

About
“I make a point of becoming an expert in my clients’ businesses. I dive into the subject matter and take the fight to the other side to get the best results for my client. I feel good about that.”
— Ian McNeill
Ian McNeill represents clients in all types of civil litigation matters, including contract disputes, construction defects, partnership or vendor disputes, fraud cases, and property cases. Ian also focuses on OSHA defense as well as other administrative law matters, such as Texas Medical Board investigations, healthcare investigations, or FDA enforcement actions. Detail-oriented, strategic, and tenacious, Ian is willing to simply outwork the other side. He leaves no stone unturned and pursues every avenue on behalf of his clients.
In 2020, Ian completed his OSHA 30-Hour Outreach Training for General Industry, complementing his broad experience as both an OSHA defense attorney and business litigator.
Ian began his legal career in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, where he tried a wide range of misdemeanor and felony cases. As a result of his time as a prosecutor, he is fearless walking into a courtroom. After his tenure as a prosecutor, Ian turned to private practice, where he represented clients both in the prosecution and defense of a broad spectrum of cases. Ian utilizes his prosecutorial and civil litigation experience to evaluate each case with a unique perspective and advise his clients accordingly.
Although a native Houstonian, Ian is Scottish at heart and enjoys playing the bagpipes. At home, he is constantly in search of wall space because of his other hobby, outdoor photography. Last, but certainly not least, Ian and his wife have a son and a daughter who are just the right combination of love and mischief.
Primary Focus and Experience
- Business Litigation
- OSHA Defense
- Construction Litigation
- Administrative Law
- Healthcare Litigation
Recent Significant Engagements
- Represented an ethanol company in an OSHA case after the ethanol plant exploded. The client was originally charged with 16 items, all of which were related to the Process Safety Management standard. Out of 16 items, eight were reduced to Other Than Serious and three were vacated. Ian also negotiated a 25 percent penalty reduction.
- Represented a doctor charged by the Texas Medical Board with unprofessional conduct related to sexually oriented complaints against him. The hospital he worked for dismissed him because a complaint lodged against him was similar to a previous complaint that was dismissed without investigation. Ian demonstrated to the Texas Medical Board that the first complaint was rescinded by the complainant and showed several reasons why the second complaint was not true. The Texas Medical Board dismissed its case.
- Defended and negotiated settlement to rescind Medicare revocation on behalf of a DME supplier.
- Successfully settled a case involving a hydrogen sulfide release. The client was charged with six Serious items. Ian negated multiple elements of OSHA’s case, which resulted in the solicitor’s office vacating five items and allowing the client to pick one item and reduce it to Other Than Serious. In addition to preserving the client’s reputation, Ian was able to reduce the original penalty amount by nearly 70 percent.
- Represented physician practice in Medicare reconsideration appeal and hearing over denied charges and alleged overpayment resulting from a UPIC investigation.
- Reached favorable settlement in OSHA case involving a cave-in fatality by reducing total proposed penalty by more than 70 percent.
- Successfully settled an OSHA matter involving a serious explosion at a scrap metal yard by demonstrating injured worker’s status as an independent contractor.
- Represented a physician charged by the Texas Medical Board for unprofessional conduct related to allegations of violating a patient’s physical boundaries. Ian was able to demonstrate to the Texas Medical Board that the complainant was not truthful and had ulterior motives. The Texas Medical Board dismissed its case.
- Prosecuted case on behalf of a merchant cash advance company and recovered 100 percent of contractual payments from defendants.
- Reached favorable settlement in bankruptcy adversary case involving breach of fiduciary, fraud, embezzlement, and Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act claims.
- Successfully mediated a settlement for a concrete manufacturer in a construction delay arbitration case.
Admissions
- State Bar of Texas
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
- United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
Education
- J.D., South Texas Collage of Law
- B.A., Political Science, Trinity University
Cases We Handle
Industries Served
Our clients include entrepreneurs, large public companies, family-owned businesses, and everything in between.
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ConstructionConstruction
Hendershot Cowart P.C. provides legal guidance to businesses in the construction industry, helping contractors, developers, and construction companies navigate complex issues like contract disputes, OSHA compliance, and regulatory challenges. Our attorneys offer proactive counsel to keep projects on track while minimizing legal risks.
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HealthcareHealthcare
With extensive experience in health law, Hendershot Cowart P.C. supports healthcare professionals and organizations in matters ranging from complex healthcare litigation and regulatory compliance to management agreements and practice setup. We also defend healthcare providers against licensure issues and Medicare-related audits and regulatory investigations, providing robust legal representation in a highly regulated sector.
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RetailRetail
Hendershot Cowart P.C. assists retail businesses in managing legal challenges such as commercial leasing, intellectual property rights, employment agreements, and consumer protection laws. Our legal team works closely with retailers to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, protecting their interests and promoting business growth.
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Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
We support businesses in the transportation and warehousing industry, including freight carriers, logistics providers, and industrial warehouse operators. From regulatory compliance and contract negotiations to risk management and dispute resolution, we help ensure seamless operations across the supply chain.
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ManufacturingManufacturing
Hendershot Cowart P.C. delivers practical legal solutions for manufacturers facing supply chain disruptions, labor disputes, product liability concerns, and compliance challenges. Our team helps businesses resolve disputes quickly, mitigate emerging risks, and adhere to both employment law and industry-specific regulations.
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Professional ServicesProfessional Services
We offer strategic legal advice to professionals such as accountants, architects, and consultants in areas including liability defense, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance. Our personalized approach allows clients in the professional services sector to focus on their business while minimizing legal risks.
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TechnologyTechnology
Hendershot Cowart P.C. partners with technology companies to address intellectual property protection, data privacy, licensing agreements, and mergers and acquisitions. Our deep understanding of the tech industry helps businesses navigate the rapidly evolving legal landscape while safeguarding their innovations.
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Leisure and HospitalityLeisure and Hospitality
We provide legal services to clients in the leisure and hospitality industry, including hotel operators, event planners, and travel companies. From contract negotiations to liability protection and licensing requirements, our attorneys understand the time-sensitive nature of your business and work proactively to address legal concerns before they impact your operations.
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EnergyEnergy
We support businesses in the energy sector, including manufacturers of offshore drilling equipment, industrial components, and critical infrastructure for oil, gas, and renewable energy projects. From regulatory compliance to contract negotiations, we help companies navigate the complexities of this evolving industry.
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Construction
Hendershot Cowart P.C. provides legal guidance to businesses in the construction industry, helping contractors, developers, and construction companies navigate complex issues like contract disputes, OSHA compliance, and regulatory challenges. Our attorneys offer proactive counsel to keep projects on track while minimizing legal risks.
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Healthcare
With extensive experience in health law, Hendershot Cowart P.C. supports healthcare professionals and organizations in matters ranging from complex healthcare litigation and regulatory compliance to management agreements and practice setup. We also defend healthcare providers against licensure issues and Medicare-related audits and regulatory investigations, providing robust legal representation in a highly regulated sector.
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Retail
Hendershot Cowart P.C. assists retail businesses in managing legal challenges such as commercial leasing, intellectual property rights, employment agreements, and consumer protection laws. Our legal team works closely with retailers to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, protecting their interests and promoting business growth.
-
Transportation & Warehousing
We support businesses in the transportation and warehousing industry, including freight carriers, logistics providers, and industrial warehouse operators. From regulatory compliance and contract negotiations to risk management and dispute resolution, we help ensure seamless operations across the supply chain.
-
Manufacturing
Hendershot Cowart P.C. delivers practical legal solutions for manufacturers facing supply chain disruptions, labor disputes, product liability concerns, and compliance challenges. Our team helps businesses resolve disputes quickly, mitigate emerging risks, and adhere to both employment law and industry-specific regulations.
-
Professional Services
We offer strategic legal advice to professionals such as accountants, architects, and consultants in areas including liability defense, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance. Our personalized approach allows clients in the professional services sector to focus on their business while minimizing legal risks.
-
Technology
Hendershot Cowart P.C. partners with technology companies to address intellectual property protection, data privacy, licensing agreements, and mergers and acquisitions. Our deep understanding of the tech industry helps businesses navigate the rapidly evolving legal landscape while safeguarding their innovations.
-
Leisure and Hospitality
We provide legal services to clients in the leisure and hospitality industry, including hotel operators, event planners, and travel companies. From contract negotiations to liability protection and licensing requirements, our attorneys understand the time-sensitive nature of your business and work proactively to address legal concerns before they impact your operations.
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Energy
We support businesses in the energy sector, including manufacturers of offshore drilling equipment, industrial components, and critical infrastructure for oil, gas, and renewable energy projects. From regulatory compliance to contract negotiations, we help companies navigate the complexities of this evolving industry.

In Business Since 1987, We've Helped Thousands of Clients Over the Years.
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Resolve 683Business Disputes & Litigation
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Launch 192New Texas Businesses
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Guide 94Business Transactions/M&A
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Defend 40Businesses Against OSHA Citations
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Review 417Physician Employment Agreements
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Defend 60Healthcare Investigations
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Set Up 214Medical Practices
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Defend Licenses Of 55Medical Professionals
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Reviewed or Drafted 481Business Contracts


Why Choose Our Team?
Unwavering Commitment to the Success of our Clients
With over 100 years of combined experience, we bring big firm expertise with boutique firm attention. Whether facing multi-jurisdictional litigation or regulatory issues, we stand by your side, fighting for your success.
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Let us put the full force of our 100+ years of combined experience to work for you.
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We handle matters from the Red River to the Rio Grande and beyond.
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As a boutique law firm, we unite real experience with personal attention.
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We take a vested interest in our clients' success — from start to finish.
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And let you get back to business.
To Us, Every Case is Personal
Real Stories, Real Results, Real Advocacy
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I wanted to share my positive experience working with Ray. I felt that he truly listened to my needs and provided solutions that aligned perfectly with what I was looking for.
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The law team at Hendershot Cowart P.C. are simply the best! Ray and Carolyn have been tremendous to work with, and our experience has been top-notch. They come with my very highest recommendation.
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We were able to navigate legal processes very smoothly and in a timely manner to keep our company in good standing.
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I really appreciate your hard work put forth for getting us through our sale. You both did a amazing job communicating the under standings we needed through the transaction.
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Great group of attorneys to be in your side when you need it most.
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Ray solved a non-compete situation for me that needed addressed.
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Mr. Hendershot did a contract review for me. He was very thorough and explained the contract really well.
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Everything you want in a good lawyer. He was proactive and got our matter resolved in short order.



The Advocates Behind Your Success
Helping You Navigate From Complexity to Resolution
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Trey Hendershot Managing Shareholder
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Katie Cowart Attorney and Shareholder
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Raymond L. Panneton Shareholder and General Counsel
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Ashley Arnett Attorney
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Crystal Batterson Paralegal
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Carolyn Carollo Attorney
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Rebecca Cepeda Paralegal
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Jacky Cortiaus Paralegal
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Alexa De La Vega Attorney
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Brady Dunlop Attorney
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Justin Futch Attorney
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Keith Lefkowitz Attorney
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Philip D. Racusin Attorney
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Patrick Sheets Attorney
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Bryan Tehrani Attorney
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Laura Vacker Intake Specialist
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Sarah M. Vida Attorney
