Hendershot Cowart P.C. would like to express our appreciation for Raymond C. Kerr, who will be retiring from the firm at the end of the month. Mr. Kerr has been practicing law since 1964, and over the course of a career spanning more than five decades, has cultivated a reputation as a respected legal mind adept in alternative dispute resolution, civil litigation, and matters involving oil and gas exploration and production.
A quote Mr. Kerr holds dear to his heart is one that came from his friend Joe Reynolds, “If I had 1,000 lives to lead, I would lead them all as a lawyer.” This passion for the art of law has been evident since the beginning of his legal education. His wife Nancy, whom he met while serving in the U.S. Air Force, helped him through the University of Texas School of Law while working as a registered nurse. Upon his graduation, she received a “PHT” from the school, which stands for “Putting Hubby Through.” Nancy and their children – Jeff, Angela, and Amy Louise – have been a strong support system throughout his career.
A Mediator and Arbitrator for more than 26 years, and a Mediation and Arbitration Trainer, Mr. Kerr has performed over 1,000 mediations and more than 170 arbitration cases. His high settlement rate and reputation have earned him the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association’s highest mediator designation – TMCA Credentialed Distinguished Mediator. He also teaches mediation several times a year at the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center and plans to continue doing so through his retirement. You can also find Mr. Kerr at The Thurgood Marshall School of Law and University of Houston School of Law – where he shares his insight and experience with the next generation of legal professionals as an occasional guest speaker.
In mediation, he finds that the most rewarding experience is to help facilitate resolutions on the spot and assist people in moving forward with their lives because of that resolution. He has also found fulfillment in helping small- and medium-sized businesses through the trials of startup and watching them grow and flourish. When it comes to arbitration, Mr. Kerr light-heartedly states, “One of the things I like most about arbitration is that I can be the judge and not run for office or re-election.”
As he retires from practicing law, Mr. Kerr would like to express what a great pleasure he has had practicing law for 30 years with Managing Partner Trey Hendershot, who is a great attorney and friend. He would also like to leave his legal peers and new lawyers with important advice. He encourages a focus on taking studies and work seriously, and highlights the constant pursuit of knowledge and self-betterment. “Being a lawyer is a career of a lifetime, and it should be taken seriously each day. If you have the desire to solve problems and improve throughout your professional career, then practicing law will be right for you. Law provides such a unique opportunity to continually grow and learn throughout your career.”
In his retirement, Mr. Kerr plans to continue his love for tennis, which he plays every Tuesday and Thursday. He also looks forward to continuing his readings in history and the human condition. Forever an attorney, he plans to continue his work actively performing arbitrations and mediations.
Our firm thanks Mr. Kerr on his invaluable contributions to our firm and our local and legal communities. We wish him all the best in his retirement.
