Austin Contract Attorneys | Business Contract Lawyers Serving Central Texas

Drafting and Enforcing Contracts and Agreements for Greater Austin Businesses Since 1987

At Hendershot Cowart P.C., our Texas contract attorneys focus on business agreements and contract disputes throughout Central Texas. We combine over 30 years of Texas business law experience with a deep understanding of Austin's dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.

We are familiar with the contract loopholes and weak points that others may try to leverage against your business. Based in Houston and with deep, multi-generational roots in Texas, our attorneys routinely enforce and defend the contractual rights of small and medium-sized businesses in Travis County, Williamson County, and throughout the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos metropolitan area.

Get legal advice prior to signing. Contact our Austin business contract attorneys today for personal attention and custom advice on business contracts and agreements. Call (713) 783-3110 to schedule a contract review or consultation today.

What Our Austin Contract Lawyers Can Do for You

• Draft, negotiate, review, and execute business contracts for all Austin-area industries, including construction agreements, technology licensing deals, and purchase agreements. Unlike the contract templates or one-size-fits-all solutions you find online, our contract services are tailored for the risks and exposures of your business model and Austin's competitive marketplace.
• Start your Austin business on a solid footing with forward-looking operating, shareholder, or partnership agreements that will serve your business through every stage of development—from Domain startup to Central Texas enterprise. Our LLC formation services include drafting your operating agreement, preparing and filing a certificate of formation with the Texas Secretary of State, and acquiring your LLC's tax identification number.
• Review franchise agreements, licensing agreements, or investment agreements to make sure your financial interests are protected. Austin's thriving franchise market—from food concepts to service businesses—requires experienced legal counsel who understands both franchise law and local market dynamics.
• Review and redline employment agreements, especially executive or physician employment agreements. In Austin's competitive talent market, protecting your key employees while safeguarding your business interests requires strategic contract drafting.
• Set up a medical practice or healthcare enterprise with agreements that comply with applicable state and federal regulations or fall within the strictly enforced safe harbor exceptions.
• Enforce confidentiality, non-disclosure, non-compete, or non-solicitation agreements using all available remedies—from filing injunction orders in Travis County District Court to pursuing the recovery of financial damages. We also draft and implement these types of agreements, using our litigation experience to protect you against risks and exposures others may not consider.
• Litigate, arbitrate, and settle breach of contract disputes as quickly and efficiently as possible. We routinely litigate breach of contract claims over services agreements, partnership agreements, billing agreements, employment contracts, management agreements, supplier agreements, business fraud, shareholder rights, real estate agreements, misappropriation of trade secrets, practice acquisition and sales disputes, insurance coverage disputes, and more throughout Central Texas courts.

We'll Review Your Austin Business Contracts and Identify Hidden Risks 

Let us review your contract, employment agreement, or transaction to identify and redline potential weak points before you sign. Most contract reviews can be handled in a single consultation, and usually within 24 to 48 hours.

Our contract review process identifies:

• Hidden risks and unfavorable terms that could cost your business
• Ambiguous terms or provisions that could lead to disagreements over language down the road
• Verbal or written communication exchanged between parties prior to the contract’s formation, not captured within the four corners of the contract
• Industry-specific customs or practices relevant to your Central Texas business that should be factored into the contract

Our Austin contract attorneys have extensive experience with the following business agreements and more:

• LLC or company operating agreements
• Shareholder agreements
• Partnership agreements
• Buy-sell agreements
• Technology licensing and development agreements
• Franchise agreements
• Non-disclosure agreements
• Non-compete agreements
• Physician employment agreements
• Employment and executive compensation agreements
• Independent contractor agreements
• Commercial real estate and construction contracts
• Mergers and acquisitions

Austin Non-Compete & Non-Solicitation Legal Services

Austin's competitive business landscape makes protecting your trade secrets, customer relationships, and key employees more critical than ever. We help Austin-area businesses draft enforceable restrictive covenants—including non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements—and defend against violations that threaten your market position.

Here's how our Austin non-compete attorneys can protect your business:

• Draft enforceable non-compete agreements tailored to Austin's competitive business landscape. Texas non-competes must include specific limitations on geography, scope of activities, and duration to be enforceable—we ensure your agreements meet these requirements while protecting your legitimate business interests.
• Enforce non-compete violations when employees breach their agreements or misappropriate trade secrets. Whether it's a tech worker joining an Austin competitor or a sales executive taking client lists to a rival firm, we pursue all available legal remedies to protect your intellectual property.
• Defend against non-compete claims using proven Texas defenses, including overly broad restrictions, employer contract breaches, or lack of legitimate business interests. We've successfully represented both employers and employees in Austin non-compete disputes.
• Review and negotiate employment agreements for Austin professionals before signing. From downtown executives to South Austin startup founders, we help you understand your rights and negotiate reasonable restrictions that don't unfairly limit your career prospects in Texas.
• Review and negotiate physician employment agreements. Because physician non-compete agreements can impact doctor-patient relationships, Texas law establishes special requirements for those agreements. Our medical contract attorneys are well-versed in the requirements of physician employment agreements with non-compete provisions, including the new non-compete requirements for certain healthcare professionals that took effect on September 1, 2025.

Franchise Attorney for Austin Entrepreneurs

Austin's entrepreneurial spirit has created a thriving franchise market, from food trucks that became restaurant chains to service businesses expanding across Central Texas. Whether you're considering buying a franchise or finding that your franchisor is not living up to their end of the bargain, our experienced franchise attorneys provide the legal guidance you need.

Franchise Agreement Review and Negotiation

Franchise agreements are complex, heavily regulated documents that can determine the success or failure of your investment. Before you sign, let our attorneys review the franchise disclosure document (FDD) and franchise agreement to identify potential risks and negotiation opportunities.

Our franchise agreement review covers:

• Territorial rights and protection—ensuring your share of the Austin market is adequately protected
• Fee structures and ongoing costs that could impact your profitability
• Performance requirements and termination provisions
• Renewal terms and transfer restrictions
• Franchisor support obligations and marketing requirements

Franchise Dispute Resolution in Austin

When your franchise relationship breaks down, protecting your investment requires experienced legal counsel. Hendershot Cowart P.C. represents Austin-area franchisees facing contract breaches, territorial disputes, and wrongful terminations with over three decades of business litigation experience.

Common Austin franchise disputes we handle:

• Breach of franchise agreement terms
• Franchise disclosure violations and misrepresentations
• Territorial encroachment by franchisors
• Wrongful termination or denial of renewal
• Improper implementation of costly system changes
• Violation of the right of first refusal for territory expansion

Don't let franchise disputes destroy what you've built. We help franchisees challenge misrepresentations, enforce territorial rights, and recover damages when franchisors fail to meet their obligations under Texas law.

Our Contract Lawyers Serve These Austin Industries:

Austin's diverse business ecosystem—from tech startups to established healthcare practices—requires sophisticated legal agreements tailored to each industry's unique challenges. 

Our Austin contract attorneys routinely draft and review agreements and handle contract negotiations with clients in these Hill Country industries:

Technology & Startup 

Austin's thriving tech sector requires specialized legal expertise in software licensing, development agreements, and equity structures. We help technology companies protect their intellectual property while enabling strategic partnerships and growth.

Technology contracts we draft and review:

• Software licensing agreements for SaaS and enterprise software companies
• Development and programming contracts with clear IP ownership provisions
• API and integration agreements for technology partnerships
• Equity and stock option agreements for Austin startups raising capital
• Vendor and service provider agreements for technology infrastructure

Healthcare & Healthcare Services

Austin's growing healthcare sector—from private practices to innovative healthcare technology companies—faces unique regulatory and business challenges. Our attorneys combine healthcare law expertise with business contract skills to serve this critical industry.

Healthcare contracts we draft or review include:

• Physician employment agreements with hospital systems and private practices
• Practice acquisition and merger agreements for consolidating practices
• Management services agreements (MSAs) in compliance with federal and state healthcare regulations
• Medical space and equipment lease and purchase agreements
• Medical director or independent contractor agreements for healthcare professionals

Real Estate & Construction 

Central Texas's booming real estate market creates opportunities and legal complexities for developers, contractors, and property owners. We draft and review construction and real estate agreements that clearly define project scope, protect against mechanic's liens, and allocate risk appropriately.

We handle real estate and construction agreements, including:

• Commercial lease negotiations for properties throughout the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos metropolitan area
• Construction contracts and subcontractor agreements
• Development agreements for residential and commercial projects
• Property management and service agreements
• Real estate purchase and sale contracts

Professional Services 

Austin's professional services sector—from creative agencies to consulting practices—requires carefully structured partnership agreements that define roles, responsibilities, and succession plans.

We have experience with these professional services agreements:

• Partnership agreements for accounting, legal, marketing, and consulting firms and agencies
• Service agreements with clear scope and liability limitations
• Client engagement letters and professional service contracts
• Buy-sell agreements for partner transitions and succession planning

Food & Hospitality 

Austin's renowned food and hospitality scene requires specialized contracts that address unique industry challenges—from food safety regulations to special event liability.

Food and hospitality agreements we handle:

• Vendor and supplier agreements for restaurants and caterers
• Wedding and special event contracts with clear cancellation clauses
• Commercial lease agreements with restaurant-specific provisions
• Entertainment and venue contracts for Austin's live music industry

Why Choose Hendershot Cowart P.C. for Austin Contract Law?

Statewide Texas Experience, Local Austin Knowledge

Since 1987, we've helped Texas businesses navigate everything from startup formation to complex corporate transactions. Our Managing Shareholder Simon W. (Trey) Hendershot is a fourth-generation Texan (hailing from Gonzales, Texas), giving him a vested interest in the growth and success of Texas businesses.

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

Our statewide practice enables us to understand Texas business law at every level—from state regulations to local municipal requirements across all major Texas markets.

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 business law experience and understanding of Central Texas's thriving economy.

Proven Track Record and Recognition

With over 35 years of serving Texas businesses and recognition in The Best Lawyers in America^®, our business attorneys bring proven experience to every client matter.

Our track record includes:

• Thousands of business contracts drafted, reviewed, and enforced
• Successful representation in complex commercial litigation throughout Texas
• Strategic guidance for businesses from startups to publicly traded corporations
• Recognition from clients for responsive, professional service with transparent billing

Contract Law FAQs for Austin Businesses

How much does it cost for a lawyer to review a contract in Austin?

Our Texas contract lawyers at Hendershot Cowart P.C. can review most contracts within an hour and a half at their hourly rate, including a one-on-one consultation to review the attorney's recommendations. Most standard business agreements can be thoroughly reviewed for a reasonable, predictable fee. 

Please call (713) 783-3110 to receive a quote on the cost to review your specific contract(s). Our turnaround time is typically 24 to 48 business hours.

What makes a contract legally binding under Texas law?

Per Texas law, a valid contract must contain these four elements:

1. An offer– one party proposes terms to another party
2. An acceptance of the offer– the other party agrees to the proposed terms
3. A "meeting of the minds"– both parties reach a genuine agreement on essential terms
4. Mutual consideration– both parties must give up something of value, such as money for a service

Even with these elements in place, a contract may still be invalid if the parties who entered into the contract were not competent to do so. Minors, adults with incapacities, or adults under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not enter into a legal arrangement. Similarly, if the subject matter of the contract is illegal, it is not a valid, enforceable contract.

Do I need a lawyer to write a contract for my Austin business?

While there's no requirement that a lawyer draft a contract, relying on templates downloaded from the internet can lead to significant risks and disputes that cost more time and money in the long run. Austin's competitive business environment and Texas's specific legal requirements make professional legal guidance particularly valuable.

Template contracts often fail to address:

• Industry-specific risks relevant to your Austin business
• Texas law requirements and local regulations
• Integration with existing business agreements and corporate structure
• Gaps in liability protection that could expose your personal assets
• Dispute resolution provisions that actually work in practice

At Hendershot Cowart P.C., we have been doing this long enough to know which questions to ask to help our Austin clients get the proper operational documents in place that avoid many issues in the future.

How quickly can you review my franchise agreement?

Most franchise agreements can be reviewed within 24 to 48 business hours. 

For Austin entrepreneurs considering franchise opportunities, we recommend scheduling a contract review and consultation before you sign an agreement or pay franchise fees. Our review identifies potential red flags, negotiation opportunities, and long-term considerations that could significantly impact the success of your investment.

Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Texas?

Yes, non-compete agreements can be enforceable in Texas, but only if they meet specific legal requirements. Texas non-compete law requires that the agreement be:

• Ancillary to an otherwise enforceable agreement (such as an employment contract)
• Reasonable in time, geographic area, and scope of activity
• Designed to protect a legitimate business interest
• Supported by adequate consideration

For Austin businesses, geographic restrictions must be reasonable based on your actual market presence in Central Texas. Courts will consider factors like your customer base, territory coverage, and competitive landscape when evaluating enforceability.

What should I do if someone violates their non-compete agreement?

Act quickly. Non-compete violations require immediate legal response to prevent ongoing damage to your business. Contact our Austin business attorneys immediately to discuss emergency injunctive relief options.

Steps we typically recommend:

1. Document the violation– gather evidence of competitive activity or solicitation
2. Review the agreement– confirm the specific restrictions and their enforceability
3. Send a cease-and-desist letter– a formal notice demanding compliance
4. Seek emergency court relief– temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions
5. Pursue damages– recover losses caused by the violation

Our attorneys have experience seeking emergency relief in Travis County and Williamson County courts to protect Austin businesses from non-compete violations.

Can you help with contract disputes in Travis County Court?

Yes, we regularly represent clients in contract disputes throughout the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos metropolitan area, including Travis County District Courts, Williamson County District Courts, and the federal court in the Western District of Texas.

We understand local court procedures and judicial preferences, which helps us develop more effective litigation strategies for our Austin-area clients.

Serving Austin and Central Texas

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, Martindale

Protect Your Austin Business with Experienced Contract Attorneys

The contracts that govern your business relationships are too important to leave to chance. Whether you're negotiating your first major deal or facing a complex dispute, our experienced Texas contract attorneys provide the knowledge, skill, and responsiveness you need to succeed.

Contact Hendershot Cowart P.C. today at (713) 783-3110 to schedule a consultation with contract attorneys who understand what it takes to succeed in Austin and Central Texas.

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