Matthew D. Shaffer

As a managing partner of Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Matthew D. Shaffer has represented thousands of clients across the United States. He has played a significant role in litigation related to several major maritime disasters, including the Deepwater Horizon explosion. Most recently, Matt successfully settled the largest single victim Jones Act case on record for a client with a brain injury. Mr. Shaffer is among the small percentage of Texas attorneys who are certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury Trial law. 

Matthew Shaffer Attorney

Partner

Matthew Shaffer is dedicated to providing a high level of support for his clients, who are often surprised to get return phone calls and emails from him well after business hours are done.

  • Jones Act
  • Longshore and 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
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents – Plaintiff
  • Texas Trucking Accidents – Plaintiff
  • Houston Motorcycle Accidents – Plaintiff
  • Premises Liability – Plaintiff
  • Railroad Accidents – Plaintiff
  • FELA Claims – Plaintiff
  • Products Liability Law
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1998
  • University of Houston Law Center, Houston, TX, 1987, J.D., Doctor of Jurisprudence
  • South Texas College of Law, Houston TX
  • Law Review South Texas Law Review, 1985-1986
  • Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, 1984
  • B.B.A., Bachelor of Business Administration
  • Texas, 1987
  • Colorado, 1989
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 1994
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas, 1998
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas, 1993
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Texas, 2006
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan, 2009
  • Texas Super Lawyer – Selected to top 5% of Texas Lawyers in 2005-2014
  • Texas Top Lawyer for the People – Multiple Consecutive Years Including 2010
  • American Jurisprudence Award – Criminal Law
  • Toxic Tort Seminar – Highest Score
  • South Texas College of Law Law Review
  • Listed in 22nd Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© (2016) for Admiralty and Maritime Law

100% of practice devoted to litigation

  • Houston Bar Association
  • State Bar of Texas
  • Texas State Bar, Grievance Committee, District 4C, Chairman and
  • Member 2000-2006
  • City of Bellaire Board of Adjustment, 1996-1998
  • Southwest Regional Board of Directors – Anti Defamation League, 1994-1996
  • Colorado Bar Association
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • Maritime Law Association of the United States
  • Texas Trial Lawyers Association
  • Houston Trial Lawyers Association – Board of Trustees Representative to
  • Houston Lawyer Referral Service
  • Board of Directors, Houston Lawyer Referral Service, 2010-Present
  • Board of Directors, Congregation Beth Israel, 2010-Present
  • Phi Delta Phi
  • University of Texas Admiralty Seminar
  • Occupational Illness in a Maritime Context—A Plaintiff’s Perspective, 1998
  • Multiple Causes of Action Seminar—Jones Act and FELA, Texas Trial
  • Lawyers Association, 1994
  • Railroads, Repetitive Stress and Restitution, Trial Magazine, September 2011

Companies We’ve Taken On And Won

They handled my maritime case fast and effectively

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Mr. Shaffer was great, he handled my maritime case fast and effectively. They ensured I received the medical treatment and care that I needed and his team always made me feel at ease. I would hands down recommend Mr. Shaffer and his team to anyone looking for a trustworthy lawyer.
John R.
Case Type: Maritime Law

They were very thorough, available, and prompt

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Laura De La Cruz and Matt Shaffer had expert knowledge of maritime law and plenty of experience dealing with the maritime industry. They were very thorough and always available and prompt in answering any of my questions and concerns. My experience was nothing short of great!!! Thanks again!
Richard W.
Case Type: Maritime Law

They never gave up and battled on my behalf

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Little did I know when I first contacted them in 2017, the amazing outcome that would come about in 2020. They never gave up and continued all those years to battle on my behalf, even when at times I wanted to give up. While the accident negatively impacted me physically, I am now better, both physically and financially.
Waskom R.
Case Type: Maritime Law
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