Howard Snader
Director of Criminal Defense
With an extensive legal career spanning over three decades, Howard A. Snader stands out as a leading figure in criminal defense. A proud alumnus of Arizona State University, Howard earned his BS in Psychology in 1984, complementing his degree with minors in English and US History. He went on to obtain his Juris Doctor from Lewis and Clark Law School in 1987.
Howard’s dedication to excellence in the legal field has earned him numerous accolades and certifications. Notably, he was named an Outstanding Young Man of America in 1984, an early indicator of his commitment to his profession. Admitted to the State Bar of Arizona in 1988 and the United States District Court, 9th Circuit in 1991, he became a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law by the State Bar of Arizona in 1995, a certification he has renewed consistently through 2020.
Among his many awards, Howard was recognized with the Lead Counsel Award from LawInfo.com in 2001, named Attorney of the Month by Attorney at Law Magazine in 2015, and honored as a Top Attorney in North America by the Who’s Who Directory in 2016. Prior to merging Snader Law Group with the Arizona Law Group, his law firm also received the Law Firm of the Month accolade from Attorney at Law Magazine in 2016.
Beyond his impressive legal credentials, Howard is an engaging speaker and prolific writer. He has presented on topics such as DUI case management and Criminal Law for the Sole Practitioner. Howard has been a contributing editor for both Quest Magazine and Attorney at Law Magazine. His insightful articles a wide range of criminal law issues. His books, including “Evidence Discovery in Internet Pornography Cases” and “Busted: Secrets Cops and Prosecutors Don’t Want You to Know,” serve as valuable resources for both legal professionals and the general public.
Howard’s community involvement is equally noteworthy. He has been active with the Arizona State Bar since 1987 and has contributed to various organizations such as the Maricopa County Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice. His participation in Letip International and the North Phoenix Chamber of Commerce further showcases his commitment to his community.
An Arizona Interscholastic Association Official for nearly three decades, Howard officiated in baseball, basketball, and football, retiring in 2020 after a series of knee injuries. His athletic pursuits also include holding a 6th Dan in Shotokan and Taekwondo, and being a PADI-certified diver. An avid hiker, Howard has completed the Summit to Summit Challenge and hiked Havasupai Falls twice.
Howard’s personal interests are as varied as his professional achievements. He enjoys working out, practicing magic, engaging in competitive sports, and spending time with his grandson. A film buff with a passion for TV shows like Battlestar Galactica and Flashpoint, he also finds time to contribute to rescue and first aid efforts, drawing on his early ambition to enter veterinary medicine.
Colleagues describe Howard as a dedicated and introverted professional who transforms in the courtroom, leveraging his unique ability to piece together complex puzzles and command the legal arena to achieve the best outcomes for his clients. His humor, resilience, and profound expertise make him an invaluable asset to the legal community and a formidable advocate for his clients.