Dewey Cheatham & Howe: History

Supporting Self-Interest for More Than a Century

Back in 1871, firm founders Richard "Dickie" Dewey and Chester Cheatham joined together to lay the foundation of our firm. The two met while assisting a number of individuals seeking benefits as Civil War veterans. Despite government claims that their clients had never served in uniform, Dewey & Cheatham were able to secure substantial pensions for all of their clients in a precursor to modern-day class action lawsuits, as the government sought to avoid the expense of litigating each claim.

Having established a client base, the two expanded the firm by developing new fields of expertise. Dewey built a thriving personal injury practice by shaking down the first insurance companies and the growing industrialist/merchant class. Meanwhile Cheatham set the standard for getting criminals off easy.

As their corporate adversaries began to recognize their talent, Dewey and Cheatham expanded the firm to address their needs. Harry "How Much" Howe apprenticed and then became an associate. Raised in a family well-connected in political circles, he reached out to friends in Congress, generating special legal benefits for clients such as tax loopholes and copyright extensions. Howe became a partner in 1882, thus forming the core of Dewey Cheatham & Howe.

Over the past century and more, we have represented many celebrities. Our strongest connection is, of course, with Groucho Marx. We owe him our eternal gratitude for frequently promoting our firm name. We feel the same about the boys at Car Talk, a program on National Public Radio.

Dewey Cheatham & Howe LLP
One Park Avenue
New York, NY 10001
212-111-1111