Beier Howlett's founders, Carl Pelton and Clinton McGee, established the firm's long-standing reputation as a leading law firm in southeast Michigan. Pelton and McGee became law partners in 1903 shortly after they graduated from law school and soon built successful private practices. Pelton was known as an insightful and decisive business lawyer; McGee was recognized as a brilliant litigation strategist. The firm has balanced its business practice with a litigation practice ever since.

Dean Beier joined Pelton & McGee in 1942, but soon was called for military service. Following Carl Pelton's sudden death in 1943, McGee recruited Harold Howlett to continue the firm's commitment to outstanding service to the business community. William Hartman then joined the firm, and the firm changed its name to Pelton, McGee, Howlett & Hartman. After Dean Beier rejoined the firm and Clinton McGee retired, the firm became Howlett, Hartman & Beier.

Howlett, Hartman & Beier built upon the tradition of excellence established by Pelton & McGee. Harold Howlett was a leading business and banking lawyer; William Hartman was an outstanding trial lawyer; Dean Beier became a premier municipal and real estate lawyer. Their integrity, professional skill and exemplary public service earned the firm an honored reputation among colleagues and in the community. Each served as President of the Oakland County Bar Association and was a civic leader.

The traditions of commitment to excellence, efficient service to clients, and personal integrity established by Pelton & McGee in 1903 continue as the goals of Beier Howlett. James Howlett joined the firm in 1957 and in 1989 the firm was renamed Beier Howlett, P.C. The firm has grown by adding individual lawyers who are leaders in their fields and by merging with established law firms. Beier Howlett attorneys have continued to serve in positions such as President of the Oakland County Bar Association, officers in sections of the State Bar of Michigan, and directors of civic organizations.

The first Oakland County Courthouse, built about 1824, was located on the corner of Saginaw and Huron streets on land given by the Pontiac Company. The log first story housed the jail, while the frame second story was occupied by the courtroom and sheriff’s residence. Following several attempts to remove the county seat from Pontiac, a new courthouse was opened on the same site in 1858. This was replaced in 1905 by a three-story building of gray Cleveland sandstone. By the 1950s, population pressure and demand for increased services forced new construction. In 1959, a more expansive site near the City’s western limits, on which some county buildings were already located, was enlarged for the Oakland County Service Center, the present courthouse.