Finis E. Cowan III

PRO

Finis E. Cowan III

4.5
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 40 years

Tax Lawyer at Houston, TX
Practice Areas: Tax, Business

One Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston, TX

Free Consultation

About Finis

Biography

Use an experienced tax trial attorney – the IRS will.

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Business 50%

Breach of contract, warranties and fiduciary duty; deceptive trade practices, fraudulent transfer, tax malpractice, statute of limitations litigation, IRS penalty mitigation,

41 years | 600 cases

50%
Tax 50%

Tax controversy and litigation, tax malpractice and fraud

41 years | 400 cases

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 20 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 40 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 1985

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Finis E. Cowan III

One Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston, TX, 77098

finiscowan.com/

Finis E. Cowan III's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

22 Client Reviews

5 star (19)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (3)

Posted by anonymous | March 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great team

Their assistance during a challenging legal process was invaluable. I felt supported and informed throughout each step. Their dedication and expertise made a significant difference in the outcome. I am incredibly grateful for their hard work and commitment. It was a true pleasure working with suc...h a professional team.

Posted by David | January 15, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Responded Quickly

Mr. Cowan responded with the information I needed to proceed with my case. I now know how to introduce my evidence and exhibits to the court to prove my case.

Posted by anonymous | May 28, 2024 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Very quick response!

Mr. Cowan answered my question early in the morning very quickly with very sound advice.

Posted by anonymous | May 10, 2024 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Lightening fast and knowledgeable

This is the only attorney that responded to a very difficult specific question about copyright and taxes combined. His answer was well written and delivered to me quickly. Not one other lawyer could answer this question. I hope to be hiring him in the future. Message to those who think some law...yers are rude. You NEED assertive strong lawyers to WIN. If your little snowflake feelings are hurt and more important than winning well to each his own. To disparage the reputation of others after receiving a free consult? well it’s clear to everyone but you that you are a snowflake loser who does not understand what it takes to win huge settlements. RUDE lawyers get you more MONEY and smart people can hardly tolerate you.

Posted by Alex | October 24, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellence in Professional client service

Since the moment of request to review of my case to its completion, Mr Finis has always been very detailed in his explanations and expectations . As a first time in need of tax assistance he was very instrumental in providing excellent instructions regarding documentation and deadlines to ensure the... optimal outcome. Would highly recommend anyone that needs tax service to seek out his services, his eye for details is sharp.

See All Client Reviews

Finis E. Cowan III's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Finis
Michael Charles Doland headshot
Michael Doland

Business lawyer | Jun 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"The answers of Mr. Cowan are consistently accurate, full of analysis and customized to the needs of the Avvo asker. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."

Alexandria Jaquay headshot
Alexandria Jaquay

Business lawyer | Nov 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Cowan provides a much needed service on Avvo. He donates his time to individuals who are in need of immediately legal answers."

Stephanie Reyes headshot
Stephanie Reyes

Business lawyer | Nov 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Cowan provides a much needed service on Avvo. He donates his time to individuals who are in need of immediately legal answers."

John Charles Lagrappe headshot
John Lagrappe

Unknown lawyer | Aug 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Thomas Charles Turner Jr. headshot
Thomas Turner

Tax lawyer | Jul 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Finis is a compassionate, intelligent attorney with an impeccable track record. His friends, clients, and even opposing counsel love him. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking counsel. He's a wise owl who'll get your problem solved efficiently and effectively! 5 stars!"

Derek Jacques headshot
Derek Jacques

Business lawyer | Jan 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Cowan is an excellent advocate for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to a client in need. He is also an asset to the Avvo Community, providing invaluable resources to those seeking help"

Stephen Niermann headshot
Stephen Niermann

Litigation lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cowan has provided good advice on a number of legal questions."

George Chakmakis Jr headshot
George Chakmakis

Business lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Cowan clearly has the experience and knowledge to get the results for you on business and tax issues."

Rahul Aggarwal headshot
Rahul Aggarwal

Unknown lawyer | Mar 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."

Gregory D. Stone headshot
Gregory Stone

Business lawyer | Nov 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Matthew Stephen Muller headshot
Matthew Muller

Litigation lawyer | Apr 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. He and I tried a 6 week jury trial together and his work was of the very highest quality and dedication. He is thorough, persistent, insightful, effective and highly intelligent."

Tristan LeGrande headshot
Tristan LeGrande

Litigation lawyer | May 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Finis is a great attorney with extensive experience in many different areas of the law. He is particularly adept at tax law and civil litigation. He has extensive experience and has a track record of achieving great results for his clients."

View All Endorsements
Derek Jacques headshot
Derek Jacques

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Susan Jeanne Clouthier headshot
Susan Clouthier

Appeals lawyer

Charles Alfred Sturm headshot
Charles Sturm

Employment and labor lawyer

Thomas Charles Turner Jr headshot
Thomas Turner

Probate lawyer

Frank E. Mann III headshot
Frank Mann

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2020

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2020

Board Certified - Civil Trial, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

2018

Mott Annual Award, Texas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers

2006

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2005

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2004

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2003

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

1986

CPA, Certified Public Accountant

Work Experience

1991 - Present

Trial Attorney, Cowan & Co.

Associations

2001 - Present

Cowan & Co.

Lawyer

1996 - Present

Texas Lawyers Concerned For Lawyers

Board Member

1996 - Present

Texas Lawyers Concerned For Lawyers

Board Member

2005 - 2006

Texas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers

President

Sample of Legal Cases

So-called "Hobby Loss" cases

100% sucess

Client name withheld

IRS accepted our proposal without question and agreed to reduce negligence penatly

Tran v. Dang

$800,000+ fraud verdict for my client - on appeal.

Benchmark v. Elms Farris

Confidential favorable settlement

Benchmark v. Elms Farris

Confidential favorable settlement

See More Legal Cases

Education

2009

University of Houston Law Center

LL.M - Master of Laws

1985

Baylor University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2012

Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants chapter CE meetings

Tax Malpractice traps

2012

Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants chapter CE meetings

Tax Malpractice traps

2010

Litigation Tax Traps

Tax Tips For Litigators and Settlements

Publications

2010

Houston Society of CPAs Divorce Tax Traps

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution