Liability claims brought against professionals challenge careers, reputations, and public confidence. Cowles Thompson attorneys respond to these challenges by carefully advising clients on pre-litigation matters – where early assessment and analysis of claims contribute to crucial protection of a professional reputation and career. Where a difficult case proceeds to trial, clients rely on our experience and proven abilities to vigorously defend professionals – whether in state or federal court, arbitrations, or before state or federal licensing boards.
Cowles Thompson has been called upon to represent local, regional and national firms and their professionals in a variety of complex matters, including:
Lawyers and Law Firms
Our attorneys regularly defend lawyers and law firms across the state against malpractice claims arising from conflicts of interest, business and real estate transactions, bankruptcy proceedings, litigation or trial errors, probate and trust matters, and securities transactions. We are engaged in defending attorneys against grievances filed with the State Bar of Texas, as well as at hearings before the grievance committees of the Board of Disciplinary Appeals of the State Bar of Texas.
Securities Broker Dealers, Financial Advisors, and Investment Professionals
Cowles Thompson has handled a wide variety of matters involving federal and state law claims, allegations of unsuitability, churning, failure to take advantage of break points and failure to supervise. These matters include cases in state and federal court and in arbitration before the NASD; we have assisted professionals with NASD investigations and inquiries.
Director and Officer Liability
We represent corporate officers and board members in defense against claims for breach of fiduciary duty, corporate fraud, mismanagement, violation of Sarbanes Oxley, shareholder oppression and securities litigation.
Accountants and Accounting Firms
Our attorneys represent accountants in claims arising out of the preparation of financial statements, violation of GAAP or FASB standards, audits, due diligence, tax advice and financial planning, and receivership. Additionally, we represent accountants and their firms before the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.
Insurance Companies, Brokers and Agents
Cowles Thompson has a long and valued history in the insurance industry. In addition to being a leader in litigation, we have successfully defended professional liability claims arising from alleged failures of insurance brokers or agents to procure appropriate insurance coverage, lapse of coverage and claims handling errors.
Real Estate Brokers/Agents, Appraisers, and Inspectors
Our representation of real estate professionals includes defense against claims arising from the purchase and sale, leasing, assignment and options to buy or lease real estate, and matters before the Texas Real Estate Commission.
Engineering/Architecture Firms and Professionals
Our professional liability litigators have extensive experience defending engineers, engineering firms, and various design professionals, architects, construction companies, contractors, subcontractors and sureties in claims involving negligent design, construction project management, adherence to city, state, and federal codes, and industrial design and specifications issues. We have also handled matters before state licensing boards.
Medical Malpractice
Cowles Thompson regularly defends licensed healthcare professionals and institutions against malpractice claims. Our attorneys also appear before hospital credentialing committees and state agencies in connection with complaints, licensure, and grievance proceedings.
