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Howard Finkelstein

Howard J. Finkelstein

Managing Partner

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For more than 25 years, Howard honed his corporate and finance law expertise at some of the nation’s leading firms, advising financial institutions and multinational corporations on high-stakes transactions. In 2009, he began his own practice, bringing the sophistication of BigLaw to the agile world of startups and emerging businesses.

Howard’s approach is built on proactive problem-solving and collaboration. His mantra: never tell a client “you can’t do that” — instead, find a way to make it work. Whether he’s helping startups raise capital, structure partnerships, or navigate complex regulations, his goal is to simplify the chaos of entrepreneurship and provide the strategic and legal guidance that helps businesses thrive.

At HJF Law, Howard works primarily on a subscription basis, offering clients the continuity and accessibility of an in-house general counsel without the overhead. He collaborates with a range of industries, including blockchain and crypto, SaaS, fintech and other innovative sectors, tackling corporate governance, contract negotiations, compliance, fundraising and intellectual property.

Howard’s experience and passion drove him to build HJF Law as more than just a law firm; he and his team are partners in your success, combining legal expertise with the flexibility and responsiveness that today’s businesses demand.

Bar Admissions

  • New York, 1980

Past Positions

  • Kaye Scholer Fierman Hays & Handler LLP
  • Weil Gotshal & Manges
  • Legal Department, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Washington, D.C.
  • Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
  • Akerman Senterfitt

Education

  • Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, New York, New York
    • J.D. – 1979
    • Honors: magna cum laude
    • Law Review: Cardozo Law Review, Notes and Comments Editor, 1978 – 1979
  • Yeshiva University, New York, New York
    • B.A. – 1970
    • Major: Economics/English
  • New York University, New York, NY
    • M.A. – 1972
    • Major: English

Professional Associations

  • Association of the Bar of the City of New York, Structured Finance Committee