Why Jim Howell?

Why Jim Howell? Jim believes that this is a fair question to ask, and one you should ask of anyone who is seeking your vote. The answer is life experience counts, especially when you are selecting someone who will pass judgment on others. Jim has enforced the law as a police officer for 10 years, he has over 27 years of experience as an attorney, he has been an assistant attorney general, he has represented the people of this great state in the Michigan State Legislature, and he is a family man with children and grandchildren.

Most of us will not appear before the court, except possibly as a juror. Regardless, we expect the courts to function for the benefit of the people they serve. Jim knows Michigan, and more importantly, understands its people. He also does not believe that the courts exist for the benefit of themselves.

Jim's Resumé

Since Jim is requesting that you “hire” him with your vote, it is only fair that he submit a resume of what he has done over the many years of his career.

Assistant Attorney General - Michigan Attorney General's Office, 2005-2006
State Representative - 94th District of Michigan, 1999-2004
- Author and prime sponsor of 32 Public Acts
- 1999-2000
  - Vice Chairman of Criminal Law Committee
  - Vice Chairman of House Oversight Committee
  - Chairman of House Select Committee on Teen Pregnancy
  - Member of Energy and Technology and Commerce Committees
- 2000-2002
  - Chairman of Civil Law and Judiciary Committee
  - Chairman of House Administrative Committee
  - Chairman of House Campaign Finance Committee
  - Member of Committee on Committees, Energy and Technology, and Commerce Committees
- 2003-2004
  - Chairman of Judiciary Committee
  - Member of Committee on Committees, Commerce, House Oversight, and Operations Committees
Attorney - Otto, Demetriou & Howell - Saginaw, Michigan, 1983-1998
- General Practice in personal injury defense, plaintiff personal injury, family law, estate planning and probate trial practice
- President and managing partner of law firm, 1990-1998
Attorney - The Dow Chemical Company, 1981-1983
Police Officer - Saginaw Police Department, 1973-1981
- Patrol officer with general patrol responsibilities
- Detective Division - juvenile crime section
- Administrative Assistant to Chief of Police
Correctional Officer - Saginaw County Sheriff's Department, 1972-1973
- Responsibility for inmates in Saginaw County Jail.
Orderly - Saginaw General Hospital, 1971-1972, 1967
- General patient care
Air Traffic Controller - United States Air Force, 1967-1971
- Last rank held was Sergeant
- Served in the Republic of Vietnam as well as various duties stations in the United States
- Received Honorable Discharge

Education

Associates Degree in law enforcement from Delta College, 1975
Bachelors Degree with Honors in law enforcement from Saginaw Valley State University, 1977
Juris Doctorate with Honors from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, 1980
- Graduated 4th in Class
Certified police officer, 1973

Professional Licenses

Licensed to practice law in Michigan, 1980 to present

Special Honors

Saginaw Valley State University, Distinguished Alumni for 2003
Michigan Probate Judges Association, Legislator of the Year for 2002
Police Officers Association of Michigan Legislator of the Year for 2002