Practice areas: Family Law, Schools & Education; view more
Licensed in Texas since: 2006
Education: Texas Wesleyan University School of Law
Marianne Howland, an attorney of Howland Shake Law in Dallas, Texas, is dedicated to guiding families and students through some of life’s most difficult challenges. She handles adoptions, divorces, custody disputes, pre- and postnuptial agreements, and post-divorce modifications or enforcement actions.
Ms. Howland is skilled in the courtroom and has extensive experience litigating complex issues. She also understands the emotional toll of family disputes and encourages amicable resolutions whenever possible. Her clients value her ability to combine strong advocacy with empathy and practicality.
A 2006 graduate of Texas A&M University School of Law, Ms. Howland has built her career on a commitment to providing compassionate, thorough and results-driven representation. Her practice is centered on family law and education law, areas where the outcomes often carry long-lasting impact.
Ms. Howland has developed a strong focus on education law. For several years, she has represented students and their families in matters involving discipline, discrimination and placement. She is committed to protecting students’ rights and ensuring that schools follow fair and lawful practices. Her work in this field reflects her passion for safeguarding opportunities and ensuring that every student has the support they need to succeed.
Ms. Howland is an active member of the State Bar of Texas, including the Family Law Section and the Trial Section. She is also involved in the Dallas Bar Association and Oak Cliff Women and Business, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and community engagement. These affiliations keep her connected with colleagues and developments in the law, allowing her to provide her clients with informed and effective representation.
Through her dual focus on family and education law, Ms. Howland continues to serve as a trusted advocate, helping clients navigate sensitive matters with clarity and care.
Practice areas
Family Law, Schools & EducationFocus areas
Adoption, Custody & Visitation, Divorce, Education, Prenuptial Agreements
- 60% Family Law
- 40% Schools & Education
First Admitted: 2006, Texas
Professional Webpage: https://howlandshakelaw.com/our-attorneys/
Bar / Professional Activity
- State Bar of Texas, Member
- Dallas Bar Association, Family Law Section, School Law Section, LGBTQ Section
- Texas Bar Association, School Law Section, Family Law Section, LGBTQ Section
- Texas, 2006
- Oak Cliff Women and Business, Member
- Dallas Bar Association, Member
- State Bar of Texas Trial Section, Member
- State Bar of Texas Family Law Section, Member
Honors
- Super Lawyers, 2023
Educational Background
- The University of North Texas, B.A. in History, May 2003
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Divorce and Children—HeadFirst Counseling, Dallas, January 2025
- Co-Author, Emergency Ex Parte Applications for TROs. Dallas Bar Headnotes, September 2019
- Mental Health Experts in Family Law, Co-Presenter, Dallas Bar Association, Family Law Section Meeting, July 2024
- Trauma-Informed Representation in Family Law, Co-Presenter, Bench Bar, Dallas County Bar Association, January 2024
- Protecting LGBTQ Youth Rights in Education and Family Law – PFLAG, Dallas Chapter, July 2023
- Protecting LGBTQ Youth Rights in Education and Family Law, Lavender Law, Chicago, IL –July 2023
- Protecting LGBTQ Youth Rights in Education and Family Law – Rainbow Roundup June 2023
- Protecting LGBTQ Youth Rights in Education and Family Law – Frisco Pride, Dallas, June 2023
- Protecting LGBTQ Youth Rights in Education and Family Law – GSA Dallas Summit June 2023
- Updates to LGBTQ Law and Policy in Texas—Mental Health Professional Roundtable, Dallas, May 2023
- Updates to LGBTQ Law and Policy in Texas – HeadFirst Counseling, Dallas, May 2023
- Emergency Orders, Co-Presenter, Dallas County Bar Association– Family Law Section, September 8, 2021
- Cross Examination Testimony for Mental Health Professionals, Co-Presenter, 214Counseling, October 1, 2020
- Co-Author, School to Prison Pipeline, Dallas Bar Headnotes, July 2025
- Co-Author, Gender Affirming Care and Family Law, Family Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association, FLS Newsletter Fall Volume, September 15, 2022
- Co-Author, Rules of Evidence in Family Law, Family Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association, FLS Newsletter, Fall Volume, September 15, 2021
- Co-Author, Child Custody Evaluations: How to Decide if You Want One, How to Prepare For One and How to Rebut One. Dallas Bar Headnotes, September 2020
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2023 - 2025