

Why Choose Us?
We're A Houston-Based Law Firm With Nationwide Reach
Founded in 1987, Hendershot Cowart P.C. is a Texas-based law firm handling business law and litigation matters, as well as healthcare law, healthcare investigation defense, and OSHA defense. We also have a thriving probate law and litigation practice, serving executors, trustees, and beneficiaries.
As a smaller, regional Texas law firm, we unite real experience with personal attention, providing legal solutions for business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, and healthcare providers across Texas and the nation.
Hendershot Cowart handles complex litigation, transactions, and formations, working with clients throughout the life cycle of their business or healthcare practice – from start-up ventures to established institutions and beyond.
What Sets Us Apart?
- We shoulder the burden. We take on the legal challenges so our clients can get back to business.
- We believe in prompt, personal attention. We deliver the same sophisticated legal expertise as the biggest firms in Texas, but we know your name, your business, and your goals.
- In business since 1987. For over 35 years, we've helped Texas businesses navigate everything from startup formation to complex corporate transactions. We know Texas business because we've been here building it with you.
- Proven success. We often go head-to-head with national law firms – and win. Your business is your livelihood, and we take that responsibility seriously.
- We want to be your law firm for life. Unlike boutique firms with narrow focus areas, we handle the full spectrum of business law – from daily operational needs to major transactions. We take a vested interest in our clients' success — from start to finish.
Our mission: to exceed your expectations, an objective achieved through relentless preparation, meticulous investigation, and professionalism driven by experience and understanding.
We want to be Your Attorney. Your Team. Your Law Firm for Life.TM
Statewide Reach, Local Knowledge
Why choose a Houston-based Texas firm for your business or healthcare law needs? 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 Harris County, Travis County, Bexar County, Dallas County, Denton County, and Tarrant County courts, giving us insider knowledge of local practices and procedures.
Key advantages of our statewide approach:
- Deep Texas 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
We handle the full spectrum of business law – from daily operational needs to major transactions. Formation, contracts, employment, real estate, litigation, and M&A – all with deep Texas business experience.
Find out why we often sit across the table from BigLaw firms – and win. Get in touch today at (713) 783-3110 for an initial consultation.


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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Lacey Spears Attorney
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Bryan Tehrani Attorney
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Laura Vacker Intake Specialist
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Sarah M. Vida Attorney
Our Firm’s History
Our firm was founded in Houston, Texas, in 1987. Raymond Kerr aligned his practice with a colleague to establish a growing Texas law firm that would grow to be national in scope. Trey Hendershot joined the firm as an associate and now serves as managing shareholder leading our business law, litigation, and healthcare legal team.
Katie Cowart was elected shareholder in 2018 with a focus on federal issues, and in 2024, Hendershot Cowart promoted Texas litigator Ray Panneton to shareholder and general counsel.
Throughout our firm's history, we have represented clients on both sides of legal disputes. Because we represent clients on both sides, we understand our opponents and can create and implement legal strategies that help us achieve optimal results in court, during settlement negotiations, and in transactions.

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 personal firm service. 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 smaller, regional 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.

Who We Serve
We serve clients throughout Texas and the United States, including:
Business Law and Litigation
- Individuals, investors, and entrepreneurs
- Small- and mid-size businesses
- Large, national corporations
- Publicly traded companies
- Shareholders, partners, and business owners
- Construction contractors
Healthcare Law and Healthcare Fraud Defense
- Dentists
- Physicians
- Physician assistants, nurse practitioners, LVNs, RNs, and other licensed healthcare professionals
- Medical practices
- Medical groups
- Healthcare suppliers
- Hospitals
- Med spas, IV hydration, ketamine, and weight-loss clinics
- MSO and DSO investors and partners
- Durable medical equipment (DME) entities
- Diagnostic centers
- Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
- Free-standing emergency centers (FECs)
- Compounding pharmacies; and more
You know your business. We know the law. It’s our job to advocate for you.
To schedule a confidential consultation, call (713) 783-3110 or contact us online.
Recent Case Representations
- Defended a corporate client during trial and obtained take-nothing judgment as to plaintiffs' claims.
- Delivered successful settlement for an integrated e-prescribing provider in a federal patent infringement lawsuit.
- Serving as general counsel for numerous small- to mid-size businesses, including a freight-hauling business, realtor team, medical billing service, social media marketing firm, medical waste company, general contractor, and many others.
- Successfully represented free standing emergency clinic in litigation with a private insurance carrier at trial and appellate levels.
- Provided critical legal guidance to physicians and healthcare executives regarding HIPAA, the Stark Law, the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act, and commercial real estate compliance.
- Structured numerous management service organizations in compliance with Texas’ Prohibition Against the Corporate Practice of Medicine.
- Successfully represented water utility district in ADA litigation at trial and appellate levels.
- Defended residential real estate builder and related entities from contractual and construction defect claims in state court and in arbitration.
- Drafted and obtained an emergency temporary restraining order (TRO) for a company and its majority owners in derivative proceeding, providing the ability to regain control and access to proprietary information.
- Negotiated multi-million-dollar judgment against the defendant in a fraud case on behalf of a client.
- Overturned an OSHA citation for a demolition company cited for a job site fatality on a multiemployer worksite.
- Successfully represented the founder of a multi-million-dollar software company in a hostile freeze-out attempt.
- Represented trust beneficiary in complex breach of fiduciary duty litigation against a large financial institution.
- Successfully represented the founder of a multi-million-dollar software company in a hostile freeze-out attempt.
- Represented trust beneficiary in complex breach of fiduciary duty litigation against a large financial institution.