San Antonio Contract Attorneys | Business Contract Lawyers Serving South Central Texas

Drafting and Enforcing Contracts and Agreements in the Greater San Antonio Area Since 1987

At Hendershot Cowart P.C., our Texas contract attorneys focus on business agreements and contract disputes throughout South Central Texas. We combine over 35 years of Texas business law experience with deep understanding of San Antonio's diverse economic landscape – from the South Texas Medical Center's healthcare innovation to downtown's thriving business district. 

Based in Houston with deep, multi-generational roots in Texas, our attorneys are invested in protecting, enforcing, and defending your contractual rights in Bexar County, Comal County, and throughout South Central Texas.

Protect your business before you sign. Our San Antonio contract attorneys provide thorough contract reviews and strategic advice tailored to your business needs. Call (713) 783-3110 to schedule your consultation today.

What Our San Antonio Contract Lawyers Can Do for You

• Draft, negotiate, review, and execute business contracts for all San Antonio-area industries, including supplier contracts, physician employment agreements, and independent contractor 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 San Antonio's competitive marketplace.
• Start your San Antonio business on solid footing with forward-looking operating, shareholder, or partnership agreements that will serve your business through every stage of development – from Medical Center startup to established South 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. San Antonio's growing franchise market – from hospitality 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 San Antonio's diverse talent market, enriched by military expertise and healthcare researchers, 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 – particularly important in San Antonio's extensive medical ecosystem.
• Enforce confidentiality, non-disclosure, non-compete, or non-solicitation agreements using all available remedies – from filing injunction orders in Bexar 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 South Central Texas courts.

Contract Dispute and Breach of Contract Attorneys Serving the San Antonio-New Braunfels Metro Area

When contract disputes threaten your San Antonio business, you need experienced litigation attorneys who understand both the courtroom and the boardroom. At Hendershot Cowart P.C., we aggressively protect your contractual rights while seeking efficient resolutions that preserve business relationships and minimize costly litigation.

Types of Contract Disputes We Handle

• Commercial Contract Breaches: When vendors, suppliers, or business partners fail to meet their obligations, we pursue all available remedies to protect your interests. 
• Partnership and Shareholder Agreement Disputes: We represent San Antonio business owners in disputes over profit distributions, management decisions, buy-sell provisions, and partnership dissolutions – protecting your ownership interests while seeking resolution.
• Employment Contract Violations: Our experience spans from enforcing non-compete agreements against departing employees to defending against wrongful termination claims.
• Construction Contract Disputes: We handle disputes over project delays, change orders, payment disputes, defective work claims, and mechanic's lien issues. Our construction law experience helps contractors, subcontractors, and property owners navigate these complex relationships.
• Franchise Agreement Disputes: We represent San Antonio franchisees in disputes over fees, territory encroachment, termination issues, and disclosure violations.
• Healthcare Contract Disputes: We handle physician employment disputes, MSO or DSO issues, commercial payer disputes, medical leasing problems like commercial real estate and equipment leasing, and healthcare joint venture disagreements.

Our Contract Litigation Approach

• Emergency Relief When Time Matters: Contract violations often require immediate action. We have extensive experience seeking emergency temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions in Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and Wilson County courts to stop ongoing breaches, preserve evidence, and prevent irreparable harm to your business.
• Strategic Litigation Management: Not every contract dispute requires a trial. We evaluate each case for settlement opportunities, alternative dispute resolution, and cost-effective litigation strategies. Our goal is to achieve favorable outcomes efficiently, whether through negotiated settlements or courtroom victories.
• Damages Recovery and Enforcement: When contracts are breached, you deserve compensation for your losses. We pursue actual damages, consequential damages, lost profits, and attorney’s fees where available under Texas law. Our attorneys also enforce judgments through asset discovery, garnishments, and collection actions.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Services

• Arbitration: Many business contracts require arbitration for dispute resolution. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in commercial arbitration proceedings, understanding the unique procedural rules and strategic considerations that differ from traditional litigation.
• Mediation and Settlement Negotiations: Sometimes the most effective resolution comes through skilled negotiation. We represent San Antonio businesses in mediations and settlement discussions, leveraging our litigation experience to negotiate from positions of strength.

Contract Review Attorneys for San Antonio Businesses

We review your contracts, employment agreements, and business transactions (including letters of intent) to identify and address potential weak points before you sign. Most contract reviews are completed within a single consultation with 24- to 48-hour turnaround.

Our contract review process identifies:

• Hidden risks and terms that could cost your business money
• Ambiguous language that invites future disagreements
• Verbal commitments and side agreements missing from the written contract
• Industry-specific considerations relevant to your South Central Texas business

Our San Antonio contract attorneys have experience with the following business agreements and more:

• LLC or company operating agreements
• Shareholder agreements
• Partnership agreements
• Buy-sell agreements
• Government contracting and military service agreements
• Healthcare management services agreements (MSA) and dental services organization (DSO) 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

Non-Compete & Non-Solicitation Agreements in San Antonio

San Antonio's innovative business environment – from cybersecurity companies on the Port San Antonio campus to healthcare providers in the South Texas Medical Center – demands strong protection for your trade secrets, customer relationships, and key employees. We help San Antonio-area businesses draft enforceable restrictive covenants and defend against violations that threaten your market position.

Drafting Enforceable Non-Compete Agreements

Texas non-compete agreements must meet specific legal requirements to be enforceable. Our attorneys understand these requirements and draft agreements that protect your legitimate business interests while complying with Texas law.

For San Antonio businesses, we ensure your non-compete agreements include:

• Reasonable time limitations appropriate for your industry's competitive cycle
• Geographic scope tailored to your actual market presence in South Central Texas
• Activity restrictions limited to your core business functions
• Adequate consideration that supports the restrictive covenant

Additionally, as a law firm with a thriving health law practice, we are well-versed in the unique requirements of physician employment agreements with non-compete provisions in Texas, including the new non-compete requirements for certain healthcare professionals that took effect on September 1, 2025.

Non-Solicitation Agreement Services

Non-solicitation agreements often provide more targeted protection than broad non-compete restrictions. For San Antonio businesses competing for talent across diverse sectors, these agreements can protect your workforce and customer base without unnecessarily restricting employee mobility.

We draft non-solicitation clauses covering:

• Employee non-solicitation: Preventing departing employees from recruiting your team
• Customer non-solicitation: Protecting established client relationships from poaching
• Vendor non-solicitation: Safeguarding key supplier relationships

Our experience with San Antonio's competitive markets – from financial services to advanced manufacturing – helps us draft provisions that are enforceable yet reasonable, protecting your interests while respecting legitimate employee rights.

Enforcing Non-Compete Violations in South Central Texas

When a former employee or business partner violates their restrictive covenant, swift legal action is essential. We have extensive experience seeking emergency injunctive relief in Bexar County and surrounding county courts to stop ongoing violations and prevent further damage to your business.

Our enforcement approach includes:

• Emergency temporary restraining orders to immediately halt competitive activity
• Preliminary injunctions to maintain the status quo during litigation
• Damages recovery for losses caused by unfair competition
• Attorney fee recovery where available under Texas law

We understand the urgency of non-compete violations. When a key employee starts competing or soliciting your customers, every day matters. Our attorneys are prepared to act quickly to protect your San Antonio business.

Challenging Overly Broad Non-Competes

If you're subject to an unreasonable non-compete agreement, we can help you explore legal alternatives to breaking the restriction. Texas courts will not enforce overly broad agreements, and we can help you challenge unreasonable restrictions.

Grounds for challenging non-compete agreements include:

• Unreasonable geographic scope exceeding the company's actual market presence
• Excessive time limitations longer than needed to protect legitimate interests
• Overly broad restrictions on professional activities that prevent you from earning a living
• Lack of adequate consideration or failure to protect legitimate business interests

Legal alternatives we explore:

• Negotiating modifications with your former employer
• Demonstrating the agreement's unenforceability under Texas law
• Seeking declaratory relief in San Antonio-area courts
• Pursuing anti-suit injunctions when appropriate

Franchise Lawyers for San Antonio Entrepreneurs

San Antonio's entrepreneurial spirit and diverse economy have created franchise opportunities across multiple sectors – from home and professional services businesses catering to the needs of San Antonio’s growing population to automotive maintenance services helping San Antonio commuters and business fleets stay on the road. 

Whether you're evaluating a franchise investment or facing franchisor disputes, our experienced franchise attorneys provide the legal guidance you need to protect your investment.

Franchise Agreement Review and Negotiation for San Antonio Entrepreneurs

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 San Antonio market area 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

San Antonio Franchise Dispute Resolution Attorneys

Unfortunately, franchise dreams don’t always go as planned. The franchisor may have misrepresented the business opportunity, failed to provide promised support, or understated opening and other operating costs. 

As experienced franchisee advocates, we help franchisees navigate disputes with franchisors, protect their investments, and ensure compliance with franchise agreements.

Our franchise dispute attorneys can:

• Pursue arbitration to enforce the terms of the franchise agreement, including territorial rights and product supply or quality control issues
• Negotiate an early exit to the franchise agreement or reduced territory
• Defend against overreaching non-compete restrictions
• Challenge wrongful terminations or failure to meet renewal conditions
• Facilitate the sale or transfer of a franchise

We Draft Business Agreements for These San Antonio Industries:

Our business contract attorneys understand the specific needs of South Central Texas companies and draft agreements that protect your interests while supporting your growth objectives.

Healthcare & Medical Device Agreements

San Antonio's world-class medical complex has fostered a robust ecosystem of healthcare practices, medical device companies, and biotech startups. We help healthcare enterprises protect their innovations while enabling strategic partnerships and growth.

Healthcare contracts we draft and review:

• Telehealth service agreements ensuring compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements 
• Medical supply and pharmaceutical contracts with vendors serving hospitals and healthcare facilities 
• Physician employment agreements with hospital systems and private practices 
• Partnership and shareholder agreements defining governance and financial arrangements for healthcare practices 
• Medical space and equipment lease and purchase agreements for healthcare facilities 
• Medical director contracts defining responsibilities and compensation for healthcare leadership roles 

Defense Contracting & Cybersecurity Service Agreements

San Antonio has emerged as a national cybersecurity hub, anchored by Joint Base San Antonio and reinforced by significant federal investments in cybersecurity infrastructure. We help businesses navigate the complex world of government contracting while protecting sensitive information.

Defense and cybersecurity contracts we handle:

• Prime and subcontractor agreements for federal defense and homeland security projects
• Cybersecurity service agreements with government agencies and critical infrastructure providers
• Intellectual property licensing for defense and cybersecurity applications
• Teaming agreements and joint ventures for pursuing large-scale government contracts
• Research and development contracts for emerging cybersecurity technologies and defense innovations

Tourism & Hospitality Contracts

San Antonio's world-renowned tourism industry – anchored by the River Walk, Historic Market Square, and the Alamo – requires specialized contracts that address unique industry challenges, from seasonal fluctuations to special event liability.

Tourism and hospitality agreements:

• Hotel and restaurant franchise agreements
• Event planning and catering contracts for corporate and special events
• Tour operator and guide service agreements
• Vendor and supplier agreements for hospitality businesses
• Entertainment and venue contracts for San Antonio's vibrant cultural scene

Manufacturing & Logistics Contracts

San Antonio's central location and transportation infrastructure make it attractive for manufacturing and distribution operations. We draft contracts that protect your supply chain while enabling efficient operations.

Manufacturing and logistics agreements:

• Supply and distribution agreements leveraging San Antonio's strategic location
• Manufacturing contracts and equipment leasing agreements
• Logistics and transportation service agreements
• Warehouse and storage facility contracts

Why Choose Hendershot Cowart P.C. for San Antonio Contract Law?

We Know Texas Business Because We've Been Here Building It with You. 

Since 1987, we've helped Texas businesses navigate everything from startup formation corporate transactions to complex litigation. 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.

Our firm has represented hundreds of San Antonio-area clients in Bexar County District Courts, Comal County District Courts, and the federal court in the Western District of Texas.

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 South-Central Texas's diverse economy spanning healthcare, defense, tourism, and manufacturing sectors.

Our integrated approach means:

• No referrals to other firms for related business matters
• Consistent legal strategy across all your business needs
• Cost savings from working with attorneys who already understand your business
• Streamlined communication with a single legal team

Proven Track Record and Recognition

With over 35 years 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 San Antonio Businesses

How much does it cost to have a lawyer look at a contract in San Antonio?

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. 

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.

Is it worth suing for breach of contract?

Generally, a lawsuit makes sense when the potential recovery exceeds the costs of litigation, and you can demonstrate clear damages from the breach.

Key considerations for San Antonio businesses considering breach of contract litigation:

• Financial Analysis: Calculate your actual damages, including lost profits and additional costs incurred. Compare this to estimated legal costs and the likelihood of recovery. Small breaches with minimal damages rarely justify litigation expenses.
• Strength of Your Case: Review whether you have clear contract terms, evidence of the other party's breach, and documentation of your performance. Ambiguous contracts or situations where both parties may have breached create litigation risks.
• Alternative Remedies: Consider whether demand letters, mediation, or arbitration (if required by the contract) might achieve similar results at lower cost and faster resolution.
• Collectability: Winning a judgment means little if the other party lacks assets to pay. Consider the defendant's financial condition before committing to litigation.
• Business Relationship Impact: Litigation often permanently damages business relationships. Determine whether preserving the relationship matters more than recovering damages.
• Time Sensitivity: Contract claims have statutes of limitations (typically four years in Texas). Waiting too long eliminates your legal options entirely.

For significant breaches with clear damages and collectible defendants, litigation often makes financial sense. For smaller disputes or cases with weak evidence, alternative resolution methods typically provide better value.

Are non-solicitation agreements enforceable in Texas?

Yes, non-solicitation agreements can be enforceable in Texas, but they must meet the same basic requirements as non-compete agreements under Texas law.

Texas requirements for enforceable non-solicitation agreements:

• The non-solicitation clause must be part of another enforceable agreement, such as an employment contract, partnership agreement, or sale of business.
• The restrictions must be reasonable in terms of time, geographic scope, and activities restricted. Courts examine whether the limitations are no greater than necessary to protect legitimate business interests.
• The employer must have protectable interests, such as established customer relationships, confidential customer information, or specialized training provided to the employee that justify the restrictive agreement.
• The employee must receive something of value in exchange for the restriction, such as employment, specialized training, access to trade secrets, or confidential information.

Key differences from non-compete agreements:

• Narrower Scope: Non-solicitation agreements don't prevent employees from working for competitors – only from actively soliciting former customers or colleagues.
• Practical Enforceability: Courts can more easily evaluate whether someone is actively soliciting customers versus whether they're competing in violation of a non-compete agreement. This can make non-solicitation violations easier to prove.
• Geographic Considerations: Customer non-solicitation agreements may not require specific geographic limitations if they're tied to actual customer relationships rather than territorial restrictions.

Non-solicitation agreements directly address what most San Antonio businesses may most want to protect – their customer relationships and workforce stability, particularly in industries where customer relationships drive value. Overly broad non-solicitation clauses can still face enforceability challenges, and the specific facts of each case matter significantly.

What agreements do I need to protect myself as an independent contractor?

Independent contractors in San Antonio need comprehensive written agreements that clearly define the working relationship, protect intellectual property, and establish payment terms. Without proper documentation, you risk classification disputes, payment problems, and loss of proprietary work.

Essential independent contractor agreement provisions:

• Clear Classification Language: Include specific terms that support independent contractor status rather than employee classification, such as control over work methods, provision of your own tools and equipment, and ability to work for multiple clients.
• Scope of Work and Deliverables: Define exactly what services you'll provide, project milestones, deadlines, and acceptance criteria. Vague descriptions lead to scope creep and payment disputes.
• Payment Terms: Specify rates, payment schedules, expense reimbursement, and late payment penalties. Include dispute resolution procedures for payment issues.
• Intellectual Property Rights: Clearly establish who owns work product, whether you retain rights to pre-existing materials, and how confidential information will be handled. 
• Limitation of Liability: Include reasonable limitations on your liability for consequential damages, and specify insurance requirements or indemnification arrangements.
• Termination Provisions: Define how either party can end the relationship, notice requirements, and what happens to work in progress and payment for completed work.

For San Antonio independent contractors, having experienced legal counsel review your standard agreements can prevent costly disputes and protect your business interests as you grow your client base.

Serving San Antonio and South Central Texas

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

• Atascosa County: Charlotte, Jourdanton, Karnes City, Lytle, Pleasanton, Poteet, Somerset
• Bandera County: Bandera, Medina, Northside, Utopia
• Bexar County: San Antonio, Alamo Heights, Helotes, Castle Hills, Converse, Leon Valley, Shavano Park
• Comal County: New Braunfels, Bulverde, Garden Ridge, Schertz, Canyon Lake
• Guadalupe County: Seguin, McQueeney, Cibolo, Marion
• Kendall County: Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch
• Medina County: Devine, Hondo, Medina Valley, Natalia, Lytle
• Wilson County: Floresville, La Vernia

Protect Your San Antonio Business with Experienced Contract Attorneys

Your business is your livelihood, and we take that responsibility seriously. From launching a healthcare startup in the Medical Center to defending an established enterprise in New Braunfels, we provide the strategic legal guidance needed to protect and grow your company.

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.

Don't wait for contract problems to arise. Proactive legal counsel prevents disputes, protects your interests, and positions your business for sustainable growth in San Antonio's competitive marketplace.

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

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