About Stephen Michael

Stephen M. Cowherd is an attorney specializing in health care and administrative law, currently serving as the chair of Pullman & Comley's Health Care practice. With over 25 years of experience, he has represented clients before regulatory agencies and advised health care providers on compliance with fraud and abuse laws, Medicare and Medicaid enrollment, and reimbursement rules. His expertise extends to medical staff matters, patient rights issues, HIPAA regulations, and licensure, as well as certificate of need proceedings. A graduate of St. John's University School of Law in 1991, Cowherd began his legal career at a large international law firm.

There, he represented Fortune 500 clients in complex commercial litigation, regulatory compliance, and internal investigations. His litigation experience is extensive, encompassing jury and bench trials in both New York and Connecticut federal and state courts. He has handled cases for a diverse range of sectors, including health care, insurance, media, and manufacturing. Notably, he has argued appellate cases before the New York State Court of Appeals, the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division. His arbitration experience includes proceedings with the AAA, AHLA, and NASD, highlighting his versatility in various legal settings. In 2016, Cowherd took a significant step in his career by joining Pullman & Comley, LLC, along with his team from Jeffers Cowherd P.C.

This transition not only expanded the firm's capabilities in health care law but also allowed him to leverage his extensive background to benefit a broader range of clients. His contributions have been recognized consistently; for nine consecutive years, he has been acknowledged in Chambers USA, earning a Band 1 ranking in Health Care in Connecticut. Furthermore, since 2023, he has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for his work in Health Care Law. Active in the legal community, Cowherd is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association, where he serves on the House of Delegates District 3 and the Health Law Section Executive Committee. His insights into the field have been sought after, as evidenced by his quotes in the Hartford Business Journal regarding rising health care contract disputes. This visibility shows his reputation as an expert in health care law and regulatory compliance.

Admitted to practice in Connecticut and New York, Cowherd's ID numbers are 405102 and 2470532, respectively. His experience and leadership in health care law have made him a prominent figure in the legal community. Through his work, he continues to influence the landscape of health care law, advocating for clients and shaping best practices in the industry.

Education

St. John s University School of Law

Accepted Jurisdictions

New York
Connecticut

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut U.S. District Court · Admitted 1991
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York U.S. District Court · Admitted 1992
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York U.S. District Court · Admitted 1992
New York State Court of Appeals State Supreme Court · Admitted 1992
New York Supreme Court Appellate Division State Appeals Court · Admitted 1992
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit U.S. Circuit Court · Admitted 1996

Types of Cases Handled

Health Care Law Administrative Law

Legal Services Scope

Litigation Regulatory Compliance Internal Investigations