About Joshua
Joshua N. Howley: Leading Litigation Attorney Specializing in Lender Recovery
Joshua N. Howley is a seasoned and highly respected litigation attorney with a proven track record of success in complex commercial disputes, particularly those involving financial institutions and asset recovery. As General Counsel and a member of the Firm’s Management Committee, Mr. Howley brings extensive experience and strategic insight to his clients, consistently advocating for their best interests in state and federal courts, including bankruptcy courts within New York and New Jersey. His expertise is focused on representing traditional lenders, hedge funds, servicers, and receivers navigating the challenging landscape of mortgage loan defaults and associated litigation.
Mr. Howley’s deep understanding of financial instruments and legal strategies makes him a uniquely qualified advocate. He’s frequently engaged when borrowers assert defenses against foreclosure actions, meticulously examining the underlying loan documents and legal precedents to build a robust defense. His strategic approach, combined with his meticulous attention to detail, has resulted in significant outcomes for his clients.
A Landmark Supreme Court Victory
Perhaps most notably, Mr. Howley achieved a unanimous opinion dated July 1, 2020, before the Supreme Court of New Jersey, successfully representing a prominent New Jersey bank. This landmark decision established a critical legal precedent: an assignee of a lost original promissory note can enforce the note based on a lost note affidavit, even if the assignee wasn’t the original creditor who lost the original. This case dramatically strengthened the rights of lenders and financial institutions in New Jersey, cementing Mr. Howley's reputation as a leading authority in this area of law. This strategic thinking and assertive approach continues to deliver strong results for his clients.
Areas of Expertise & Litigation Focus
Mr. Howley’s litigation practice centers primarily on:
- Asset Recovery Litigation: He specializes in representing lenders, servicers, and receivers seeking to recover assets secured by defaulted mortgage loans.
- Foreclosure Defense Litigation: He aggressively defends lenders against borrower challenges to foreclosure proceedings, investigating defenses and developing effective legal strategies.
- Bankruptcy Litigation: Mr. Howley possesses extensive experience in navigating bankruptcy proceedings, representing creditors’ interests in Chapter 7, 11, and 13 cases.
- Note Assignment and Enforcement: His expertise includes the complex legal issues surrounding note assignments, ensuring proper enforceability and protecting client rights.
- Hedge Fund Litigation: He frequently advises and represents hedge funds engaged in distressed debt investments and recovery efforts.
Client Representation & Strategic Counsel
Mr. Howley’s approach extends beyond simply litigating cases; he’s a trusted strategic counsel, providing proactive guidance and risk management advice to his clients. He understands the sensitive nature of these financial situations and prioritizes clear communication, strategic planning, and diligent representation throughout the entire legal process.
Legal Credentials & Recognition
- Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation, Banking and Finance Litigation
- Awards: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2015
- Bar Admissions: Bar of New Jersey
- Recognition: A recognized legal professional, consistently demonstrating expertise in his field.
Location & Contact
Joshua N. Howley is based in Newark, New Jersey, serving clients throughout New York and New Jersey. He is dedicated to providing expert legal counsel and achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients in complex litigation matters. Contact Mr. Howley today to discuss your legal needs.
