James K. Cowan

James K. Cowan, Jr. is the Chairman of CowanPerry PC, with offices in Blacksburg and Roanoke, Virginia. Cowan represents management in labor and employment matters, complex business litigation, land use issues, and commercial real estate projects. His clients include employers, business owners, property owners, and developers, including high-tech start-ups, large manufacturers, local property owners, and national developers.

Cowan earned his J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law in 1994, where he served on the Law Review as Notes and Comments Editor and Staff Writer. He received his B.S. in English from Towson University in 1991, graduating summa cum laude. His academic background supports his work in legal analysis, litigation strategy, employment counseling, and practical business problem solving.

Cowan has extensive trial experience representing employers in non-compete litigation, business and partnership disputes, and employment-related litigation involving employee benefits and ERISA claims. He has represented companies in federal and state courts across Virginia, including matters involving wrongful discharge, disability, age, family and medical leave, harassment, race, gender, wage-and-hour issues, and appellate proceedings before the Virginia Supreme Court.

James K. Cowan, Jr. has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, Virginia Super Lawyers, and Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for Labor and Employment law. He also serves as outside general counsel to companies and nonprofit organizations, including Onward, the New River Valley’s economic development alliance. His work combines litigation experience, employment counsel, business judgment, and regional leadership to help clients manage legal risk and pursue important objectives.

Law Office Affiliations

• Chairman, CowanPerry PC
• Member, Virginia Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section

Licensed State

• Virginia

Education

• Washington & Lee University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Towson University
  BS in English, Summa Cum Laude

Awards & Badges