Pat Howey
Paralegal
Pat Howey is a nationally respected special education advocate with more than 40 years of experience fighting for the rights of students with disabilities and their families. As a key member of the Connell Michael, LLP education law team, Ms. Howey plays an essential role in supporting complex litigation, guiding families through the due process system, and ensuring that every child’s educational rights are both recognized and enforced.
In Fall 2024, Pat became the first-ever graduate of the groundbreaking Master of Jurisprudence in Special Education Advocacy program at St. Mary’s University School of Law. The program—the first of its kind in the nation—was created to train legal professionals and advocates in the unique intersection of disability law, education policy, and legal procedure. Pat’s enrollment and graduation as the program’s pioneer not only reflects her passion for justice but also underscores her lifelong dedication to academic excellence and advocacy leadership.
In addition to her graduate work, Pat holds both an Associate of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, where she graduated magna cum laude. She is an Indiana Registered Paralegal and an affiliate member of the Indiana State Bar Association and the American Bar Association, affirming her commitment to high professional standards and continued engagement in the legal field.
Pat is known throughout Indiana and across the country as a fierce and compassionate voice for students with disabilities. Her extensive knowledge of special education law, IDEA compliance, and administrative proceedings makes her an invaluable asset to our firm and the families we represent. Working closely with attorneys in Indiana, Michigan, and Texas, Pat assists in every phase of litigation—from reviewing IEPs, 504 Plans, and educational records to spotting legal issues, drafting due process complaints, preparing for hearings, and supporting counsel during proceedings. She also plays a vital role in federal court cases involving systemic violations of students’ rights.
Pat Howey brings not only decades of hands-on experience, but also unmatched insight, strategy, and heart to every matter she touches. Families, attorneys, and hearing officers alike respect her deep knowledge and unwavering commitment to equity in education. At Connell Michael, LLP, she is more than a paralegal and advocate—she is a force for justice and a voice for those too often unheard.