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Andrew W. Cowan
also known as Andy Cowan
About Andrew
Biography
I practice law to help real people solve real problems. Whether you are coming to me for estate planning, estate administration, or criminal defense, I help you understand your situation in plain English, give you advice you can use, and work for what you want.
Everybody comes to an estate planner with different priorities and different needs. In this area, my job is to sit down with you and make sure that I understand what you need. For some people, it is a simple matter of making sure that their will is up to date and treats their children fairly and equally. Others want to make sure that nobody can fight over their estate. At the next level, you may be thinking of avoiding probate, or protecting a disabled family member. Families with assets of $1 million and up need to think about how their estate will be taxed, and what they can do to make sure that they do not overpay. If you are in the habit of making charitable contributions, you can use charitable estate planning to generate tax benefits now or at the time of your death.
Regardless of your goals, I will tailor a plan that fits you and your family. Rather than selling cookie-cutter documents that you can’t understand, I will make sure that every part of your estate plan is custom-fit to you. You have the opportunity to review all of your documents and ask me questions before signing anything, and the plan isn’t done until you say it is. After planning is complete, I will check in with you periodically to make sure that your plan still fits, and keep you up to date regarding any changes in the law that might impact your estate.
Being charged with a crime is a frightening experience, and you'll need an experienced advocate to guide you through the process and fight for the best possible outcome. I have represented hundreds of clients in all types of criminal cases, from shoplifting and trespass to attempted murder, kidnapping, bank robbery, and high-level drug trafficking.
Different people have different goals in a criminal case. Some people need to win the case at any cost, because a conviction would be devastating. Others care more about minimizing the time that they spend in court, and getting it over with as soon as possible. Still others are most worried about avoiding jail time, and can tolerate the possibility of a conviction or long delays so long as they stay out. Whatever is most important to you, I will explain your options in plain English (not legalese), and work with you to figure out what approach is right for you. After every hearing, I will take the time to talk with you about what happened in the courtroom and how that affects our strategy. Before every hearing, I will check in with you to make sure that you know what to expect at the upcoming court date.
Even when a case seems hopeless, I will investigate it from every angle to find a defense. A seemingly-simple fraud case can get dismissed if the bank records are out of order. Many drug cases are won because the police do not follow all of the technical requirements for stopping and searching a suspect. Regardless of the case, I will look for any problem that I can use to your advantage.
Call or email me to discuss your case. I will read through the police report, discuss the case with you, and go over all of your options during a free, 30 minute consultation.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 250-450 per hour
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Massachusetts for 17 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 2008
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2023
Location
PiltserCowan Law
25 Bay State Rd, FL 2, Boston, MA, 02215
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Andrew W. Cowan's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
15 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (15)
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Practice Areas
Showing 6 - 9 of 9 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Jeff | November 07, 2016 | Probate
Probate Consultation
Attorney Cowan was exceptional in his knowledge and explanation of the probate process. His approach is personable, professional and above all firm on reality. I will hire Attorney Cowan for my probate needs. Before I knew about AVVO I hired Eskenas (See his Review on AVVO) whom squandered the f...
Posted by Jon | October 05, 2016 | Landlord & Tenant
Made a stressful situation with my ex-landlord a lot less stressful
I consulted with Mr. Cowan after my landlord threatened legal action against my credit score when I asked, politely, about leaving my lease early. Mr. Cowan calmly and clearly explained my rights as a tenant, and highlighted several important reasons why the landlord might be ill-advised to sue me...
Posted by anonymous | September 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Effective, Enlightening, and Essentially Right About Everything
I'm at a loss for words, so I'm going to call upon one of my favorite recording artists, David Byrne, for help. You may find yourself in a dysfunctional relationship. You may find yourself sleepwalking through the wreckage of a phenomenally bad breakup. You may find yourself getting a call from a det...
Posted by Laurel | April 17, 2014
Exceptionally skilled attorney, with a healthy dose of kindness
Andrew Cowan provides legal counsel of the highest caliber. Even with complex matters, he is able to consult with a client, review relevant documents, identify the most critical pieces of written communication, and devise an action plan. Not only does he fully explain his reasoning, he is a great a...
Andrew W. Cowan's Lawyer Endorsements
"Attorney Cowan is a top notch criminal defense practitioner. I have personally observed him in court on many occasions. He is an persuasive and zealous advocate for his clients who possesses an keen legal mind and excellent understanding of criminal law."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Andrew personally and professionally for over ten years. He is dedicated, thorough, and straightforward in his work. He is one of the most upstanding professionals I have met in my career."
"Andy has been a friend and collaborator for many years. His experience and insight were invaluable to me in my work as a public defender, and I am delighted and proud to be working with him at PiltserCowan Law LLC."
"I endorse this lawyer. Andy is an amazing, thoughtful and smart attorney. I trust his counsel and seek his advice often."
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
"I have conferred with and worked with Atty. Cowan on previous matters involving Massachusetts criminal law. I have found him to be knowledgeable and effective. I endorse this lawyer."
"I met Attorney Cowan a few years ago. He is a master of the craft, and someone clients and attorneys alike can turn to for advice. Clients should feel secure with Attorney Cowan and his ability to represent them well."
"Simply said, Andrew is a great criminal defense lawyer."
"Andy and I worked together for quite a few years. He is creative, tenacious, and cares deeply for his clients. I would trust him on any legal matter."
"I endorse this lawyer. Andrew is a fabulous and hard working attorney."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Andrew is an exceptional lawyer and well-respected member of the Bar who subscribes to the highest standards of professionalism, service, ethics and integrity. He puts the interests of clients first and is credit to the legal profession. He is a credit to the Legal Profession and I’m proud to provide this Peer Endorsement as a colleague."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"Andy is passionate about criminal defense, and definitely one of the best in the field."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Fine criminal defense lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Attorney Cowan is a thoughtful, creative and zealous advocate."
Meaghan Cary
Criminal defense lawyer
Melissa Tobin
Criminal defense lawyer
Shauna Harris
Criminal defense lawyer
Tabitha Bolden
Criminal defense lawyer
William Kickham
Criminal defense lawyer
Jesse Bousquet
Criminal defense lawyer
Isaac Kalish
Criminal defense lawyer
Keren Goldenberg
Criminal defense lawyer
Debra Faulkner
Estate planning lawyer
David Grimaldi
Criminal defense lawyer
Katelynn Creighton
Criminal defense lawyer
Jason Green
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2023.
Disbarment issued in MA, 2023
updated on 01/02/2024Disbarment is the most serious penalty for an attorney. If this attorney is currently practicing law, you should contact the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers to understand the reasons for disbarment.
Honors
2012
Rising Star Award for Exemplary Public Service, Cornell Law School
2012
Legal Worker Award, National Lawyers Guild (Massachusetts chapter)
2008
Freeman Award for Civil/Human Rights, Cornell Law School
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Attorney, Law Office of Andrew Cowan
2008 - 2013
Trial Attorney, Committee For Public Counsel Services
Associations
2015 - Present
Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Massachusetts Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
National Lawyers Guild (Massachusetts chapter)Member
2000 - Present
American Radio Relay LeagueMember
2013 - 2014
Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2013 - 2014
Hampshire County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Photographing an unsuspecting nude person
All charges dropped
HPO Violation
Not Guilty in two cases
Distribution of Oxycodone
Not Guilty
Bar Fight
Not Guilty
Cocaine Trafficking and Illegal Gun Possession
Dismissed
Attempted Arson Jury Trial
Guilty of lesser offense, time served.
Heroin Trafficking
Dismissed
Bank Robberies
Probation -- No Jail Time
Education
2008
Cornell Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2008
University of Iowa
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2016
Zealous Advocacy
Evidence
2016
Superior Court Training
Discovery
2016
Social Science and the Law
Social Science and Criminal Defense
2016
Probation Violations in the District Court
Probation Violations in the District Court
2015
Zealous Advocacy
Law of Evidence
2015
Superior Court Training
Discovery
2014
Zealous Advocacy
Law of Evidence
2014
New Lawyer Training
Scientific Evidence in Drug Cases
2014
Going Through the (Criminal) Motions
Identification Issues
2013
New Lawyer Training
Scientific Evidence in Drug Cases
2012
Technology Assisted Litigation
Tablets in Court
2012
New Lawyer Training
Scientific Evidence in Drug Cases
Publications
2017
ABA LGBT Litigator
Looking Grimm for Transgender Students?
2015
Trying Drug Cases in Massachusetts
Scientific Evidence and Protocols
2010
Trying Drug Cases in Massachusetts
Scientific Evidence and Protocols
Languages
German
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is my house, deed to my passed wife's name only, legally mine since she passed ?
24 Oct 2021
Q&A
Is this worth fighting if so what are my odds of success ?
25 Oct 2021
Q&A
Can the appeal still be filed or/and it's too late?
23 Oct 2021