Strategic leadership and practical counsel to get deals done

Jon Howard is a strategic negotiator and trusted legal advisor who represents businesses - from emerging companies to Fortune 100 corporations - across the full spectrum of middle-market and upper middle-market transactions. He works closely with executives, in-house legal teams, and boards of directors to structure and complete:

• Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) across a wide range of industries, including healthcare and pharmacy, higher education, technology and private equity, with particular depth in healthcare M&A, private equity-owned portfolio company transactions and employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) transactions
• Joint ventures, reorganizations and business formations to capitalize on the synergies of existing businesses as well as market opportunities
• Commercial contracts, including high-leverage transactions involving multilayered payment, indemnification, ownership and service provisions

A 18-year veteran of Quarles, Jon leverages deep knowledge of the firm's capabilities to assemble and lead highly effective, cross-disciplinary deal teams. Drawing on colleagues in real estate, healthcare, employment, tax, and intellectual property, he leads each team through negotiation, documentation and closing, ensuring seamless execution on every transaction.

Jon is national chair of the firm's Business Law Group where he oversees the strategic direction and growth of one of the firm's largest practice groups, driving collaboration across disciplines to deliver integrated business solutions for clients nationwide.

Bar Admissions

• Arizona

Education

• Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, Certificate, Quarles & Brady Leadership Program (2025)

• Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2008)
  • William H. Pedrick Scholar

• Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business (B.S., summa cum laude, 2004)
  • Finance

• Harvard Law School Executive Education (Certificate, 2025)
  • Leadership in Law Firms

• "Legal Issues to Consider Regarding Charter School Boards and Meetings"
• "The Impact of Earn-Out Provisions on M&A Transactions"
• Amy Cotton Peterson, Jon Howard Write Healthcare Business Today Article About Growing Private Equity Presence in Medical Spa Industry
• California Follows the Lead of Other States in Heightening the Scrutiny of Health Care Transactions
• California's Pre-Closing Health Care Transaction Review Regulations Take Effect: Where Did We Land?
• PE in Healthcare - Recent Governmental Commentary Could Indicate Policy Changes on the Horizon and Time for Increased Vigilance

Seminar

• Business Law Training: From Compliance to Closing: Navigating Legal Hurdles in Healthcare M&A
• Complex Legal Issues - Recreational & Medical Cannabis
• Quarles' 17th Annual Specialized CLE for In‑House Counsel
• WESTMARC Healthcare Innovation Summit