Lance Cawthon has built a winning record representing clients for over 25 years in state and federal courts across Texas, including trials in each corner of the state and numerous appearances in its appellate courts. Lance previously practiced law in mid-sized firms after serving five years as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas. He established Cawthon Law, PLLC to more directly serve the clients affected by his daily work.
Since beginning his solo practice in 2014, Lance has represented small business owners, professionals, local governmental entities, and individuals in litigation over business disputes, real estate, construction, and governmental issues. In 2024, he prevailed in an appeal before the Texas Supreme Court, resulting in the reversal of an eight-figure judgment awarding penalties, fines, and fees to the State of Texas and a final dismissal for his client. In the past, Lance frequently represented public hospitals, public schools, law enforcement officers, government officials, and health care professionals.
His experience and skill set equips him to represent clients at every phase of their legal dispute. He is comfortable fighting for a client in trial or on appeal, but always seeks opportunities to efficiently resolve the client’s problem at the earliest possible juncture.
Lance is a member of the Texas Bar College, an honorary society of lawyers who are among the best-trained attorneys in Texas. Members are qualified attorneys who are interested in both high ethical standards and improved training for all Texas attorneys. Lawyers must complete double the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) required by the State Bar of Texas to become eligible for membership. Lance is also a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, another honorary organization whose membership is limited to one-third of one percent of State Bar of Texas members.
Lance has proudly called himself an Austin resident since 1993 and enjoys the city’s live music scene and natural beauty. He and his wife, Rachel, like to spend time with their dog, Mojo, and travel every chance they get.
REPRESENTATIVE WORK
Successful appeal on behalf of dentist against civil prosecution by State of Texas for recovery of penalties, fines, and fees under Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act resulting in reversal of judgment exceeding $16,000,000 and final dismissal
Obtained temporary restraining order in “business divorce” litigation between LLC’s two members and fair resolution of ownership dispute
Litigated and settled claims against LLC and its principals for one-ninth of initial demand in damages suit brought by outside investor
Enforced builder compliance with original contract in sale of multifamily residential property to client investment group through suit for specific performance
Negotiated fair compensation for residential real estate investors induced to buy property with undisclosed limits on its potential use
Achieved early settlement for family who purchased residence with concealed defects through suit for statutory fraud and violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act
Summary judgment favoring homeowner client in restrictive covenant dispute with developer over proposed commercial construction on adjacent lakefront property
Won appeal to reinstate client’s defamation lawsuit erroneously dismissed under the Texas Citizens Participation Act
Won appeal to dismiss claims through Texas Citizens Participation Act brought against client by business competitor
Successful defense in trial court and on appeal using Texas Citizens Participation Act to defeat claims brought by client’s former employer
First chair trial counsel for home buyer in suit against home builder/seller for failure to disclose construction defects, resulting in award of full economic damages and attorney fees
Obtained fair compensation on behalf of governmental employer against retirement fund financial advisor and affiliated broker-dealer
Secured reversal of trial court ruling and complete dismissal for public hospital district in commercial collection suit brought under Texas Indigent Health Care and Treatment Act
Professional Licenses
Supreme Court of Texas
United States District Court for the Western District of Texas
United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Education
University of Texas School of Law; J.D. 1998
Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London; Graduate Legal Studies
University of Texas at Arlington; B.A. 1992