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Thomas Howard

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Cannabis Industry Lawyer
  • Cannabis & Marijuana Law, Business Law, Real Estate Law ...
  • Illinois, Wisconsin
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Biography

Since obtaining my license in 2008, I have dedicated my career to representing numerous financial institutions, focusing on enforcing their security interests. Over the last decade, I have supported community banks through complex commercial workouts, dealing with sophisticated financial products. My litigation experience extends to contested contract cases based on various legal theories.

I have been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and an Emerging Lawyer by Leading Lawyers since 2015. My practice primarily involves representing secured creditors in all facets of commercial loan enforcement, from initiating commercial workouts to enforcing judgments. I frequently write on these subjects and am a member of the Illinois State Bar Association Section Council for Commercial Banking, Bankruptcy, and Collections. My insights have been featured in several publications, including the Wall Street Journal. In 2021, I achieved certification as a Certified Ganjier.

My work often involves handling Uniform Commercial Code issues, replevins, guaranty actions, and bankruptcy cases. I have successfully resolved numerous multi-million dollar non-performing loans for various community banks across Illinois.

Throughout my career, I have represented both financial institutions and business creditors in commercial litigation and bankruptcy matters. My extensive experience covers real estate mortgage foreclosures, replevins of personal property, and suits on notes and guaranties. Additionally, I represent creditors in loan workouts and bankruptcy proceedings to enforce their rights.

Practice Areas
Cannabis & Marijuana Law
Marijuana Business Formation, Medical Marijuana
Business Law
Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
Real Estate Law
Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law
Agricultural Law
Bankruptcy
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Debt Relief
Securities Law
Collections
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Illinois
Supreme Court of Illinois
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Wisconsin
Wisconsin Court System
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Attorney
Cannabis Industry Lawyer
- Current
Cannabis Industry Lawyer at the Collateral Base firm serving consulting and selectively accepting legal clients when appropriate.
Hall, Rustom & Fritz LLC logo Of Counsel
Hall & Rustom, L.L.C.
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Attorney
Howard & Howard Attorneys, PLLC
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Founder
Stumari, LLC
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Education
Marquette University Law School
J.D. (2008)
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Marquette University Law School Logo
Illinois Wesleyan University
B.A. (2002)
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Awards
Emerging Lawyer
Leading Lawyers
2015-2023
Rising Star
Super Lawyers
2015-2020
Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2025
Professional Associations
State Bar of Illinois
Member
Current
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Certifications
Realtor
IDFPR
Ganjier
Green Flower
Websites & Blogs
Blog
Cannabis Industry Lawyer
Blog
My business law practice
Legal Answers
1 Questions Answered
Q. I agreed to let a friend use my car for 2 days. After 2 days, my friend informed me he was not returning my car.
A: Yes, that's conversion of your property to his own. You gave him the authority to use the car, not gifted it to him. Tell the cops - if they don't get your car back, you can replevin it - but that's silly the police should go get it. Tell him to return it by such and such date, or you'll have the authorities get it - but cars can leave the jurisdiction pretty easily.
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Contact & Map
Collateral Base, LLC
Chicago Office
150 S. Wacker Drive
Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60606
Telephone: (833) 952-3111
Monday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Collateral Base, LLC
Peoria
456 Fulton St.
Ste. 404
Peoria, IL 61602
Telephone: (833) 952-3111
Monday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed