How much does it cost to hire Larry for a business case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Larry walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Larry offer a free consultation?

Larry charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Larry's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Larry's current terms during booking.

How long do business cases in Texas typically take?

Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Larry gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Larry take my case if I'm outside Fort Worth?

Larry is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Larry will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Larry?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Larry will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Larry accepting new business clients right now?

Larry's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Larry E. Cotten, Business Attorney in Fort Worth

Quick answer

Larry E. Cotten is a founding partner based in Fort Worth, TX. The practice focuses on Business, Commercial RE, and Construction. Larry has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cotten Schmidt LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Fort Worth, TX
Experience: over 47 years
Known for: Business · Commercial RE · Construction

Handles Business, Commercial RE, and Construction matters from Fort Worth, TX.
Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Larry takes on

Larry concentrates on business, commercial re, construction, construction, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Larry handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Fort Worth, Texas

Larry takes business matters in Fort Worth, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Larry agrees to represent you.

Commercial RE cases in Fort Worth, Texas

Larry takes commercial re matters in Fort Worth, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Larry agrees to represent you.

Construction cases in Fort Worth, Texas

Larry takes construction matters in Fort Worth, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Larry agrees to represent you.

Construction cases in Fort Worth, Texas

Larry takes construction matters in Fort Worth, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Larry agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Fort Worth, Texas

Larry takes litigation matters in Fort Worth, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Larry agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Larry E. Cotten — business lawyer in Fort Worth

Larry E. Cotten is a founding partner based in Fort Worth, TX. The practice focuses on Business, Commercial RE, and Construction. Larry has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cotten Schmidt LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Mr. Larry E. Cotten is a lawyer practicing personal injury, personal injury defense, products liability and 8 other areas of law. Larry received a B.A. degree from University of Texas at Austin in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. Larry practices at Cotten Schmidt LLP in Fort Worth, TX.

Working with Larry on a business matter

Mr. Larry E. Cotten is a lawyer practicing personal injury, personal injury defense, products liability and 8 other areas of law. Larry received a B.A. degree from University of Texas at Austin in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. Larry practices at Cotten Schmidt LLP in Fort Worth, TX.

Clients Larry works with

Larry reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, commercial re, and construction matters in Fort Worth and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Houston Law Center
J.D. · 1979
University of Texas at Austin
B.A. Economics · 1976

Jurisdictions

Larry's state bar admissions

Texas U.S. District
1979 · ACTIVE

Larry studied at J.D. in University of Houston Law Center and B.A. Economics in University of Texas at Austin.

Law school and academic background

Larry completed J.D. in University of Houston Law Center and B.A. Economics in University of Texas at Austin. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Larry runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Larry has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Larry E. Cotten's office in Fort Worth

Larry's primary office is at 301 Commerce Street, Suite 2900, Fort Worth, TX, 76102. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Cotten Schmidt LLP

301 Commerce Street, Suite 2900

Fort Worth, TX 76102

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Larry E. Cotten — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Larry. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Fort Worth.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Larry E. Cotten claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Larry E. Cotten — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Larry usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Larry charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Larry's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Larry will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Fort Worth, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Larry

Larry discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Larry confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Larry's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Larry E. Cotten

How much does it cost to hire Larry for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Larry walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Larry offer a free consultation?
Larry charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Larry's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Larry's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Texas typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Larry gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Larry take my case if I'm outside Fort Worth?
Larry is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Larry will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Larry?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Larry will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Larry accepting new business clients right now?
Larry's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Texas residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Larry E. Cotten. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Are The Penalties For Non-Compliance With Labor Laws In Texas?
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1 verified answer · Business · Texas
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1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
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1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota
Can My Business Be Impacted By A Personal Lawsuit Against Me In Pennsylvania?
I’m facing a personal lawsuit in Philadelphia, and I’m concerned about the potential impact on my small business. My business and personal finances are intertwined. Can my business
1 verified answer · Business · Pennsylvania

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Fort Worth, Houston and Dallas in Texas

Larry handles business matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

Larry E. Cotten, Business Attorney in Fort Worth, Texas

Quick answer