(HOUSTON) – Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. (Munsch Hardt) is pleased to announce Litigation Shareholder Dick Schwartz has been selected as the recipient of the Houston Bar Association’s (“HBA”) 2026 Justice Eugene A. Cook Professionalism Award, which is presented to a lawyer or judge who exemplifies the highest level of professionalism and legal ethics. A recipient must have demonstrated, by conduct and character, a longstanding commitment to professionalism and a record of exemplary service in the areas of professionalism, legal ethics, and legal excellence. A recipient must be a role model for younger or less experienced lawyers who make the bar proud of the legal profession.
Schwartz is a veteran trial lawyer with decades of experience trying cases and representing clients in complex commercial litigation. Colleagues note that Schwartz’s effectiveness as a trial lawyer is closely tied to his professionalism. He is known for his disciplined approach to trial preparation in complex, high-stakes matters and his ability to distill complicated, factual, and legal issues into clear, credible presentations for judges and juries. His work consistently reflects careful preparation, sound judgment, and a measured advocacy style that resonates in the courtroom and aligns with the highest standards of the profession. Last December, Dick was lead trial counsel in Civelli v. Mulacek, where he secured a $138 million federal jury verdict on behalf of his client. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas recently entered final judgment exceeding $210 million, including substantial prejudgment interest and full recognition of the jury’s findings.
Dick has been recognized by (i) Best Lawyers in America (2022 “Lawyer of the Year” as well as 2008-2026 regional rankings in Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, Labor and Employment, and Mediation); (ii) American Inns of Court (2022 “Lawyer of Distinction” and 2023 Professionalism Award for the Fifth Circuit); (iii) University of Houston Law Center’s 2024 Alumnus of the Year; and (iv) Texas Super Lawyers. He has been an adjunct professor teaching professional responsibility at the University of Houston Law Center since 2019.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition from the Houston Bar Association,” said Schwartz. “Not a day goes by that I do not appreciate how fortunate I am to be lawyer and to be a part of our great profession.”
The Justice Eugene A. Cook Professionalism Award is among the most respected honors in the Houston legal community. Prior recipients include leading members of the bench and bar, including Hon. Eugene A. Cook, Harry Reasoner, Fred Hagans, Kelly Frels, David J. Beck, Hon. Edith H. Jones, Hon. Lee H. Rosenthal, Reagan W. Simpson, Hon. Keith P. Ellison, Christopher L. Tritico, and Kevin Dubose.
The HBA announced the award to its more than 10,000 +members on April 1, 2026. Schwartz will be formally recognized at the HBA’s Annual Dinner on May 7, 2026, at The Thompson Hotel in Houston.