Richard

A. "Dick" Schwartz

Shareholder
700 Milam Street, Suite 800
Houston, TX 77002-2806

Overview

Over the past 40 years working as a successful trial lawyer, Dick has tried more than 65 cases. He has handled cases in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, New York and California, representing clients in state and federal courts in various types of disputes, including complex commercial litigation, breach of contract, business break-ups, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, insurance, environmental, labor and employment, intellectual property, securities, personal injury and professional liability matters.

In addition to his complex commercial trial practice, Dick counsels clients and handles cases regarding employment contracts, terminations and separations, claims of discrimination and retaliation, and breach of non-competition/non-solicitation/confidentiality agreements, and theft of trade secrets. He also performs independent investigations for companies on a variety of issues.

Dick is committed to finding prompt and cost effective solutions to his clients’ problems. He is known for his ability to understand complex matters; identify the key issues; and develop, execute and assess strategies to accomplish his client’s goals.

Dick has taken industry courses in refining, refinery economics, practical drilling technology and well control. He obtained the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) certification for well control at the supervisor level. Dick completed Harvard Law School's program on Negotiation and Leadership; Harvard Law School Master Class: Advanced Negotiation Strategies; the University of Houston A.A. White Dispute Resolution Center's comprehensive course in Commercial Arbitration (Domestic and International) and obtained a certificate in Advanced Arbitration Skills, and A.A. White Dispute Resolution Center 40 hour mediator training. 

Since 2019, Dick has served as an Adjunct Professor at The University of Houston Law Center, where he teaches a course on the legal and ethical responsibilities of members of the legal profession. He is also currently serving his second term as Chair of the State Bar of Texas District 4 Grievance Committee. 

Education

Admissions

Achievements

  • American Inns of Court – 2022 “Lawyer of Distinction”; 2023 Professionalism Award for the Fifth Circuit
  • State Bar of Texas – District 4 Grievance Committee (Elected District 4 Committee Chairman, 2017-2019, 2022-2023; Panel Member, 1998-2003, 2017-Present; Panel Chair, 2000-2003, 2018-2020)
  • Garland Walker American Inn of Court (Founding Member; Executive Director)
  • Houston Bar Association Sustaining Life Fellow
  • Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent®, Peer Review Rated TM
  • Thomson Reuters – Texas Super Lawyers (2007-2012; 2014-2018)
  • Woodward/White, Inc. – Best Lawyers in America, “Lawyer of the Year” (2022); Best Lawyers in America, Arbitration (2011-2024); Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation (2008-2024); Best Lawyers in America, Litigation – Labor and Employment (2011-2024); Best Lawyers in America, Mediation (2011-2024); Best Lawyers in America, ADR (2007-2016)
  • Memberships

    • Federal Bar Association, South Texas Chapter (Board of Directors; Former President, Treasurer, Secretary and National Delegate)
    • Garland Walker Inn of Court (Board of Directors, 1993-2022; Executive Director, 1993-2002, 2017-Present)
    • Houston Bar Association Houston Lawyer Referral Service (Board of Trustees, 2010-2011)
    • Houston Bar Association Speakers Bureau
    • National Inns of Court Foundation (Fifth Circuit Trustee, 2007-2015)
    • Texas Bar Foundation (Life Fellow)
    • United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas (Member, 2000-2019; Committee to Revise the ADR Rules of the Local Rules and Standing ADR Panel)
    • American Bar Association 
    • College of the State Bar of Texas (1993-2001)

Overview

Over the past 40 years working as a successful trial lawyer, Dick has tried more than 65 cases. He has handled cases in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, New York and California, representing clients in state and federal courts in various types of disputes, including complex commercial litigation, breach of contract, business break-ups, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, insurance, environmental, labor and employment, intellectual property, securities, personal injury and professional liability matters.

In addition to his complex commercial trial practice, Dick counsels clients and handles cases regarding employment contracts, terminations and separations, claims of discrimination and retaliation, and breach of non-competition/non-solicitation/confidentiality agreements, and theft of trade secrets. He also performs independent investigations for companies on a variety of issues.

Dick is committed to finding prompt and cost effective solutions to his clients’ problems. He is known for his ability to understand complex matters; identify the key issues; and develop, execute and assess strategies to accomplish his client’s goals.

Dick has taken industry courses in refining, refinery economics, practical drilling technology and well control. He obtained the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) certification for well control at the supervisor level. Dick completed Harvard Law School's program on Negotiation and Leadership; Harvard Law School Master Class: Advanced Negotiation Strategies; the University of Houston A.A. White Dispute Resolution Center's comprehensive course in Commercial Arbitration (Domestic and International) and obtained a certificate in Advanced Arbitration Skills, and A.A. White Dispute Resolution Center 40 hour mediator training. 

Since 2019, Dick has served as an Adjunct Professor at The University of Houston Law Center, where he teaches a course on the legal and ethical responsibilities of members of the legal profession. He is also currently serving his second term as Chair of the State Bar of Texas District 4 Grievance Committee. 

Experience

  • Appellate Victory

    Obtained a favorable summary judgment ruling in trial court for a client in a case that addressed a fundamental aspect of contract law – the doctrine of implied revocation.

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  • Business Litigation

    Representing plaintiffs in a suit seeking more than $150 MM for breach of contract, breach of trust, fraudulent transfer and promissory estoppel. U.S. District Court for the Southern

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  • Breach of Contract

    Represented the defendant in a breach of retail installment contract case. Received a favorable jury verdict in favor of our client. Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 1.

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