the Howard Law Group and the Managing Director of Collateral Base, LLC, with offices in both Peoria and Chicago, Illinois. Licensed to practice law in Illinois and Wisconsin, Mr. Howard offers over a decade of legal expertise, representing financial institutions, business creditors, and other commercial clients across both states. His practice areas include complex legal challenges involving:
- Cannabis Licensing
- Bankruptcy
- Business Litigation
- Loan Workouts
- Real Estate Mortgage Foreclosures
- Replevins of Personal Property
- Notes and Guaranties
- Contract Disputes and Litigation
Expertise in the Cannabis Industry
Tom Howard, the Managing Director of Collateral Base, has emerged as a leading legal expert in the cannabis industry. Since beginning his practice in commercial law in 2008, Mr. Howard has accumulated significant experience in financial litigation, previously holding Series 7 and 66 Securities licenses. With the legalization of cannabis in Illinois in 2019, he pivoted to focus on the cannabis sector, assisting teams in securing licenses in multiple states, including Illinois, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Maryland.
As a Certified Ganjier and the 2023 chair of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Section Council, Tom Howard is deeply involved in the regulatory aspects of the cannabis industry. He also hosts the popular Cannabis Legalization News YouTube channel, where he shares insights and developments in cannabis law. His expertise in business consulting, capital formation, and regulatory compliance makes him a sought-after advisor for businesses navigating the complex landscape of cannabis regulation.
Advocacy and Publications
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Howard is a passionate advocate for the cannabis industry. He is a recognized voice in the movement to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, aiming to provide cannabis businesses with access to essential banking services. He regularly publishes articles and thought leadership pieces on cannabis law, which can be found on his website, Cannabis Lawyer.
Educational and Professional Background
Thomas E. Howard earned his Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School in 2008. He is admitted to practice before all state courts in Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as before all U.S. District Courts in Illinois and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. With aspirations to reinstate his stockbroker license, Mr. Howard continues to expand his services to include fundraising assistance for his clients.
For those seeking a knowledgeable and experienced attorney in commercial law and cannabis regulation, Thomas E. Howard offers unparalleled expertise and dedication to his clients’ success.
Talk with Illinois Cannabis Lawyer Thomas Howard
- Licensed in Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin
- Won Dispensaries & Grows in Illinois.
- Won Dispensaries in Missouri.
- Assisted with client getting a CAURD license in New York.
- Numerous New Mexico licenses.
- Won Grow in Connecticut.
- Helped win licenses in Maryland.
- Obtained New Jersey Licenses for clients.
- Assisted in buying and selling licenses in Illinois.
- Helped with Hemp compliance issues nationwide.
Our cannabis Attorneys Business Network
Thomas Howard is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in the Illinois cannabis industry. He has been instrumental in securing multiple dispensary and cultivation licenses for clients, guiding them through the complex regulatory landscape. His expertise extends to the strategic sale of these licenses, maximizing client returns by leveraging real estate assets in high-demand areas.
Thomas has also successfully defended numerous cannabis companies in Illinois, navigating legal challenges related to contracts and license applications. His litigation skills and deep understanding of the industry have made him a go-to resource for businesses facing regulatory hurdles or disputes.
By combining his legal acumen with a deep knowledge of the cannabis market, Thomas continues to be a leader in helping Illinois businesses thrive in this emerging sector.
Client Testimonials
