Founded in 1977 by Frank N. Cowan and W. Joseph (Joe) Owen III, the law firm of CowanGates PC today comprises 10 talented attorneys whose diverse areas of expertise include commercial and civil litigation, corporate and business issues, criminal defense, domestic relations, labor and employment problems, personal injury incidents, real estate, zoning, malpractice, domestic situations, and wills, trusts, and estate planning. "It is very difficult for the lay person or even a small businessman to keep abreast of all the laws that might affect them. Our dedicated attorneys protect our clients and give them the best possible legal advice," says Cowan, a seasoned trial lawyer with extensive experience in civil and criminal litigation. Cowan and Owen, now the largest law firm in Chesterfield County, is a resourceful and respected member of the legal and civic community, serving the greater Richmond and tri-cities areas in both local and Federal courts.

Frank Cowan and Joe Owen's fathers were acquainted during Joe's youth, and Frank stayed current on Joe's educational and sports career through that association. It was in 1976, fourteen years after Cowan started practicing law, that the two attorneys decided to join forces and start their own firm.

Frank Cowan is a native of Danville, a graduate of Virginia Tech, but has called Richmond home since his years at the University of Richmond's T.C. Williams School of Law. Frank has been married to an attorney (Jerri) for eight years. He has three grown sons from his 30-year marriage to their mother who died of cancer. Frank handles all legal disputes with sensitivity and extols the benefits of mediation and arbitration, "...an alternative where parties can fairly resolve disputes without going to court. This efficient process often results in lower costs and less hostility among the parties involved," he explains.

Joe Owen, a graduate of the University of Virginia Law School, and his wife of 22 years, a former teacher now studying interior design, have two sons, age 10 and 16. Their third son Grayson was killed in a shooting accident two years ago, and Joe frequently speaks to churches, schools, and civic organizations on gun safety and parental responsibilities. Owen is a member of Bon Air Baptist Church and has been on the National Board of Trustees for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for five years. A life-long Richmonder, Joe played football on a scholarship while attending the University of Richmond. It is no surprise that he has been coaching various youth sports for the last twelve years. Joe fervently believes professionals need to become involved in community activities as much as possible and discloses that his involvement in local youth sports and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a vital part of life.

Owen's sporting spirit also is channeled toward the team effort of CowanGates PC where attorneys help each other in finding solutions to the problems of their diverse, broad based clientele, "We represent major corporations and insurance companies and neighbors and friends. We have watched companies grow as we have grown, and though much of our practice is devoted to small to medium size businesses, we always have time for the individual as well," says Joe. The attorneys share the belief that two-way communication with their clients is of utmost importance in successful client-attorney relationships.

The other eight attorneys at CowanGates PC are: F. Neil Cowan Jr., David H. Gates, Ishneila Gubb, Michael C. Hall, Deborah S. O'Toole, Mary Burkey Owens, Frank F. Rennie IV, and Derrick Thomas. CowanGates PC has been conveniently located at 1930 Huguenot Road for more than sixteen years. It is a full service law firm able to assist with any legal issue. That this firm has had many of the same clients for decades is testament to its commitment to providing excellence in personal and professional service to their clients and to its dedication to serving the community.