Richard C. (“Rick”) Howard, Jr. is one of the most dedicated, personable, and highly-respected attorneys in Bucks and Montgomery Counties and beyond. Demonstrating strong advocacy on behalf of well-counseled clients, people trust Rick’s sound judgment, undaunted work ethic, and over twenty-five years’ experience handling wide varieties of legal matters, particularly related to litigation.
With a proven track record of best strategies and problem-solving techniques, Rick seeks to resolve issues expeditiously and cost-effectively. Rick has extensive court experience appearing before judges, arbitrators, and juries, having brought several matters to successful verdict. Rick prides himself on getting to the heart of each client’s individual legal issue, providing strong advice as part of the problem-solving process. Clients truly appreciate his individual care, active listening, and assistance in contending effectively with tough legal issues.
Rick is AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell in both ethics and legal knowledge. Clients such as insurance companies, business owners, contractors, vendors, and indiviudals come to Rick from throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. Rick’s practice areas include Civil and Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury, Insurance Defense, Commercial Debt Collection, and Divorce/Domestic Matters.
As Chief Financial Officer of Weber, Kracht and Chellew, Rick is charged with overseeing management of the firm’s finances and the ongoing integrity of its financial stability. Widely viewed as enthusiastic and level-headed, Rick serves as a court-appointed arbitrator in Bucks County and is often appointed arbitrator in insurance and civil litigation matters.
Rick enjoys the interactive nature of public speaking, and believes strongly in good communication as part of problem-solving. This passion is evident in several facets, including his role as an adjunct professor at Bucks County Community College, where he teaches law courses. Rick has served as a presenter at legal conferences and seminars, including as Chair of the Bucks County Bar Association Continued Legal Education Committee. He also offers his expertise as a radio guest and resource on current legal issues.
Rick is actively involved in several organizations, including the Upper Bucks and Indian Valley Chambers of Commerce, Believers in Business, Pennridge Business Networking Group, and Quakertown Business Network Group.
He has served as board member for his neighborhood community association, and secretary for The 69th PA Irish Volunteers, a group that teaches Civil War and other first person living history to schools and the public. His involvement extends to singing in The 69th PA Irish Volunteers Civil War Band, which raises funds to locate and place gravestones for fallen soldiers. This is incredibly meaningful work to Rick, whose family has a strong tradition of military and community service to our country.
When not working, Rick enjoys music, exercise, reading, visiting historic sites with his wife, walking his dog, hiking, relaxing with his family – including eight nieces and nephews – and camaraderie with friends. He is an avid baseball and football fan and enjoys classic movies.
Admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and before the Federal Courts, Rick is an active member of the Pennsylvania and Bucks County Bar Associations. He received his law degree from the University of Dayton in 1990, with academic honors. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Scranton in 1987.
Rick is AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Practice Areas:
Commercial Debt Collection
Divorce/Domestic Matters
Insurance Defense
Litigation – Civil and Commercial
Personal Injury
Admissions:
Pennsylvania Supreme Court
US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals
New Jersey Supreme Court
Professional Affiliations:
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Bucks County Bar Association
Believers in Business
69th PA Irish Volunteers
Quakertown Business Network
Pennridge Business Network
Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce
Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce
Irish American Business Network
Public Offices:
Sellersville Borough Zoning Hearing Board, 2016-Present
Education:
J.D., University of Dayton, 1990
B.A., Communications/History, University of Scranton, 1987
Clerkship:
Law Clerk, Honorable John J. Rufe, Court of Common Pleas, Bucks County (1990-1991)
Michael Kracht
As of October 24, 2022, Michael Kracht, Esquire has retired from the firm and will remain “Of Counsel” to the firm.
Michael Kracht became a lawyer quite simply to help people and make a meaningful difference in their lives. It is that desire to help and go way beyond the typical “call of duty” that motivates him to be an outstanding advocate and counselor to his clients. Michael’s desire to give back started decades ago. After graduating from law school, Michael served as an Assistant Attorney General in the State of Kansas. After that, he entered the Peace Corps, teaching children in Ecuador for several years before returning to the States and joining the staff of Chester County’s Legal Aid Office. Despite his busy practice, to this day, Michael is active in doing pro bono work for the community including handling protection from abuse matters. As Managing Shareholder of the firm, Michael leads by example, instilling in his staff and lawyers his profound belief that it is everyone’s responsibility to help those in the community to the best of everyone’s abilities.
Michael continues to serve as Solicitor to Dublin Borough and plans to continue pursuing his dedication to public service by continuing with his membership on the Doylestown Township Planning Commission and on his church’s Governing Council during his retirement. His past municipal posts include Solicitor to Perkasie Borough, the Silverdale Zoning Hearing Board, and Special Counsel to both Sellersville and Souderton Boroughs. Projects have included the development of commercial and residential properties, the adaptive re-use of dilapidated properties, the dedication of a substantial amount of open space, and litigation of real estate disputes and personal injury claims. He takes pride in his work to help properties maintain their historical value and protect the environment.
Additionally, he has represented several local charities and service organizations throughout Bucks and Montgomery Counties, including Pennridge FISH, the American Foundation for Children with Aids, the Perkasie Fire Department, and Sellersville Fire Department. Of particular importance to Michael is his work as a founding board member and attorney for over 20 years to the Keystone Opportunity Center, a recognized regional leader in community-supported social services.
Michael’s practice areas have included Land Use, Zoning and Development; Municipal Law; Real Estate; and Civil and Commercial Litigation.
Outside of the practice of law, Michael enjoys playing the guitar at local coffee houses, hiking (His love of hiking has led him to climb the heights of Mount Washington in New Hampshire.), biking and cross-country skiing, gardening, playing tennis, and sailing.
A graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, Michael received his law degree from Washburn University in 1979, during which time he was recognized by the United States Chamber of Commerce as an “Outstanding Young American.” He is admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar as well as the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.
Practice Areas:
Litigation – Civil and Commercial
Municipal Law
Real Estate
Zoning, Planning, and Land Use
Admissions:
United States Supreme Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Professional Affiliations:
Director, The American Foundation for Children with Aids
Member, Bucks County Bar Association
Public Offices:
Sellersville Borough Zoning Hearing Board, 2016-Present
Dublin Borough, Solicitor, 2000 – Present
Silverdale Borough Zoning Hearing Board, 1995 – Present
Souderton Borough Zoning Hearing Board, 1997 – 2007
Perkasie Borough, Solicitor, 1991 – 2003
Assistant Attorney General, State of Kansas, 1979 – 1981
Education:
J.D., Washburn University, 1979
B.S., Secondary Education, Northwest Missouri State University