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Dennis McElwee

Partner

Dennis McElwee has spent more than two decades dedicated to the practice of Maritime Law. He makes it his personal mission to stay up-to-date on court ruling concerning seamen and their daily living expenses because he knows that these details make a world of difference in his clients’ quality of life.

Mr. McElwee began his legal career working under Arthur Schechter, found of Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris. As Mr. Schechter’s protégée, he learned not only the fine points of trial law in U.S. courtrooms but also the arguments and cross examinations that win cases. “A funny thing happens when you put people under oath—the truth comes out,” he’s known to say.

In his practice, Mr. McElwee focuses on maritime law cases, including Jones Act claims, General Maritime Law claims and seaman’s wage claims. He also handles general personal injury claims and has enjoyed a high rate of success for his clients over the years.

Mr. McElwee is licensed to practice law in Texas and Minnesota, and has also handled cases in four U.S. District Courts, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. Previously he has taught at the Southeast Admiralty Law Center and the University of Texas Maritime Law Conference.

Current Employment Position

Partner

Areas Of Practice

Personal Injury — Plaintiff

Jones Act

Longshore & Harbor Workers Compensation Act

Maintenance and Cure

General Maritime Law

DOHSA – Death on the High Seas Act

Maritime Piracy

Public Vessel Act

Suits in Admiralty

Merchant Mariners Act

Admiralty Extension Act

OSCLA – Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act

Military Sealift Command

Houston Motorcycle Accidents – Plaintiff

Premises Liability – Plaintiff

Railroad Accidents – Plaintiff

FELA Claims – Plaintiff

Products Liability Law

Medical Malpractice

Aviation Accidents — Plaintiff

Wrongful Death — Plaintiff

Shipping

Litigation Percentage

95% of practice devoted to litigation

Bar Admissions

Texas, 1986

Minnesota, 1998

U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas

U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas

U.S. District Court Western District of Texas

U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas

U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit

U.S. Supreme Court

Education

South Texas College of Law, Houston, TX, 1986 – J.D.

Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Camden, New Jersey, 1980 – B.A.

Awards and Honors

Texas Super Lawyers – 2011 – 2012

Published

“The Relationship Between Medicare and a Vessel Owner’s Duty to Provide Cure,” SEALI, June, 1996

“Occupational Ilness Cases in a Maritime Context,” University of Texas, September, 1998

Classes/Seminars Taught

Instructor, Southeast Admiralty Law Institute , SEALI, 1996 Instructor, 7th Annual Admiralty and Maritime Conference, University of Texas, 1998

Professional Associations and Memberships

Association of Trial Lawyers of America, 1986 – Present

Southeast Admiralty Law Institute, 1999 – Present

Houston Trial Lawyers Association, Member

Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Member

Birth Information

1954, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America

Companies We Have Sued

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