Anna Nicole Smith, a name synonymous with 90s glamour and reality TV drama, continues to fascinate audiences even after her tragic passing. A recent Netflix documentary delves into her life, spotlighting key figures, most notably her lawyer, agent, and partner, Howard K. Stern. This article explores the life and career of Howard K. Stern, lawyer, shedding light on his controversial past and current role.
Howard K. Stern and Anna Nicole Smith during happier times, showcasing their close relationship.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Howard Kevin Stern established his law practice and initially crossed paths with Anna Nicole Smith in the mid-1990s. His firm was entrusted with handling her modeling contracts, marking the beginning of a significant professional relationship. Their connection deepened after the death of Smith’s husband, billionaire J. Howard Marshall. Smith, contesting Marshall’s will, sought Stern’s legal expertise. Although the court ultimately ruled against Smith receiving a share of Marshall’s fortune, her bond with Stern intensified, propelling him into the limelight as a co-star on “The Anna Nicole Show” from 2002 to 2004. Beyond legal counsel, Stern ventured into talent management, founding Hot Smoochie Lips, Inc., with Smith as his primary client.
The narrative takes a darker turn with the heartbreaking loss of Smith’s 20-year-old son, Daniel, in 2006. Stern was present during this tragedy in Barbados. Days later, Stern and Smith exchanged vows in Nassau, though the ceremony was not legally binding. Further tragedy struck with Anna Nicole Smith’s own accidental overdose just months after her son’s death. Stern was named executor of her will, stepping into a complex legal and personal aftermath. A high-profile custody battle ensued concerning Smith’s infant daughter, Dannielynn. Despite being listed as the father on the birth certificate, DNA testing revealed Larry Birkhead, Smith’s former partner, as Dannielynn’s biological father.
Anna Nicole Smith with her son Daniel Wayne Smith, a poignant image reflecting on the tragic events surrounding Howard K. Stern and Anna Nicole Smith's lives.
The question then arises: where is Howard K. Stern now? Moving away from the celebrity spotlight and high-profile estate battles, reports indicate a significant career shift. Since 2019, Howard K. Stern has been serving as a public defender for the County of Los Angeles Public Defender’s Office. This transition marks a stark contrast to his previous role as a celebrity lawyer and reality TV personality. Now, Stern dedicates his legal expertise to representing individuals who cannot afford legal representation, a role far removed from the glitz and glamour associated with Anna Nicole Smith, yet arguably a more impactful application of his legal skills. His current position as a public defender showcases a different facet of Howard K. Stern lawyer, one focused on public service and the pursuit of justice within the community.
