MINNESOTA 250 | 

Phaedra Howard

Organization
Hellmuth & Johnson
Title
Attorney

Few attorneys in Minnesota can claim the depth of specialization in community association law that Phaedra Howard has built over more than two decades. An attorney at Hellmuth & Johnson, Howard represents condominium, townhouse, cooperative and other community associations on a wide range of legal matters, including assessment collection and lien foreclosure, enforcement of governing documents, fair housing issues, board governance and litigation.

In 2024, Howard was granted fellowship in the College of Community Association Lawyers, a distinction held by fewer than 175 attorneys nationwide out of more than 4,000 who practice community association law.

Her representative matters include a successful appeal establishing a townhome association’s authority to assess legal fees against a disruptive member — Horodenski v. Lyndale Green Townhome Association, Inc. — and membership termination proceedings against disruptive cooperative members in Rolling Meadows Cooperative, Inc. v. MacAtee.

Howard also represents property owners in mortgage and lien enforcement, title matters, landlord/tenant disputes and real estate litigation. She is a certified Real Property Law Specialist with the Minnesota State Bar Association and is licensed in Minnesota state and federal courts and Wisconsin state courts.

Organization

Education

Hamline University School of Law, J.D.
University of Chicago, B.A.

Key Accomplishments

Fellow, College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL). More than 4,000 lawyers practice community association law in the United States, yet fewer than 175 attorneys nationwide can distinguish themselves as CCAL fellows. This recognition is the highest level of service to the practice of community association law.
Minnesota Super Lawyers® – 2025
The Best Lawyers in America® – Real Estate Law, 2021-2026
Minnesota Monthly Top Lawyers in Minnesota – Real Estate Law, 2023-2026

Board Affiliations

Minnesota State Bar Association Board Certified Real Property Law Specialist
CAI Educated Business Partner Certification
Member of the Hennepin County, Minnesota, and Wisconsin bar associations, and former member of the American Bar Association
Member of the MCIOA committee of the Minnesota Bar Association (2024-Present)
Member of the CAI National Business Partners Council, which works with and advises the national Board of Trustees (2024-present)
Member of the Minnesota Chapter of the Community Associations Institute, currently Chairing the Legislative Action Committee (2024-present)
Former Member of the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association and CIC Midwest; Leadership positions included serving on the CIC Midwest publications committee, serving on the CIC Midwest membership committee, serving on the Charitable Outreach Committee, Chairing or co-chairing the CIC Midwest Education committee, Co-Chairing the CIC Midwest Legislative committee
Member of the Cooperative Network

Other Honorees

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The Minnesota Legal 250 is Minnesota Lawyer’s premier recognition program celebrating the most influential and accomplished attorneys throughout the state. Our editorial team carefully selects a minimum of 250 outstanding individuals who have experienced prolonged success and an ability to successfully navigate changing client needs, legal developments, technology, economic environments, and strong community engagement.
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