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Raymond Panneton Photo

Raymond L. Panneton

Attorney and Shareholder

“Every day, people come to us on their personal darkest day. Generally speaking, this sense of dread is simply due to being overwhelmed by the situation before them. As a lawyer, being able to shoulder our client's burdens and guide them through the litigation process is extremely rewarding.”
— Raymond L. Panneton

A native of Fort Hood, Texas, Raymond L. Panneton has built a national litigation practice with deep Texas roots. Practicing throughout the state since 2013, he represents clients nationwide facing complex business, healthcare, and intellectual property litigation, including non-compete violations, breach of contract matters, partnership disputes, and fraud and misrepresentation. Whether through a jury trial, arbitration, or mediation, Raymond ensures that his clients receive detailed, results-oriented representation.

Raymond is particularly well versed in the issues facing content creators and social media influencers. Among the first in his field to recognize the legitimate legal risks and regulatory concerns of today's influencers, Ray founded the social media practice at Hendershot Cowart P.C. and routinely counsels clients on FTC and FDA compliance, intellectual property protection, business formation, and influencer and content licensing agreements.

Raymond’s legal acumen and accomplishments have earned him recognition as one of “Houston’s Top Lawyers” by H Texas Magazine, as well as Young Lawyer of the Year by the Bell County Bar Association. More importantly, Ray's clients frequently post 5-star Google reviews, citing Ray's "quick grasp of the case and his ability to calmly communicate a sound defense strategy" and describing him as "genuinely focused on my best interests."

Raymond is an active member of the Bar, holding senior leadership positions within the American Bar Association and the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. Raymond has also been elected a fellow of both the American Bar Foundation and the Texas Bar Foundation.

Raymond earned his J.D. from the Texas Southern University – Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Prior to law school, he attended Baylor University’s Honor College, obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, as well as minors in Church-State Studies and Criminal Justice.

When not in the office or courtroom, Raymond is an active member within his community and within his parish. He can often be found walking his dogs with his family or enjoying Houston’s vibrant restaurant scene.

Primary Focus & Experience

Recent Significant Engagements

  • Represented a self-storage facility in a fraud and breach of contract jury trial, securing $764,391.83 in damages, including attorney’s fees.
  • Represented dentist in litigation against dental support organization (DSO) affiliated with a national dental chain.
  • Serve as counsel for several high-profile online personalities and influencers.
  • Served as outside general counsel to food and nutrition influencer and thought-leadership conference, providing legal analysis with respect to FTC regulations on material connections and disclosure requirements.
  • Represented physician in litigation against his management company related to fraud and mismanagement of practice funds.
  • Represented an owner of several hotels in obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order/Temporary Injunction against a credit union seeking to improperly foreclose on the properties.
  • Represented physician in Office of Inspector General investigation.
  • Represented an owner of a behavioral health center in successfully enforcing a non-competition agreement.
  • Represented Public Utility District in a successful appeal before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, defending the client against claims of discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Federal Fair Housing Act, and other related state and federal statutes at both the trial and appellate court levels
  • Represent applied behavior analysis (ABA) facility as general counsel.
  • Represented a property management company in successfully defending against claims of fraud and discrimination in a jury trial.
  • Represent physician group in non-competition and contract dispute with Texas Children’s.
  • Represented a home builder in successfully defending against claims of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
  • Represented several free-standing emergency rooms in litigation against their billing company for failure to properly bill and collect for the facilities.
  • Represented an owner of a fitness company in successfully defending against claims of trademark infringement.

Selected Published Articles & Presentations

Admissions

  • State Bar of Texas
  • The District of Columbia Bar
  • United States Supreme Court
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Texas

Education

  • J.D., Texas Southern University – Thurgood Marshall School of Law
  • B.A., Political Science, Baylor University Honors College

Volunteer Service

  • Vice Chair, Litigation and Trial Practice General Committee, American Bar Association, 2024-2025
  • Member, Houston Bar Association Professionalism Committee, 2023-2024
  • The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board, a committee of the Houston Bar Association, 2023-2024
  • Member, Houston Bar Association Membership Committee, 2023-2024
  • Vice Chair, Litigation and Trial Practice Committee, Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) of the American Bar Association, 2023-2024
  • Member, American Bar Association Board of Elections, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025

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