About Attorney Howard Ellzey

I grew up in rural west Tennessee small towns. My parents divorced when I was very young and I moved to Memphis as a young man to finish high school and start Memphis State University. While I initially was an engineering major, I also ended up working in the legal department for an investment and banking firm as a litigation consultant. In conjunction with that experience, I had evolved into becoming a paralegal for different law firms and corporate legal departments. When I experienced the legal system as a party to my own divorce, my dissatisfaction with the family law process, along with my work experience, led me to naturally consider a transition to becoming an attorney. With my being a child of divorced parents and going through my own divorce, I developed a particular empathy for and desire to help people going through those situations. I also answered a patriotic calling to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves. My military service included nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare noncommissioned officer training. I was a squad leader in both boot camp and advanced training, as well as a communications section leader with a top-secret military clearance. After I attending Crichton College where I earned my business degree in Memphis, I moved to St. Petersburg working for the City of Tampa’s legal department, with the hope of attending law school. Very shortly after my arrival, Stetson University College of Law initiated a four-year part-time evening program, of which I was part of the very first evening class. I worked during the day and went to law school at night, often joking that the hard work was like “doing time” that I finished in three and a half years.

My Strengths:

I am compassionate and a zealous advocate. I explain to clients what’s going on in their case with good communication. I try to be an example of ethical presence in the legal profession many look down upon. It is up to us, as attorneys, to make a difference in creating trust with the public. I am very honest with people even if that means I tell a potential client what they don’t want to hear but need to hear, so I can help them through the process. Honesty and enthusiasm are what form the strong relationships I have with my clients. The trust that results is rewarding to me and to the client.

What I Find the Most Exciting in Legal Practice

I seek positive outcomes through not only negotiation but also advocating for the client in the courtroom. My practicing statewide in numerous counties, in front of numerous judges, has developed a confidence in me to go into any courtroom and think on my feet and present facts and argument with professionalism and courtesy. I strive to ensure my reputation and the firm’s reputation is one of ethics and professionalism. To succeed in those goals is very gratifying on a personal level.

My Personal Life

I have two adult daughters with their own children and who are making their own lives. They are my greatest passion. I have recently learned to enjoy scuba. I earned my first PADI certification last year and have completed my rescue diver certification and am now on my divemaster certification with a goal of obtaining my instructor certification. Not only does it satisfy a desire for outdoor adventures, but it also creates opportunities for travel and meeting new people.

My Qualifications:

My list of qualifications will never truly show my personal ambition, drive, and concern for my clients. But for those that insist seeing an exact list – here it is:

• • Ayo & Iken Senior Attorney
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  • Member of the Florida Bar
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  • Founder of my own legal practice in St. Petersburg 2008 with areas of practice including family law; business law and contracts; real estate and foreclosure defense; probate, wills, and trusts; personal injury; bankruptcy; and criminal defense.
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  • Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law
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  • B.S. in Business Organizational Management from Chrichton College
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  • Past and present volunteer for Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, Bahamas Methodist Habitat, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Dive Team