
Joseph L. Howard
In the adversarial world of criminal defense, Joe Howard sees the value in relationships built on his promise of integrity, competency, and mutual respect. This approach has yielded Joe’s clients’ jury trial victories, dismissals, and significantly lower sentences. With more than 20 years of courtroom experience, Joe’s ability to build trusting relationships with judges and juries is a huge win for his clients.
When facing the uncertainty of a criminal prosecution, Joe provides his clients with the experience and level-headed guidance of having practiced in numerous state and federal courts. As a Past President of the Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association, he remains on the cutting edge of legal trends and defenses.
Modern criminal defense is no longer just arguing – it is coming to court prepared to attack forensic evidence and expose inadequate police investigations with peer-reviewed scientific evidence. Competent trial advocacy means bringing the science behind the truth to the judge and the jury. Joe’s relationships with some of the finest experts in the scientific world level the playing field for his clients, bringing loved ones home sooner.
Education
- Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (J.D., 2000) (Honors: Pro Bono Honor Society)
- Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (B.A.) (Major: Political Science and German)
Bar Admissions
- United States Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2000
- U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 2013
- U.S. District Court District of Nebraska, 2003
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, 2023
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, 2023
- Wisconsin, 2000
- Ohio, 2001
- Nebraska, 2003
- Iowa, 2023
Classes/ Seminars
- Speaker, Nebraska State Bar Association, Young Lawyers 2014 Best Practices Seminar, Criminal Law Lecture, “License, Registration, and All of your Money Please.” March 28, 2014
- Speaker, United States Federal Public Defender’s Sponsored 2013 Panel Palooza, “Proper Use of Expert Witnesses: What is Permissible in Light of Daubert, Crawford, and Melendez-Diaz.” September 2013
- Speaker, Criminal Defense Fundamentals Seminar, State Bar of Nebraska, 2000
- Marijuana Criminal Defense, Iowa and Nebraska Solo and Small Firm Seminar - Nebraska Bar Association, 2012
- Speaker, Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association sponsored “Bootcamp,” 2015
Professional Associations & Memberships
- Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association, Past President
- Nebraska Bar Association, Lifetime Fellow
- American Bar Association, Member
- Omaha Bar Association, Past Secretary
- Federal Practice Committee, U.S. Dist. Court of Nebraska
- Nebraska State Bar Media Committee
- National Trial Lawyers Association, Member, 2012 - Present
- Top 100 Trial Lawyer
- Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyer
Honors & Awards
- Top 40 Under 40 by National Trial Lawyers Association, 2012 - 2013
- Jury Acquittal Award Federal Public Defender's Offices, 2008 - 2009
- CALI Award for Trial Advocacy, 2000 - Present
Testimonials
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
“Legal proceedings are rarely enjoyable—they can be long, draining, and complex. That was exactly our situation when we brought a fraud case to Dornan Law.
Thankfully, their team stood by us every step of the way. While I wouldn’t wish to go through such a process again, I can confidently say that if I had to, Dornan Law would be my first call. They guided us to the successful outcome we had hoped for.”

“Knowledgeable and caring law firm. Professional and skilled staff that extend themselves. Highly recommend!”

“One of the best law firms in Omaha, Nebraska”

“Absolutely the best in Omaha. Recommend them to anyone needing legal advice or services.”

“We have used the Dornan Law Team twice in the last 14 years. On both occasions, we were treated with kindness, compassion, and dignity. The high quality legal representation we received caused us to put our full trust in the Dornan team. We would not hesitate to use or recommend them in the future!”

“I have worked on many cases with various lawyers from this firm. They are always considerate and professional. I regularly refer people to them when I cannot handle their cases.”

“Exceptional outcome and service by the Dornan Law team. Very personable and professional. I felt that they took the time to understand and provide the best advice, while understanding my situation and ensuring that I was comfortable with the plan. Highly recommend.”

“This is the best law firm in Omaha!!! They fair with their prices esp. Because you get the best results not to mention very helpful! They take the time to talk to you, hear what you are saying!, and go to work for you!!! Not to mention very personable!! Great attorneys at a fair price!!”
