Howard is a highly experienced solicitor, renowned for his prowess in the field of regulatory, criminal and road traffic defence, acting for clients facing investigations, proceedings in the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts, and at Public Inquiry. He takes pro-active steps wherever possible and has a reputation for adopting an extremely thorough approach to all cases, however serious the allegation may be. Howard works from our Norwich and Ipswich offices, assisting clients across Norfolk & Suffolk.
Qualifying as a solicitor in January 2001, Howard completed his training with Reynolds Dawson Solicitors in London and Gotelee Solicitors in Ipswich, where he subsequently went on to become a Partner. Howard is accredited by the Law Society in relation to Criminal Law and is a Higher Courts Advocate. He joined Leathes Prior as a Partner in April 2021.
Howard can help with the following:
- Investigations
Howard represents clients facing police or regulatory investigations and at interviews under caution (and has done so since 1998). He is an experienced proponent of pre-charge engagement. He takes considerable pride in his track-record of bringing cases to a conclusion at the investigation stage so that clients avoid court proceedings.
- Court
Where that isn’t possible or where clients have already been charged, Howard acts in both the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts. In appropriate cases he engages with the CPS to seek to reverse decisions to prosecute. He has been successful in persuading the CPS to return cases to the police for a caution to be issued or to discontinue prosecutions.
- Neurodiverse Clients and Clients with Brain Injuries
Howard has a particular expertise in advising and representing neurodiverse clients, both youths and adults, with conditions such as autistic spectrum disorder, ADHD and PDA, or with other hidden disabilities such as dyslexia and dyspraxia, in addition to those who have suffered and are living with brain injuries. He understands the significance of such conditions and injuries, assists clients with patience and respect, and engages with experts whenever appropriate.
He has experience of engaging with the police and the prosecution in cases involving neurodiverse clients and clients with brain injuries, and this has led to cases being dropped or dealt with out of court.
- Logistics and Supply Chain
Howard has a long standing reputation in assisting businesses across the supply chain, including traders, freight forwarders, road transport operators and fulfilment houses. He is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), has responsibility for the firm’s membership of BIFA, FPUA and UKWA and is a co-founder of the Supply Chain Supper Club.
Howard studied at University College London before working in Sardinia for three years. He is an Italian speaker and devoted Italophile. Outside of work, Howard enjoys spending time with his family. He is a lifelong Norwich City supporter and Welsh rugby fan.
I recently required legal representation and was recommended to Mr Howard Catherall of Leathes Prior by a highly regarded member of the public. Mr Catherall's performance throughout the case was professional and faultless, providing information and updates via his team as required, eventually ensuring a favourable outcome. Should you be looking for any sort of legal advice, I highly recommend giving the Leathes Prior team a call first.
Howard, we would like to thank you for guiding us through a very challenging and emotional time. We were very much out of our depth and appreciated your advice and guidance and much needed support and expertise. It was a huge relief to have matters brought to a swift and successful conclusion.
I would like to thank Howard Catherall for his support during my son’s court case. Howard worked with the utmost integrity when offering guidance on the submissions to court. Howard ensured we both fully understood the process throughout and helped to take the pressure off our worries knowing that the case was being handled by a competent professional. Finally, Howard’s experience and knowledge helped bring the case to a satisfactory conclusion within the court arena.
Howard, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you, and the barristers involved, for all your hard work in fighting my son’s case and ensuring he was exonerated from all criminal charges.
I was extremely worried about my impending court case for drink-driving and wanted to find a solicitor in Norwich who understood neurological conditions, as I have ADHD. Thankfully, Howard was recommended to me by a good friend. From my very first correspondence with Howard, I felt a sense of relief that he had the experience I needed, and am now very grateful that this was a correct assumption. His level of commitment to my case to fully understand my circumstances was excellent, as was his advice. Whilst I fully accept I was at fault on the day of the drink-driving incident, Howard's explanation of my circumstances to the magistrates on the 'court day' helped them better understand what was going on 'behind the scenes'. I could not have wished for better representation or a better result.
Many thanks again Howard for all you have done. Superb outcome. I am over the moon with your services and really pleased to recommend you and the company to anyone needing a solicitor.
Thanks, Howard for all your support, wise counsel, and advice, great result.
A huge thank you Howard and Richard from us all, for your efforts on our behalf and allowing us to push the business forward with our new partner on board.
Howard, thank you so much for your help. You were great in court.