Dennis Michael McElwee

Dennis Michael McElwee, General Attorney in Houston, Texas

Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on General, Government, and Maritime · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Senior CounselatSchechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP

Houston, TX

Practicing general in Houston since 1986.

40+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
4
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Dennis Michael McElwee is a senior counsel based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Maritime. Dennis has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Houston, TX
Experience
over 40 years
Known for
General · Government · Maritime
  • Handles General, Government, and Maritime matters from Houston, TX.
  • Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Dennis Michael McElwee: Dennis Michael McElwee is a senior counsel based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Maritime. Dennis has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Dennis Michael McElwee

Dennis concentrates on general, government, maritime, personal injury, and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case Dennis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Houston, Texas

Dennis takes general matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dennis agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Houston, Texas

Dennis takes government matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dennis agrees to represent you.

Maritime cases in Houston, Texas

Dennis takes maritime matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dennis agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Houston, Texas

Dennis takes personal injury matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dennis agrees to represent you.

Workers Comp cases in Houston, Texas

Dennis takes workers comp matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dennis agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Dennis Michael McElwee — Over 40 years of Texas general experience

Dennis Michael McElwee is a senior counsel based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Maritime. Dennis has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Mr. Dennis Michael McElwee is a lawyer practicing admiralty and maritime law, cruise ship injuries, diving and offshore injuries and 8 other areas of law. Dennis received a B.A. degree from Rutgers University in 1980, and has been licensed for 40 years. Dennis practices at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP in Houston, TX.

Dennis's approach to general cases

Mr. Dennis Michael McElwee is a lawyer practicing admiralty and maritime law, cruise ship injuries, diving and offshore injuries and 8 other areas of law. Dennis received a B.A. degree from Rutgers University in 1980, and has been licensed for 40 years. Dennis practices at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP in Houston, TX.

Clients Dennis works with

Dennis reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, government, and maritime matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Dennis Michael McElwee's legal education and bar admissions

  • South Texas College of Law

    J.D. · 1986

  • Rutgers University

    B.A. · 1980

Jurisdictions

Dennis's state bar admissions

  • Minnesota -Minnesota

    1998 · ACTIVE

  • Minnesota U.S. Distr

    1998 · ACTIVE

  • Minnesota -Minnesota

    1998 · ACTIVE

  • Texas

    1986 · ACTIVE

Dennis studied at J.D. in South Texas College of Law and B.A. in Rutgers University.

Law school and academic background

Dennis completed J.D. in South Texas College of Law and B.A. in Rutgers University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Dennis runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Dennis Michael McElwee

Dennis has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Dennis's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America, 1986 - Present Southeast Admiralty Law Institute, 1999 - Present Houston Trial Lawyers Association, Member Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Member State Bar of Texas Minnesota Bar Association

    membership

Locations

Dennis Michael McElwee's office in Houston

Dennis's primary office is at 3200 Travis Street, #300, Houston, TX, 77006. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP

3200 Travis Street, #300

Houston, TX 77006

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Dennis Michael McElwee — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Dennis. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Houston.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Dennis Michael McElwee claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Dennis Michael McElwee — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Dennis usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Dennis charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dennis's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Dennis will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a general attorney in Houston, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Dennis

Dennis discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Dennis confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Dennis's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Dennis Michael McElwee

  • How much does it cost to hire Dennis for a general case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Dennis walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Dennis offer a free consultation?

    Dennis charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dennis's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Dennis's current terms during booking.

  • How long do general cases in Texas typically take?

    Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Dennis gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Dennis take my case if I'm outside Houston?

    Dennis is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Dennis will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Dennis?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Dennis will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Dennis accepting new general clients right now?

    Dennis's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

General attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas

Dennis handles general matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Dennis's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Houston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.