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 and intellectual property litigation, including non-compete violations, breach of contract matters, 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 Business Law Business Litigation Social Media Law Intellectual Property & Trade Secret Protection Employment Disputes Recent Significant Engagements 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 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 an owner of a behavioral health center in successfully enforcing a non-competition agreement. Represented an owner of a birthing center in a partnership dispute. 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 Represented an owner of a bar in a partnership dispute. Represented a property management company in successfully defending against claims of fraud and discrimination in a jury trial. Represented a home builder in successfully defending against claims of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Represented an owner of a fitness company in successfully defending against claims of trademark infringement. Represented several business owners as their general counsel. Selected Published Articles & Presentations " Avoiding Pitfalls When Crafting Effective Social Media Policies " The Houston Lawyer, September/October 2023 " Small Firms Blaze Trail In Repping Social Media Influencers " by Rachel Rippetoe, Law 360, September 25, 2023 " DMCA: Copyright and Fair Use in News Aggregation Platforms " CLE Course,LearnFormula, August 22, 2023 " Navigating the Litigation Process " Webinar, August 16, 2023. " Protect and Defend Your Trade Secrets " Webinar, July 27, 2023. " Avoiding Employment Landmines: A Legal Guide To Hiring, Firing & Managing Employees " Webinar, July 13, 2023. " Setting Up Your Business for Success – From Entity Selection to Operating Agreements " Webinar, June 22, 2023. Panneton, Raymond L. “SCOTX Finds No Governmental Immunity Where Government Received a Benefit.” The Houston Lawyer, March/April 2017. Panneton, Raymond L. “Don’t Feed the Trolls: Curbing Patent Trolls in the Eastern District.” The Houston Lawyer, July/August 2017. Talaska, Robert J. and Panneton, Raymond L. “Defining the Rules: Establishing Standard of Care in Medical Negligence Litigation.” TexBarCLE, March 2016. 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 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