601.809.4144
  • Summary
  • Education
  • Bar Admissions
  • Professional Associations
  • Areas of Practice

  • John Howard Shows

    Mississippi Attorney & Founder of Shows & Smith Law Firm PLLC

    Experience with practical insight sets my law practice apart from others. I have been practicing for more than 35 years and I am an AV® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® and was selected by the Mississippi Business Journal as one of Mississippi's 50 Leading Attorneys for 2010.

    • I have personally represented all types of people and business owners, including:
    • Entrepreneurs
    • Business men and women
    • Developers
    • Widows
    • Abused spouses
    • Children

    The common theme of my practice is individual people, not large corporations, with a variety of problems and needs. I desire a long standing relationship with clients and their children and value their trust and confidence. I give them undivided loyalty and keep their problems and needs confidential and private.

    If you are facing a legal issue, do not hesitate to contact our Jackson lawyers at (601) 809-4144. Schedule your free initial consultation today.

    Compassionate Communication throughout Your Case

    I want to be referable to my client's friends and relatives and therefore always make sure to say "thank you" and "please." I am on time, I do what I say when I promise, and I finish what I start.

    Communication is important and I always make sure that all of my clients are always kept in the loop regarding their case and what is happening. I recognize that clients really do know more than I do about their problem or need. I listen to what they have to say and act accordingly for their best interests.

    In-Depth Understanding

    I understand that the legal process is often confusing and feels extremely slow for people who are trying to work through an imperfect problem or need. I am sympathetic to their need to finish the job and bring the matter to conclusion.

    My practice is limited to specific areas. I handle real estate sales and loans and I help homeowners acquire their first home. I handle all types of real estate litigation, for example: boundary line disputes, real estate contract disputes, real estate commission disputes, zoning changes, partitions of real property, quiet title suits, and suits to remedy the defective construction of a home.

    I also help administer estates and conservatorships. I advise families on estate planning and business succession. I handle court cases in all these same areas including will contests and trust litigation.

    • Education:

    • George Washington University National Law Center, Washington, District of Columbia, LL.M. in 1974.
      • Major: Taxation
    • University of Mississippi School of Law, Oxford, Mississippi, J.D. in 1970
      • Honors With Distinction
      • Law Review: Member, Mississippi Law Journal, 1969 - 1970
    • University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, B.A. magna cum laude in 1968
      • Major: History and Political Science

    • Bar Admissions:

    • Mississippi, 1970
    • U.S. District Court Southern District of Mississippi, 1970
    • U.S. Supreme Court, 1973
    • U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 1973

    • Professional Associations and Memberships:

    • Mississippi Bar Association, Member, 1970 - Present
    • Hinds County Bar Association, Member, 1974 - Present
    • American Bar Association, Member, 1970 - Present

Personal Attention
When You Need it Most

We understand that we represent people with real problems. From families to growing businesses, both here in Jackson and throughout Mississippi, our attorneys represent a diverse set of clients with a wide range of legal concerns.

FAQ

  • #1: What made you choose a career in law?

    For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be an attorney. I think Perry Mason and the Defenders prompted this desire when I was young and it never left.

  • #2: In your opinion, what sets your firm apart from other firms in the area?

    We are result driven, client focused and passionate about success. We have represented individuals, not banks or insurance companies for 40 years.

  • #3: Tell us about a case that you are particularly proud of:

    I am not sure I can pick one case. What I am proud of is that I have clients who have continued to come back for legal services for a period of 40 years and their children continue to use our services.

  • #4: What steps do you take to prepare for a difficult case?

    Begin with the end in mind. Set out all the causes of action, set out all the proof necessary to prove the cause of action and list the facts we know to meet the needed proof. Then we have a plan of action that we can implement that will get us to the desired outcome.

  • #5: How do you view your role in the attorney-client relationship?

    I am an advisor/counselor. I provide advice and alternatives so the client can decide his or her best course of action.

  • #6: What sets you apart from other attorneys – why is this important?

    Experience that is long, wide and deep. Never go back on my word. Always put the client first without jeopardizing my integrity. Trust is the result for both clients and other attorneys.

  • #7: How does having experience benefit your clients?

    You have seen the results when your judgment was right and when it was wrong. Having failed in being right in a judgment decision give the client a much greater perspective of the options and the consequences.

  • #8: What types of cases do you specifically handle?

    Real estate litigation; wills and trust litigation; estate planning and business planning; commercial and residential real estate closings.

  • 9: In your opinion, what is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

    Helping clients to solve problems, either personally or with their business, and then seeing them succeed.

  • #10: What advice do you most often give your clients & why?

    I do not make these facts and that I can only work with what exists at this point of time. However, I assure them that I will work very hard for them, but there are no guaranteed results because once you are in court, you lose control. My essential question every time is: can we resolve this matter without going to court or arbitration? I would always prefer to control the outcome, if possible. If not possible in court.