Howard Manis

Howard Manis is the Managing Partner at The Cochran Firm’s Memphis office, bringing more than three decades of extensive litigation experience to his clients. Practicing law since 1993, he has handled a wide range of civil and criminal cases in both state and federal courts across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Howard focuses on areas such as civil rights, auto accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, personal injury, police misconduct, insurance malpractice, and bad faith claims, along with criminal defense matters. His deep understanding of the legal system makes him a trusted ally for clients facing complex legal challenges.

Howard Manis earned his B.S. from the University of Georgia and his J.D. from the University of Memphis. His strong educational foundation, paired with his certification as a Certified Financial Planner, allows him to bring unique insight into each case he handles.

Over the years, Howard has built a reputation as a passionate advocate for justice. He has served as a member of the Criminal Justice Act Panel in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee for more than twenty years. He has also contributed to the federal judiciary by serving on committees for magistrate judge selection and reappointment of the federal public defender. Howard currently acts as Class Counsel in Wofford v. M.J. Edwards et al., a high-profile case representing over a thousand families affected by mishandled burials at Galilee Cemetery in Memphis.

Howard Manis is a respected trial lawyer with deep roots in the legal community. He actively serves in the Memphis, Tennessee, Arkansas, and American Bar Associations, as well as the Tennessee Association for Justice and the National Police Accountability Project. Recognized as a Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Attorney by The National Trial Lawyers and a Fellow of the Memphis Bar Foundation, Howard brings proven experience and results-driven advocacy to every case. Clients rely on him for skilled, strategic representation and steadfast commitment to achieving justice.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Partner, The Cochran Firm
• Member, Tennessee Bar Association
• Member, Memphis Bar Association
• Member, Arkansas Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, American Association for Justice 
• Member, Tennessee Association for Justice 
• Member, National Police Accountability Project
• Fellow, Memphis Bar Foundation

Licensed State

• Tennessee
• Arkansas
• Mississippi

Education

• University of Memphis
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Georgia
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges