Austin Business Attorneys

Experienced Business Lawyers Serving Austin

We handle the full spectrum of business law – from daily operational needs to major transactions

Business Formation Attorney Services

Starting a business in Texas? We'll help you structure it right from day one. Our Austin business attorneys guide entrepreneurs – both serial and first-timers – through every step of entity formation, ensuring your business has the legal foundation to support your growth ambitions.

• Texas LLC formation and operating agreements. Protect your interests with custom-drafted agreements tailored to your specific business needs
• Corporation formation (C-Corp, S-Corp). Choose the right structure for your growth plans and tax strategy
• Partnership agreements and joint ventures. Define roles, responsibilities, and exit strategies before conflicts arise
• Anonymous LLC strategies. Protect your privacy through strategic entity layering
• Tax planning and entity selection. Structure your business to minimize tax liability while maintaining operational flexibility

Business Contract Lawyer Services

Your contracts are the backbone of your business relationships. We draft and review agreements that protect your interests while maintaining the flexibility you need to operate efficiently.

• Commercial contracts and negotiations. Clear terms that prevent disputes and protect your bottom line
• Vendor and supplier agreements. Secure your supply chain with enforceable terms
• Franchise agreement review and negotiation. Protect your investment by understanding franchise terms, fees, and obligations before you sign
• Non-compete agreements and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Protect your confidential information and trade secrets from falling into competitor’s hands
• Shareholder agreements. Prevent disputes and ensure clarity in ownership arrangements as you invite new investors to help build on your success

Commercial Litigation Attorneys

When disputes arise, you need attorneys who understand both the courtroom and the boardroom. We protect your interests through strategic business litigation and dispute resolution.

• Contract disputes and breach of contract. Enforce your agreements and protect your rights
• Partnership and shareholder disputes. Resolve internal conflicts while preserving business value
• Shareholder derivative suits. Protect company interests when management fails to act
• Non-compete violations and unfair competition. Enforce restrictive covenants against former employees and partners, and protect your market position from unfair practices
• Indemnity agreement disputes. Enforce or defend indemnification provisions in construction contracts, lease agreements, and service contracts

Business Transactions

Complex business transactions demand experienced counsel who understand both the legal requirements and business implications. We guide Austin businesses through transformative deals with strategic advice and meticulous attention to detail. 

More importantly, we ensure you understand every aspect of your transaction, so you walk into closing with complete confidence in the terms and outcomes.

• Mergers and acquisitions. Navigate purchase agreements, due diligence, and closing requirements
• Business purchase and sale agreements. Structure deals that maximize value and minimize risk
• Asset purchases and stock sales. Choose the right transaction structure for tax and liability purposes
• Private equity and venture capital. Negotiate investment terms that protect founder interests
• Business succession planning. Transition ownership while preserving value and relationships

Employment Law

Austin's competitive job market demands smart – and compliant – employment practices. We help you build and maintain a workforce while minimizing legal risks.

• Employee handbooks and policies. Clear guidelines that protect both you and your employees
• Non-compete and non-solicitation agreements. Enforceable restrictions that protect your business interests
• Independent contractor agreements. Properly classify workers to avoid costly misclassification claims
• Wage and hour compliance. Navigate Texas and federal employment regulations

Serving Austin and Central Texas Businesses

We are a Houston-based business law firm serving small and mid-sized businesses throughout Texas and the Austin metropolitan area, including:

• Travis County: Austin, Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, Pflugerville
• Williamson County: Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill
• Hays County: Dripping Springs, Buda, Kyle, San Marcos
• Bastrop County: Bastrop, Elgin, Smithville
• Caldwell County: Lockhart, Luling

Why Choose Hendershot Cowart P.C. for Austin-Area Business Law?

Statewide Reach, Local Knowledge

For over 30 years, we've helped Texas businesses navigate everything from startup formation to complex corporate transactions. Our statewide practice means we understand Texas business law at every level – from state regulations to local municipal requirements across all major Texas markets. We've successfully represented clients in Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, and Bastrop County courts, giving us insider knowledge of local practices and procedures.

We know Texas business because we've been here building it with you.

Key advantages of our statewide approach:

• Deep Texas legal and regulatory knowledge across all major business markets
• Established relationships with courts, agencies, and business communities throughout Texas
• Cost-effective representation without the overhead of multiple office locations
• Consistent service quality regardless of where your business operates in Texas
• Multi-market experience helps us anticipate challenges as your business expands

Big Firm Capabilities, Personal Firm Service

When you call Hendershot Cowart P.C., you get the same sophisticated legal solutions as the biggest firms in Texas, but we know your name, your business, and your goals. Your business receives strategic counsel from attorneys who understand both legal requirements and business realities. 

This isn't just legal service – it's legal partnership.

Comprehensive Business Counsel

Unlike boutique firms with narrow focus areas, we handle the full spectrum of business law – from daily operational needs to major transactions. Formation, contracts, employment, litigation, and M&A – all with deep Texas commercial law experience across Central Texas's thriving economy.

Investment in Your Business Success 

At Hendershot Cowart P.C., we believe in transparent fee structures that align with your business goals. Contact us to discuss how our legal services can protect and grow your investment.

With over 30 years serving Texas businesses and recognition in The Best Lawyers in America®, our business attorneys bring proven experience to every client matter.

Industries Served by Our Austin Business Lawyers

Technology & Startups

Austin's thriving tech ecosystem requires legal counsel that moves at startup speed. We support innovation with practical legal solutions for entity formation, equity structures, intellectual property protection, and growth-stage counsel. From your first line of code to your Series A and beyond, we provide the legal infrastructure for sustainable growth.

Professional Services

Accounting firms, consultancies, and service providers face unique legal challenges. We protect your practice with comprehensive partnership agreements, client contracts, and strategic liability protection. Our experience with professional services helps you focus on serving clients while we handle the legal details.

Retail & Hospitality

Austin's unique retail and restaurant scene demands legal counsel that understands both creativity and commerce. We support local businesses with lease negotiations that protect your interests, employment compliance for your team, and vendor agreements that keep your operations running smoothly.

Real Estate & Construction

Central Texas's booming real estate market creates opportunities and challenges. We help developers and contractors structure entities for asset protection, draft contracts that clearly define project scope, navigate mechanic's lien laws, and resolve disputes efficiently when they arise.

Social Media Influencers & Content Creators

Austin's creative economy includes a thriving community of influencers, content creators, and digital entrepreneurs. We provide social media law for this new economy, including FTC disclosure compliance, brand partnership agreements, intellectual property protection, and content licensing deals. Our attorneys draft influencer contracts that clearly define deliverables, usage rights, and payment terms. We also help creators structure their social media businesses for growth, navigate tax implications of influencer income, and step in when social media platforms’ policies impact your ability to monetize content. 

Family Businesses

Family businesses built Austin, and we help preserve their legacies. Our attorneys understand the delicate balance between family relationships and business success. We create succession plans that honor your vision, draft buy-sell agreements that prevent conflicts, and develop employment policies that work for family and non-family employees alike.

Our Austin Market Focus

Austin's dynamic business environment – from the Domain to Downtown Austin – requires legal counsel that understands both innovation and Texas business fundamentals. We navigate the intersection of Austin's creative energy and Texas's business-friendly laws to help your company thrive.

Round Rock Business Law

As Round Rock continues its transformation into a major business hub, we help companies navigate growth while maintaining the community focus that makes this area special. From Dell's headquarters to Main Street businesses (we hear the donuts are the best), Round Rock enterprises need legal counsel that understands both corporate sophistication and local values.

Georgetown Business Attorneys

Georgetown's historic charm meets modern business growth. We help local businesses preserve their character while adapting to new opportunities. Whether you're operating on the Square or in the newer commercial developments, we provide legal support that respects tradition while embracing progress.

Ready to Protect and Grow Your Austin Business with an Experienced Legal Team?

Call (713) 783-3110 to schedule a consultation with Austin business attorneys who understand what it takes to succeed in Central Texas. 

Your business is your livelihood, and we take that responsibility seriously. From launching a startup to defending a multi-location enterprise, we provide the strategic legal guidance needed to protect and grow your company.

Let us shoulder the legal burden – so you can get back to business.

Austin Business Law Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have an office in Austin?

Our main office is in Houston, but we regularly serve clients throughout the greater Austin-San Antonio corridor. We handle most business law matters effectively through phone and video consultations, and we routinely travel to Austin for court appearances and client meetings as needed.

Are your attorneys familiar with courts and judges in Travis and Williamson counties?

Yes. We regularly represent clients in Travis County District Courts, Williamson County District Courts, and the Western District of Texas federal court. Our attorneys have successfully handled business litigation, corporate transactions, and regulatory matters throughout Central Texas. We understand the local court procedures, filing requirements, and judicial preferences that can affect your case. This experience, combined with our statewide practice, gives us valuable perspective on how Central Texas courts compare to other jurisdictions – insight that helps us develop more effective strategies for our Austin-area clients.

How do you handle urgent business legal matters for Austin clients?

We understand that business legal issues don't operate on a 9-to-5 schedule. For urgent matters, we're available through our answering service after hours, and we prioritize rapid response for time-sensitive situations affecting our Austin clients. We’ve been called into action after 5 p.m. on a weekday and appeared in a Travis County court the next morning.

When should my Austin startup hire a business attorney?

It can be tempting to sidestep the hiring of an attorney. Legal issues may not seem serious enough to justify retaining professional counsel or paying the costs associated with their services. However, leaving nagging legal concerns unattended too long could cost you tenfold more should they develop into litigation down the road.

Early legal counsel helps you avoid costly mistakes in entity formation, founder agreements, intellectual property protection, and employment matters. Many issues that destroy startups – founder disputes, IP ownership conflicts, employment lawsuits – are preventable with proper legal structure from the beginning.

When is the best time to hire a business attorney? Simply put: before you need one.

What are your fees for Austin business law services?

We believe in transparent fee structures with no surprise billing. Most business law services are handled on an hourly basis with a retainer held in escrow. We discuss budget constraints openly and, if possible, find creative ways to provide necessary legal support within your means. We view legal services as an investment in your business success.