The Real Suits: Champions for the Injured – Ep. 3 Jordan Howell

In this episode of The Real Suits: Champions for the Injured, Larry Bendesky interviews partner Jordan Howell, discussing his journey from aspiring police officer to trial lawyer. They explore Jordan’s experiences at the District Attorney’s Office and the transition to civil law. Jordan shares impactful cases, including a nurse injured by a speeding state trooper and a tragic fire incident, and the pressing issue of ghost guns. The conversation also highlights Jordan’s work with Community Legal Services, his involvement in the Barristers Association, and the impact that mentorship has had on his career.

 

Larry Bendesky
Welcome to The Real Suits, Champions for the Injured. We here at Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky are trial lawyers. We represent people who are injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others, usually corporations. This podcast will serve as a platform to introduce who we are and some of the incredible people who work with us at the firm.

I’m so proud to have Jordan Howell, one of our partners, with us today. Jordan is the best-dressed lawyer at the firm, a tremendous person, and an exceptional attorney. I’m thrilled that he’s our first guest. At the end of this podcast, please let us know if there’s something you like or don’t like. We want it to be engaging and for people to enjoy it. We want you to learn about what we do and meet the people we are so proud to work alongside.

Jordan Howell
Thank you, Larry. I appreciate it. I’ve been looking forward to this—I think we’re going to have some fun this afternoon. So, I grew up in Cheltenham, like a lot of lawyers at this firm, including yourself.

Larry
That’s right. It seems everywhere we go, we run into Cheltenham lawyers, whether it’s here or across the community. But after Cheltenham, where did you go?

Jordan
After graduating, I went to Temple. Initially, I thought I wanted to be a police officer. My brother is a state trooper. He was based out of Philadelphia for several years and recently moved out to Ebensburg in rural Pennsylvania with his wife, who’s a veterinarian. But eventually, I found my way into law school at Drexel, graduated, started my career at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, tried numerous cases there, representing victims—similar to what we do here. After some defense work, I joined your firm.

Larry
What led you to the DA’s office initially?

Jordan
I went there because of my interest in criminal law—my major in college was criminal justice, and I really wanted to be a police officer. But I had a great mentor, Danny Silverman, who advised me to go to law school first. He said it would be easier to become a cop afterward than to go to law school later. Thankfully, I took his advice. In law school, I still had that law enforcement mindset, so a natural progression was to join the DA’s office. There, I worked closely with police officers and victims of crime, which was a rewarding experience.

Larry
How long were you at the DA’s office, and what kind of cases did you handle there?

Jordan
I was there for about three and a half years. You start in municipal court, handling misdemeanor trials like theft and simple assault, and then work up to juvenile court, major felony bench trials, and finally jury trials for serious cases like robbery, aggravated assault, and attempted murder. Toward the end, I joined the Special Investigations Unit, where I worked on cases involving police misconduct. That was a unique experience because I always respected police work, but I understood the need to hold officers accountable.

Larry
Do you enjoy trying cases?

Jordan
Absolutely. There’s nothing like it. The stress leading up to trial can be intense, but once you’re in the courtroom, it all becomes a bit more natural, and it reminds you why you do this job.

Larry
What do you enjoy most about being in the courtroom?

Jordan
It’s about connecting with the jury. You have to think about how they’ll view the case, how they’ll interpret everything you say, and how they’ll react to the evidence. Being able to present your case effectively and, yes, almost like a production to persuade the jury, is incredibly fulfilling. In some ways, it’s like a popularity contest because jurors tend to favor the lawyers and clients they like and can connect with.

Larry
When you say “production,” you don’t mean it in a deceptive way, right?

Jordan
Exactly. It’s about presenting evidence in a way that’s understandable and engaging for the jury. It involves coordinating witnesses, using visual aids, and being prepared so that things run smoothly and don’t waste the jury’s time. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes, but we want the jury to see a well-organized case that they can easily follow.

Larry
Tell us about a memorable experience from one of your trials.

Jordan
Once, I had an uncooperative witness in a shooting case. He didn’t want to testify against the defendant because he was afraid of being labeled a “rat.” During prep, I kept telling him to “just tell the truth.” On the stand, he changed his story, but when the defense attorney asked him what I had told him, he said, “The DA told me to tell the truth.” That moment resonated with the jury, and they ultimately found the defendant guilty.

Larry
Then you transitioned from criminal to civil law. Tell us about that switch.

Jordan
It was a challenge because the civil side is so different. In criminal cases, you don’t have the same discovery process; you walk in and put your case on. I hadn’t taken depositions or handled motions for summary judgment. But after networking and joining a defense firm, I learned how the civil process works. That experience taught me a lot, and eventually, I came here, where I could use those skills for plaintiffs.

Larry
We’re glad to have you. Can you explain depositions for our listeners?

Jordan
Sure. A deposition is an opportunity for a lawyer to question a witness before trial. It helps us learn what they’ll say if the case goes to court. We use depositions to gather favorable testimony and show defendants and insurers the strength of our case. It’s also a chance for defense lawyers to evaluate our clients and understand the trauma they’ve been through. Depositions can be very emotional and powerful in preparing a case for trial.

Larry
And we videotape every deposition. Why is that important?

Jordan
Videotaping is crucial because it’s like having sworn testimony that we can use in court if needed. It keeps witnesses accountable and allows us to show the jury any inconsistencies. Videotaping also lets us highlight key points during openings or closings, making it a valuable part of case preparation.

Larry
Tell us about some impactful cases you’ve handled.

Jordan
One case that stands out was for a CNA who was hit by a speeding state trooper. He claimed to be responding to an emergency, but he crossed the yellow line, t-boning her car and leaving her with a severe neck injury that ended her career. The case initially appeared capped at $250,000 due to government immunity, but we pursued a civil rights claim that allowed us to recover $1.7 million for her, changing her life and providing for her family.

Larry
That was an incredible result. Any other memorable cases?

Jordan
Yes, we handled a tragic fire case in New Jersey where two people died, and two others were severely injured. The landlord had neglected basic fire safety, leading to the tragedy. We secured a substantial recovery for the survivors early on, helping them move forward.

Larry
Aside from work at the firm, are you involved in any professional activities?

Jordan Howell
Yes, one of my favorite organizations is the Barristers, a black lawyers’ association in Philadelphia that supports diversity in the legal field. They offer great networking and mentorship, which has been instrumental in my career. They also do community work, like the annual turkey drive and expungement clinics, which help people get second chances by removing low-level offenses from their records.

Larry
Are there cases you’re working on now that could lead to societal change?

Jordan
Yes, one case that keeps me up at night involves a man who was left paralyzed after an accident in a police transport vehicle with no seatbelt. He eventually passed away. I’d love to see a law requiring seat belts in transport vehicles for planned rides.

Larry
It’s hard to believe it’s 2024, and we still don’t have seatbelts in all vehicles. Tell us about your work with Community Legal Services.

Jordan
Community Legal Services is an amazing organization that represents people who can’t afford lawyers. They handle cases like landlord-tenant disputes, benefits issues, and more. CLS levels the playing field for people without resources, providing high-quality legal representation that makes a real impact on lives.

Larry
You’re also working on a ghost guns case. Can you explain?

Jordan
Ghost guns are gun kits sold without serial numbers or background checks. They’re untraceable and accessible to anyone, even minors or those prohibited from owning guns. We’re currently suing a manufacturer after one of their guns was used in a fatal shooting involving a rec center employee. We’re pursuing this case to help the family and challenge these dangerous manufacturing practices.

Larry
It sounds like you’re trying to make a difference in more than just individual cases. Who are some people who influenced your career?

Jordan
I learned a lot from seasoned lawyers at the DA’s office, watching them handle tough cases with skill. And coming here, I get to see your work and Bob Mongeluzzi work up close. Studying your strategies has been invaluable to my growth as a lawyer.

Larry
Thank you, Jordan. You’ve been fantastic, sharing your experiences and insights. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Jordan
Just that I look up to you, Larry. You manage a large team, have been very successful, and stay committed to our clients. What drives you to keep going?

Larry
It’s our clients—they come to us in incredibly tough situations, and we have a responsibility to help. Also, I’m grateful to work with such a dedicated and talented team. Together, we strive to make a positive impact in our clients’ lives and in society.

Jordan
Thank you again, Larry, and thank you to everyone for listening.

Larry
This has been The Real Suits, Champions of the Injured. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, and let us know what you think. We’ll continue sharing insights from our team in upcoming episodes. Thanks for tuning in!