About Howard

Howard Hills is deeply connected to Laguna Beach. The town that fostered his love for the ocean and surfing, abalone fishing at Fisherman’s Cove, staying at the beach until after sunset, enjoying Page Boy burgers and malts, and driving the original Laguna trollies. Alongside his local roots, he has a distinguished career with extensive experience working in Washington, D.C. under the Carter, Reagan, Trump, and Biden administrations.

Howard Hills is a 3rd generation Laguna Beach native with a deep love for his hometown. After 18 years of working in Washington, D.C., he returned to Laguna Beach to ensure that his children and grandchildren could experience the unique charm of the town, continuing a legacy that he hopes will extend to the 6th generation. His dedication to public education and legal advocacy is reflected in his active involvement in the Laguna Beach School District and his various roles within the community.

Howard Hills would bring five decades of public education advocacy and a successful career as a federal public interest lawyer. His distinguished career includes serving as a Peace Corps lawyer drafting constitutions for Pacific island nations, a U.S. Navy JAG international lawyer, and the lead White House Legal Adviser for strategic treaty negotiations. He was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Joint Chiefs Commendation Medal for International Law by the Secretary of Defense. His achievements led to his recall in 2020-2023, as Senior Advisor to the White House treaty negotiating team, where he successfully negotiated and secured Congressional bipartisan approval of agreements extending treaties for 20 years.

Howard Hills' past as a Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) parent includes a deep involvement in the educational community:

  • Student in LBUSD: 1961-1970

  • Public School Parent and Grandparent: Since 1982, including in LBUSD from 1999-2009

  • LBHS Scholarship Foundation Award Donor

  • LBHS Drama Department Donor

  • LBHS Girls Soccer Teams Booster

  • Thurston Middle School Surf Team Booster

  • Parent Escort for Thurston Middle School Catalina Marine Science Program

  • Thurston Middle School Career Day Speaker

Five Decades of Public Service and Advocacy

Public Education Advocacy and Legal Career

  • Over 50 years of experience in public education advocacy

  • A successful career as a federal public interest lawyer

Government Service

Senior Legal Adviser (non-political) in the:

  • White House

  • State Department

  • Interior Department

Served under the administrations of:

  • Jimmy Carter

  • Ronald Reagan

  • George H.W. Bush

  • Donald Trump

  • Joe Biden

Peace Corps Service

Peace Corps Lawyer in Micronesia

  • Drafted constitutions for Pacific island nations

Military and International Law

U.S. Navy JAG International Lawyer

  • White House Legal Adviser for strategic treaty negotiations

Awards and Recognition

Awarded by the Secretary of Defense:

  • Defense Superior Service Medal

  • Meritorious Service Medal

  • Joint Chiefs Commendation Medal

  • Recognized for contributions to foreign relations, Congressional affairs, and advancing national security

Senior Leadership Roles

General Counsel for a U.S. State Department agency:

  • Operated in 100 countries

  • Managed $10 billion in annual program resources

  • Led a staff of 120

Recent Contributions (2020-2023)

  • Senior Advisor to the White House treaty negotiating team

  • Successfully negotiated, signed, and secured Congressional bipartisan approval for:

    • $7.1 billion in 20-year strategic security treaties