Business Attorney in Dallas, Texas
At the Law Office of Walter S. Cowger, I bring over 33 years of experience to businesses and individuals throughout North Texas. Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1996, I am also AV®-rated under Martindale-Hubbell's Peer Review Rating System. I have been designated a Texas Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly magazine every year since 2005.
I believe that the essence of being a lawyer is thinking solely of your client's best interests and not of your own. I take my fiduciary obligation to my clients seriously, and will always work zealously to help you accomplish your goals.
You may contact my office online or call me at 214-743-4190.
The Defense of Employers in Employment Litigation
I protect the rights of employers involved in disputes with employees, including discrimination and harassment claims under state or federal law, employment contract actions, wrongful discharge or termination claims, tort claims, Fair Labor Standards Act claims and ERISA matters. I handle claims before administrative agencies in state and federal court, including appeals. See my employment litigation page to learn more.
Business Litigation
I represent businesses and business owners as plaintiffs or defendants in lawsuits involving breach of contract, deceptive trade practices, breach of fiduciary duty, business torts and legal malpractice. I have also served as an expert witness on legal malpractice issues. To learn more, see my page on business litigation.
Employment Contract Negotiation
I counsel employees or employers in the negotiation of employment and severance agreements, reviewing all proposed contracts and advising you of your rights throughout negotiations. For additional information, visit my contract negotiation page.
Internal Investigations
When an employee makes a complaint of discrimination, harassment, or other wrongdoing by a co-worker or superior, I can conduct a through, unbiased investigation of the complaint so that you don't have to risk losing representation by your regular corporate counsel if a lawsuit is filed. I also investigate claims of embezzlement or fraud. See my page on internal investigations for more information.
Employment Counseling
I have counseled both employers and employees on all aspects of the employment relationship, including employment contracts, disciplinary issues, wage-hour issues (both rate-of-pay and exempt/nonexempt classification), employee handbooks, noncompete and nondisclosure agreements, unemployment, independent contractor v. employee status, and severance agreements.
ERISA Claims
I have represented both employers and employees in various ERISA matters, including:
- Defending a large retailer in a class action lawsuit alleging that the retailer's change of its workforce from predominantly full-time to predominantly part-time violated ERISA § 510. Suit settled favorably to employer.
- Defending an employer in a suit by a deceased employee's next of kin challenging the denial of claims for several hundred thousand dollars of medical expenses. Suit settled favorably to employer.
- Obtaining long-term disability benefits on behalf of an employee after an initial denial of benefits by the insurance carrier.
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Obtaining reinstatement of retiree medical benefits for an employee after the initial denial of those benefits.
Contact My Office
Contact me online or call me at 214-743-4190. My office is generally open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., and is located in downtown Dallas, in the Comerica Building at 1717 Main Street.