Charles S. McCowan, III

"Because of my longevity of practice, I have been involved in historic and precedent-setting energy industry cases across Louisiana. I bring the requisite know-how, perspective, depth of understanding in environmental science, legal prowess, and advocacy skills needed to defend these claims."

Trey McCowan defends the rights of local, regional, and multi-national energy and petrochemical clients across a wide variety of state and federal court litigation matters. He brings a deep bench of proven experience to resolving the complex commercial disputes and high-stakes litigation claims that permeate the energy industry. He also defends difficult oil and gas environmental disputes, toxic tort claims, and product liability and general commercial litigation.

In and out of state and federal court and across the region, Trey defends protracted legacy oil field site cases valued into the billions of dollars in dispute. These claims involve soil and groundwater contamination and claimed contaminants, including Non-Hazardous Oilfield Wastes and NORM and inland locations and locations in marsh/wetland environments brought on behalf of individuals and groups of landowners numbering in the hundreds. Many of these cases are class actions involving thousands of potential class members and sites ranging from one-acre tracts to 158 square miles. He also defends environmental litigation involving claims of soil and groundwater contamination involving some of the oldest oil and gas fields in Louisiana.

In addition, Trey is skilled in defending energy companies against wetlands loss disputes across Louisiana's coastal parishes.

An active and highly effective trial advocate, among Trey’s accomplishments are a litany of published cases, including myriad precedent-setting results that have shaped case law for the energy industry across the region. Trey is that litigation and trial counselor who is courtroom-tested, having tried significant and challenging cases in federal and state courts and before arbitration tribunals and administrative bodies. He strongly believes in obtaining the very best result for firm clients, being cost-conscious with their resources, and developing an overarching litigation strategy that incorporates a compelling narrative to promote an advantageous settlement or the win.

In addition to his law degree, Trey holds an M.A. in Environmental Sciences (Environmental Planning and Management) – a real value when resolving these highly specialized science-driven disputes. Trey is known for his ability to understand the depth of scientific complexity inherent in these claims, as well as for his ability to communicate sophisticated technical concepts in plain speak to judges, juries, and opposing counsel alike.