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Thomas J. "Jake" Howlett

Practice Lead — Corporate Real Estate
Commercial Litigation

Location:
Troy, MI
Admissions:
Michigan & Federal Court

About Scott

Thomas J. “Jake” Howlett is Practice Lead for Real Estate at Wolfson Bolton Kochis. Based in Troy, Michigan, Jake represents business clients in real estate and complex commercial litigation matters. He leverages his experience as an attorney and former executive with a major real estate development company to evaluate disputes and transactions from both a business and legal perspective, aiming to resolve issues efficiently and with minimal disruption to operations.

Jake serves as real estate counsel on transactions and development projects involving significant commercial, industrial, and office properties across the United States, including land use and development matters, sales, and leasing.  Jake also handles real estate disputes and litigation.

Awards & Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America® — Real Estate Law (2022-2023, 2025-2026)

Michigan Super Lawyers — Real Estate (2025)

DBusiness Magazine "Top Lawyers" — Real Estate Law 2024); Municipal Law (2021)

When to Contact Jake

  • You’re buying, selling, developing, or leasing commercial or industrial property (see Real Estate)

  • A land use or development issue is delaying a project or requires municipal approval (see Real Estate)

  • A real estate dispute is escalating and needs litigation-ready counsel (see Litigation)

  • You want a business-forward approach to reduce disruption and move matters to resolution

Experience & Focus Areas

Real estate transactions & development

  • Commercial, industrial, and office projects
  • Sales, acquisitions and project support


Land use & development

  • Strategy and execution for development approvals and issues
  • Zoning, municipal approval, and government negotiation and strategy


Leasing

  • Commercial leasing transactions and dispute prevention


Real estate disputes & commercial litigation

  • Representation in commercial matters with a focus on real estate disputes
  • Washington University in St. Louis School of Law — J.D. Internship with U.S. Senator Carl Levin (Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations)

  • Duke University — B.A.
  • State Bar of Michigan — ADR, Government Law, Real Property Law, and Litigation Sections

  • Macomb County Bar Association

  • Macomb County Chamber of Commerce
  • Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education — Board of Directors Advisory Board

  • Former City Attorney — Grosse Pointe Park, Macomb Township, and Center Line

  • St. Paul on the Lake Athletics/Coach
  • Bodman PLC — Partner
  • Crown Enterprises, LLC — President
  • Viviano, Pagano and Howlett PLLC — Partner

Recent News & Articles

Bar Admissions