For over three and a half decades, George Cowan has been a steadfast advocate in the field of personal injury and accident compensation law, dedicating his career to representing “the battlers and little guys” against formidable insurance companies. His journey in law began with a unique path, combining external studies through the QUT with completing his articles of clerkship in Rockhampton, an experience that laid a strong foundation for his future endeavours.
Cowan’s work in accident compensation law is fuelled by the challenges the field presents and his unwavering commitment to ensure justice for those often left in the shadows of large, intimidating legal and corporate entities. Throughout his career, Cowan has witnessed significant shifts within the legal landscape, particularly in trial work and the effects of corporate advertisers on the profession.
A notable observation made by Cowan highlights the evolution of trial work within the legal system, where the trend has markedly shifted towards early settlements and resolutions, steering away from court trials. This shift demonstrates the legal ecosystem’s adaptation towards efficiency but also stands as a testament to Cowan’s extensive experience in litigating challenging cases to trial in higher courts, a rarity in today’s legal practices.
Cowan’s career has seen the emergence of national compensation law firms with significant advertising budgets and corresponding costing regimes. In Cowan’s experience, many provincial and regional law firms like Butler McDermott provide outstanding service in this area with fees that are proportionate to the results achieved for their clients.
On the legislative front, Cowan applauds the introduction of measures aimed at consumer protection, such as cost disclosure requirements and capping fees, which serve to mitigate the excesses of national compensation behemoths and ensure fair treatment for injured claimants.
At the heart of Cowan’s practice lies a profound enjoyment in delivering an “old fashioned” service, where seasoned expertise and sensible advice are provided at reasonable costs. This philosophy is deeply ingrained in the ethos of Butler McDermott Lawyers due to its commitment to social justice, its extensive pro bono work, and a billing system that prioritises outcomes over minute-by-minute accounting.
Butler McDermott Lawyers sets itself apart by maintaining a strong community presence, an aspect of professional life Cowan cherishes. The firm’s proactive case management approach, willingness to visit clients in their homes or hospitals, and the philosophy of no time recording or adherence to the billable hour model underscore a dedication to personalised, compassionate legal service.
Cowan boasts recognitions such as being an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injuries Law since 2002 and a consistent mention in Doyle’s Guide for his prowess in personal injury law. His experience encompasses a broad spectrum, from local to international clients, covering virtually every conceivable personal injury case.
For those facing personal injury claims, Cowan stresses the importance of seeking timely, expert legal counsel to avoid common pitfalls and emphasises the “no win no fee” basis of his firm’s services, ensuring that quality legal representation is accessible to all.
As George Cowan reflects on the path the legal field has taken, he remains dedicated to his mission of providing exemplary service to those in need, navigating the complexities of accident compensation law with integrity, expertise, and a deep-rooted belief in justice for the underdog.
Need help with personal injury or accident compensation? Contact George at Butler McDermott Lawyers on (07) 5441 1044 today for a free initial consultation.
