Overview

Bryan Howard advises ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families on estate planning, wealth transfer strategies, tax planning, philanthropy, asset protection and the stewardship of closely held businesses. Based in Holland & Knight's Nashville office, he helps clients navigate personal, financial and business decisions with an emphasis on preserving wealth, minimizing tax exposure and facilitating efficient transitions across generations.

Bryan works closely with business owners on entity structuring, federal and state income tax planning, succession planning and business exits. He also counsels charitable individuals and families on selecting philanthropic vehicles that align with their goals while maximizing available income tax benefits.

Many of Bryan's client relationships span decades and often extend across multiple generations of a family. He regularly advises parents, children, siblings and cousins, as well as formal and informal family offices and their professional advisors. These longstanding relationships provide him with a broad perspective on the legal, tax and personal issues that arise throughout the life cycle of a wealthy family.

His counsel frequently involves significant family and business events, including the birth of a child, death or disability of a loved one, marriage and divorce, formation or sale of a business, substantial charitable giving, tax audits and litigation. Bryan also advises clients on fiduciary selection, including trustees and executors, and assists families in establishing and structuring family offices.

A notable aspect of his practice is his work related to asset protection. He was the principal drafter of the Tennessee Investment Services Trust Act, legislation that has enabled many Tennesseans to protect assets from future creditors.

Bryan's reputation in the private wealth arena has earned industry recognition. As noted by Chambers High Net Worth 2024, "He is an incredibly experienced practitioner and is a great resource addition to the Holland & Knight team."

"He is an incredibly experienced practitioner and is a great resource addition to the Holland & Knight team."

– Chambers High Net Worth 2024 guide

Credentials

Education
  • University of Florida Levin College of Law, LL.M., Taxation
  • Vanderbilt University Law School, J.D.
  • University of California, Berkeley, B.S., Business Administration
Bar Admissions/Licenses
  • Tennessee
Memberships
  • American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), Fiduciary Income Tax and Asset Protection Committee, 2025; Tennessee State Chair, 2011-2016; Fellow, 1998
  • Nashville Bar Association, Estate Planning & Probate Practice Committee, Chairman, 1994 and 2006; Tax Law Committee, Chairman, 2004
Honors & Awards
  • The Best Lawyers in America guide, Tax Law, 2027; Trusts and Estates, 2027
  • The Best Lawyers in America guide, Tax, Trusts and Estates, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, 2001-2026; Lawyer of the Year, Nashville, Tax, Trusts and Estates, 2001-2025; Lawyer of the Year, Nashville, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, 2001-2025
  • Chambers High Net Worth guide, Private Wealth Law: Tennessee, 2018-2026
  • Mid-South Super Lawyers magazine, Estate Planning & Probate, Tax, Estate & Trust Litigation, 2010-2025
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated

Publications

Speaking Engagements

News