Our Firm’s History
Hendershot Cowart P.C. traces its heritage to a downtown Houston practice that began in the early 1970s. On December 23, 1987, its partners formally incorporated the firm as a multi-partner practice focused at the time on civil litigation and family law. Simon W. “Trey” Hendershot III clerked for the firm during law school and began his practice there in 1987, after graduating and earning his Texas law license. He became a shareholder in 1991.
Filling a Gap in the Houston Market
As the practice grew, the firm saw a gap in the Houston market. Physicians needed lawyers who understood both the business and the regulatory sides of medicine. The firm stepped in to fill that need, and healthcare law became a core part of the practice. Today, nearly four in 10 of our matters are healthcare.
How We Became Hendershot Cowart P.C.
Over the years, the name on the door changed as partners retired or became judges. It settled on Hendershot Cowart P.C. in 2018 when Katie Cowart was elected shareholder. Today, the firm continues to practice from its office at 1800 Bering Drive, Suite 600.
Katie joined the firm in 2007, two years after earning her Texas law license. The firm’s size and range of practice areas drew her in. “I knew I did not want to work for a large firm,” Katie says. “I liked the diversity in practice areas, while still being able to focus on litigation.”
A New Generation of Shareholders
In 2026, Sarah Vida and Philip Racusin joined Trey and Katie as shareholders, reflecting their dedication to client relationships and their contributions to our continued growth. This year also marked Trey’s 40th year with the firm – from law clerk during law school to managing shareholder. That commitment is what stands behind our promise: Your Attorney. Your Team. Your Law Firm for Life.™
We Build It, and We Defend It
The names have changed. The roots have not. Since 1987 – nearly 40 years – we have formed Texas businesses and medical practices, and we have defended them when regulators, payers, partners, or other third parties come calling. We have represented clients on both sides of business disputes, and we know how the other side thinks. That experience helps you build an effective strategy from day one, whether you end up in court, at the negotiating table, or closing a transaction.
Key Milestones
- 1986: Trey Hendershot clerks for the firm during law school.
- 1987: Partners incorporate the firm as a multi-partner practice on December 23. Trey Hendershot graduates from law school, earns his Texas law license, and begins his practice with the firm.
- 1991: Trey Hendershot becomes a shareholder.
- 2005: Trey Hendershot becomes managing shareholder.
- 2007: Katie Cowart joins the firm.
- 2018: Katie Cowart is elected shareholder, and the firm becomes Hendershot Cowart P.C.
- 2026: Sarah Vida and Philip Racusin become shareholders. Trey Hendershot marks 40 years with the firm.
Why Choose Our Team?
Unwavering Commitment to the Success of our Clients
With decades of combined experience, we bring big-firm capability with personal firm service.
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In Business Since 1987.
Nearly 40 years representing clients in business and healthcare matters.
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We Serve Clients Throughout Texas and the Nation.We handle matters from the Red River to the Rio Grande and beyond.
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We Build It, and We Defend It.
We form Texas businesses and medical practices, and we defend them when regulators, payers, partners, or outside parties come calling.
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Legal Counsel You Can Understand.
We explain every step in plain English and lay out our fee arrangement up front, before you sign anything.
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We Want to Be Your Law Firm for Life.™We take a vested interest in our clients' success – from start to finish.
To Us, Every Case is Personal
Real Stories, Real Results, Real Advocacy
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"Invaluable to have their counsel."The HC team is exceptional. I worked with Keith, Patrick and Lauren - they were an amazing team and extremely comprehensive. I had 6 total Agreements I was negotiating in the healthcare space that spanned from Operating Agreements, Joint Venture, Development (territory rights and schedule), and a Franchise Agreement, and Managements Service Agreements. Also need to form new entities, and structure investor documents. Their expertise spanned legal, business, and the healthcare regulatory environment. Invaluable to have their counsel. I highly recommend the team at HC Law.- Scott S.
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"I am incredibly grateful to the entire team for protecting my career"I received exceptional legal representation by Hendershot Cowart P.C., and specifically by Brady Dunlop.
Throughout the process, Brady was patient, tireless, and highly strategic in developing a solid defense. His guidance and expertise were invaluable, ultimately leading to a smooth dismissal of the case.
As someone deeply dedicated to the field of medicine, these allegations were personally distressing. I am incredibly grateful to the entire team for protecting my career and resolving this matter so effectively. Thank you.- Jenni B. -
"It was a delight to finally get an attorney on the phone that seemed to know the exact steps that we needed to take."I’m very pleased with the outcome so far with this law firm, from the initial contact with their intake and how polite they were documenting everything that we talked about. The knowledge that they had was just great. Laura Vacker called me within the day to go over everything, She was extremely helpful. She broke down everything and gave me as much information on the law firm that could be provided. Most law firms don’t even do that. She gave me different options, which I am reviewing now. It was a delight to finally get an attorney on the phone that seemed to know the exact steps that we needed to take.- Patrick B.
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"We will be back for all future legal needs."I highly recommend Hendershot Cowart and specifically Philip. He helped us on a very complicated property dispute that ended in our favor. It was clear from the start that he is motivated and genuinely cares about his clients. We will be back for all future legal needs.- Zachary H.
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"I'm glad to know I always have top-notch legal representation"I have worked with Trey and the team there multiple times. They are attentive, great to work with, and I'm glad to know I always have top-notch legal representation- Brad B.
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"Keith was able to get our business up and running again."
Great people to work with! Keith helped us through our appeal step by step and was able to get our business up and running again.
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"Super happy with this law firm!"
Anton was my attorney for a ceases desist letter. He was absolutely amazing, responded extremely quickly and the response he wrote for me was phenomenal. Super happy with this law firm!
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"I don't believe we could have navigated this challenging situation without his support."
Highly recommend the firm and Philip in particular; I greatly appreciate the firm for the invaluable assistance with the legal matters we engaged it to address. Philip Racusin's expertise, attentiveness, responsiveness, and professionalism have been exceptional, and I don't believe we could have navigated this challenging situation without his support.
