About Us

• About Us For over 150 years, Howland, Hess has offered our clients the best of two worlds - the stability that comes from more than 150 years of law practice, and the ability to keep pace with the intricacies of the changing profession and world. Our team of dedicated lawyers, assisted by a friendly and capable staff, will devote their full attention and expertise to your legal matter. Our "small firm" atmosphere allows us to offer you personalized and prompt service, but with the quality of work and years of expertise that matches that of the largest firms in the area. Our Mission In our commitment to serve our clients with the highest of standards, we pledge: To handle the legal affairs of our clients with excellence that exceeds their expectations. To serve in a caring, convenient, cost-effective and accessible manner. To maintain integrity in our firm and earn the trust of our clients with accountability and fairness. To communicate openly and clearly. Attorney/Client Relationship Earning your trust and confidence is important to us. We will keep you regularly advised of the status of your matter, and we invite you to call at any time with questions you may have. We will be here for you in any emergency. If necessary, we will meet clients at their home, office or other convenient location. Fees We will work with you to control costs. Our fees are based on the nature of the work. For example, drawing up a will and similar matters warrant a flat fee. Others require an hourly rate or percentage fee. In personal injury cases, our fee is contingent upon the outcome of the case and we are entitled to a fee only if a settlement or verdict is in your favor. We put all fee agreements in writing. A Brief History of Howland Hess, LLP: On August 3, 1885, Mr. Guernsey Hallowell went into the business of conveyancing and real estate with William H. Shallcross at 4510 Frankford Avenue. The Shallcross family was a prominent family in Frankford who were conveyancers. The firm remained at 4510 Frankford Avenue at the Frankford Mutual Fire Insurance Company building until the 1950's. On November 21, 1897, O. Roger Melling became associated with Mr. Hallowell in the real estate and conveyancing business and in 1924, Mr. Hallowell and Roger Melling formed a partnership for the practice of law, real estate and conveyancing under the name "Hallowell & Melling". By 1935, Mr. Hallowell retired and Mr. Melling continued to practice law, real estate and conveyancing at 4510 Frankford Avenue for the remainder of his life. Also in 1935, Mr. Thomas S. Howland, father of John R. Howland, a present partner of the firm, became associated with the firm forming "Melling & Howland". In 1949, Robert G. Hess became associated with Thomas Howland and Roger Melling and subsequently formed "Howland & Hess". Bob Hess remains an active and valued senior partner and member of the firm to this day. In 1977 Howland, Hess moved their offices to Huntingdon Valley where we have remained ever since. Howland Hess has proudly been serving our clients for over 150 years.