Tony Coveny ,
J.D., Ph.D.
Attorney
"When foodborne illness impacts your life, you need counsel who understands both the science and the legal strategy required to prove your case."
About Tony
Tony Coveny has spent more than 15 years focused exclusively on foodborne illness and infectious disease litigation. He manages the firm's Houston office and works directly with clients throughout investigation and case development.
His background combines legal training with advanced academic research. Tony earned a J.D. from the University of Houston in 2007, magna cum laude, after completing a Ph.D. in Political Science (University of New Mexico, 2002), an M.A. in Latin American Studies (University of New Mexico, 1997), and a B.A. in History and Political Science (Seattle Pacific University, 1994).
Before dedicating his practice to food safety law, Tony served as a professor of Public Administration and American Government. That teaching background helps him explain complex legal and scientific issues in clear, practical terms for families navigating a claim.
Tony regularly contributes to public understanding of food safety through legal publications, policy commentary, and community education efforts, including sponsorship of the Annual Mock Trial at Prairie View A&M University.
Working alongside Ron Simon, Tony has helped resolve claims against major food companies, international suppliers, and domestic distributors, with a methodical approach centered on tracing contamination and proving accountability.
Tony works with clients, local and state health departments, and technical experts to trace contamination to its source and pursue accountability for preventable harm.— Tony Coveny
Education
Professional Affiliations
- Houston Bar Association (2008-Present)
- Order of the Coif
- Order of the Baron
Awards
& Achievements
Consistently recognized by peers and legal organizations as a leader in food safety litigation.
Order of the Coif
Legal Honor Society
Order of the Baron
Legal Honor Society
University of Houston Law Review
Publishing & Marketing Editor
Pre-Law Initiative for Minority Students
Director
Houston Bar Association
Member
Publications
- Executive Activism Not Reciprocated with Judicial Activism: Wyeth v. Levine and Cuomo v. Clearing House Return Preemption to the Legislative Branch, St. Thomas Law Review (Spring 2010).
- When the Immovable Object Meets the Unstoppable Force: Search and Seizure in the Age of Terrorism, American Journal of Trial Advocacy (2007).
- Preemption Protects Pharmaceutical Manufacturers While Leaving Health Care Professionals Exposed to Liability: The Supreme Court Considers Wyeth v. Levine, Journal of Nursing Law (Spring 2009).
- Judicial Activism on the Rehnquist Court: An Empirical Analysis, St. John's Journal of Legal Commentary (2008, co-authored).
- Saying Goodbye to Texas' Homestead Protection: One Step Toward Economic Efficiency With The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Act of 2005, Houston Law Review (2007).
- The Theory of Surge and Decline: Revisiting the Midterm Presidential Loss and the Role of the Economy, American Government: Continuity and Change (2004).
- Public Opinion and the Environment, Public Opinion and Polling Around the World (ABC-CLIO, 2004).
- Public Opinion and the Middle East, Public Opinion and Polling Around the World (ABC-CLIO, 2004).
Speaking Engagements
- Sponsor of the Annual Mock Trial at Prairie View A&M University.
- Director of the Pre-Law Initiative for Minority Students (2004-2006).
Landmark
Victories
E. coli Case
5 year old boy and 7 year old girl who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome from E. coli poisoning
Professional Timeline
B.A. Degree
Completed B.A. in History and Political Science at Seattle Pacific University.
M.A. Degree
Completed M.A. in Latin American Studies at the University of New Mexico.
Ph.D. and Media Commentary
Completed Ph.D. in Political Science and provided election commentary on television.
Community Leadership
Began directing the Pre-Law Initiative for Minority Students (2004-2006).
Law Review Editor
Served as Publishing & Marketing Editor for the University of Houston Law Review (2005-2006).
J.D., magna cum laude
Earned J.D. at the University of Houston with honors and legal society distinctions.
Houston Bar Association
Became a member of the Houston Bar Association.
Foodborne Illness Practice
Leads foodborne illness work from the Houston office and partners with health departments on outbreak investigations.
In The News
Tony Coveny's expertise is sought by major news outlets covering food safety issues nationwide.
Television
- 2019First Coast News (NBC/ABC Jacksonville)Cyclospora Outbreak Lawsuits
- 2019News4Jax (WJXT Channel 4)Food Contamination Lawsuit Coverage
- 2018KENS5 (CBS San Antonio)Pasha Mediterranean Grill Salmonella Outbreak
- 2002FOX NEWS (Nashville Affiliate)Election Commentator
- 2002WSMV Channel Four News (Nashville)Election Commentator
Print & Digital
- 2024USA TODAYBoar's Head Listeria Wrongful Death Coverage
- 2024VPM (Virginia Public Media)Boar's Head Plant Closure and Listeria Outbreak
- 2024The Virginian-PilotBoar's Head Listeria Victim Representation
- 2014Las Vegas SunFirefly Tapas Salmonella Outbreak Litigation
- 1998NPR Weekend EditionGuest on Hispanic Vote
- 1998NPR Which Way LADebate Guest with Ralph Nader
As Featured In
Articles by Tony
Read expert analysis and legal insights on food safety and foodborne illness.
Ron Simon and Associates: La Potencia Nacional que Litiga Brotes de Salmonella, E. coli y Listeria para Víctimas en Todo el País
Ron Simon and Associates: The National Powerhouse Litigating Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria Outbreaks for Victims Nationwide
Egg Recall August 2025: 95 Sick in 14 States, Salmonella Outbreak Prompts Urgent Warning
Retirada de huevos en agosto de 2025: 95 enfermos en 14 estados, un brote de salmonela provoca una advertencia urgente
El Departamento de Salud de Tennessee identifica la fuente de E. coli O157:H7 productora de toxina Shiga como Whispering Willow Farm and Dairy, en Thompson’s Station, Tennessee
Tennessee Department of Health Identifies Source of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli O157:H7 as Whispering Willow Farm and Dairy, in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee
Work With
Tony Coveny
If you or a loved one has suffered from food poisoning, you deserve an attorney with a proven track record of holding corporations accountable. Contact Tony directly to discuss your case.
Rapid response for urgent food safety matters
Why Choose Tony?
- No Fee Unless We WinYou pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you.
- 15+ Years FocusedProven focus on food safety litigation and corporate accountability.
- 8 PublicationsConsistent work in analysis, legal strategy, and client advocacy.