Matthew D. Shaffer

Matthew D. Shaffer, General Attorney in Houston, Texas

Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on General, Government, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Practicing general in Houston since 1987.

39+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
8
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Matthew D. Shaffer is a partner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Litigation. Matthew has over 39 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 39 years
Known for
General · Government · Litigation
  • Handles General, Government, and Litigation matters from Houston, TX.
  • Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Matthew D. Shaffer: Matthew D. Shaffer is a partner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Litigation. Matthew has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Matthew takes on

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

General cases in Houston, Texas

Matthew 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Houston, Texas

Matthew 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Houston, Texas

Matthew takes litigation 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Maritime cases in Houston, Texas

Matthew 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Houston, Texas

Matthew 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Matthew D. Shaffer — general lawyer in Houston

Matthew D. Shaffer is a partner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Litigation. Matthew has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Mr. Matthew D. Shaffer is a lawyer practicing admiralty and maritime law, cruise ship injuries, diving and offshore injuries and 8 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.B.A. degree from Southwest Texas State University in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. Matthew practices at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP in Houston, TX.

Matthew's approach to general cases

Mr. Matthew D. Shaffer is a lawyer practicing admiralty and maritime law, cruise ship injuries, diving and offshore injuries and 8 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.B.A. degree from Southwest Texas State University in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. Matthew practices at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP in Houston, TX.

Clients Matthew works with

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

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Houston

    J.D. · 1987

  • Southwest Texas State University

    B.B.A. · 1984

Jurisdictions

Matthew's state bar admissions

  • California

    2021 · ACTIVE

  • Washington

    2020 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    2006 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1998 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1994 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1993 · ACTIVE

  • Colorado

    1989 · ACTIVE

  • Texas Michigan Easte

    1987 · ACTIVE

Matthew studied at J.D. in University of Houston and B.B.A. in Southwest Texas State University.

Law school and academic background

Matthew completed J.D. in University of Houston and B.B.A. in Southwest Texas State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Matthew D. Shaffer's office in Houston

Matthew'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 Matthew D. Shaffer — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Matthew. 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 Matthew D. Shaffer claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Matthew D. Shaffer — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew'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; Matthew 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 Matthew

Matthew 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. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Matthew'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 Matthew D. Shaffer

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

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

  • Does Matthew offer a free consultation?

    Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew'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. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Matthew 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 — Matthew 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 Matthew?

    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. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Matthew accepting new general clients right now?

    Matthew'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

Matthew 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 Matthew'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.