Steven G. Howell

Steven G. Howell is a Consulting Member at Dickinson Wright PLLC in Detroit with over 40 years of experience in bankruptcy and insolvency law. He focuses on helping lenders, creditors, borrowers, and businesses navigate troubled loan matters, workouts, restructurings, and liquidations. His work includes counseling clients on exit strategies, sales, and both out-of-court and court proceedings.

Steven currently serves as Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan, acting as lead bankruptcy counsel in the City of Detroit’s historic Chapter 9 case. He also advises the Detroit Financial Review Commission, helping the city comply with its confirmed plan of adjustment.

Steven earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Wayne State University Law School in 1978. He completed his B.G.S. with high distinction at the University of Michigan in 1975.

Throughout his career, Steven has guided people through some of the most complex financial challenges a business can face. He has represented borrowers, creditors’ committees, agents, and lenders across industries, including automotive, manufacturing, real estate, and energy. His notable assignments range from advising on multi-state workouts and Chapter 11 filings to counseling on defense and aerospace manufacturer turnarounds. In addition, Steven is often called upon to mediate disputes in both state and federal courts.

Beyond his legal practice, Steven G. Howell has helped strengthen community and client ties as Dickinson Wright PLLC’s Executive Director of Community and Client Relations. He works to build strong connections that support the firm’s business development and community involvement goals. He is active in several professional organizations, including the State Bar of Michigan, the Federal Bar Association, and the American Bankruptcy Institute. With his experience and dedication, Steven continues to help people find paths through financial distress and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Dickinson Wright PLLC
• Former Partner, Honigman LLP
• Counsel, Detroit Financial Review Commission
• Member, State Bar of Michigan
• Member, Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan
• Member, American Bankruptcy Institute
• Member, Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association
• Member, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern & Western District of Michigan
• Member, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
• Member, Supreme Court of the United States
• Member, Board of Directors, Michigan State Bar Foundation
• Special Assistant Attorney General, State of Michigan – City of Detroit Chapter 9 Bankruptcy
• Committee Member, IOLTA Community Investment Committee, Michigan State Bar Foundation

Licensed State

• Michigan

Education

• Wayne State University Law School
  Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• University of Michigan
  Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.), with high distinction

Awards & Badges