Of Counsel

I have 15 years of experience as a trial attorney and litigator in courts throughout Texas as well as across the United States.  In that time, I have successfully tried cases to verdict on both the defense and plaintiff side, commercial and personal injury cases, in District, County and Justice courts, as well as Texas Workforce Commission hearings and appeals.  I spent over a decade working at big law firms, where my practice focused primarily on personal injury, toxic tort, mass tort, environmental and complex commercial litigation. I used that time to the fullest, taking hundreds of depositions of fact and expert witnesses, appearing in court to argue (and win) dispositive motions countless times, working with some of the largest companies in the world to not only investigate and defend claims, but create systems and best practices to prevent future injuries or claims.

In 2015 I left big law to co-found my own firm, with the idea that I could provide value to clients by rendering top tier litigation services while at the same time offering creative and tailored solutions to their problems. I am proud of everything we accomplished at that firm, and proud to find that same ethos exists at Schreiber | Knockaert.  I have known Joe and Erik since before I was licensed as an attorney, and it is an honor and a pleasure to have the opportunity to practice law with good friends. 

Before becoming a lawyer, I served in the United States Army, where I worked in military intelligence from 1995 to 2001, then again in 2003.  In addition to being responsible for the soldiers, sailors, and marines with whom I was privileged to serve and lead, my job required that I maintain a Top Secret security clearance and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.  I strive to bring that same level of honesty and integrity to my practice as a lawyer.

Representative Experience

• Tried commercial dispute between specialty retail vendor and large developer to a unanimous successful verdict. The developer claimed that it was not bound by a provision in the contract affording several years’ worth of Rent Credits due to various affirmative defenses (including impossibility and changed circumstances).  The jury agreed that the contract was still in force, and that the developer was bound to honor the terms.  Also handled appeal of case, which resulted in a published opinion upholding the verdict and attorney’s fee award.
• As plaintiff’s attorney, tried personal injury case in Harris County, Texas to a successful verdict. The case was hard-fought on both sides and presented a number of challenges, including language difficulties and missing and incomplete documents involving employment and medical care.  In the end, the jury awarded plaintiff an amount greater than three times the amount that had been offered on the day trial started.
• As defense attorney, successfully represented staffing agency company in numerous separate employment claims brought by former employees. After evidentiary hearings, each claim was dismissed.  Also handled appeal of claim, which was dismissed in full.
• Key member of trial team in a three-week trial of a products liability wrongful death claim that resulted in an 11- 1 defense verdict for the client. Plaintiffs alleged that toxic exposure to chemicals caused a longtime factory worker to develop blood cancer.  As defense counsel for one of the largest chemical distributors in the world, personally cross-examined several key witnesses, including the decedent’s brother and the sole co-worker witness.  Also cross-examined the treating oncologist and Plaintiffs’ causation expert, eliciting testimony that undercut Plaintiffs’ medical claims of causation.  Using a trial strategy that combined an appeal to common sense with a close examination of the science, the trial team was able to vindicate the client.
• Key member of defense team in a commercial suit in which Plaintiffs made tort and warranty claims arising from corrosion allegedly caused by use of grease in fire hydrants. Coordinated third party discovery of multiple small and large municipalities in over a dozen states.  Helped develop and implement strategy that led to resolution of case.
• Key member of defense team who helped develop and implement early response and defense in class action and related claims filed as a result of release of chemical by third-party customer of manufacturer into the Elk River and resulting “Do Not Use” order which put 200,000 plus residents and businesses out of water for ten days.
• Defense of nuisance claims brought by residents of East Texas communities for releases of butadiene from rubber manufacturing facilities.
• Defense of a premises liability case representing a chemical distribution facility. Plaintiff was a truck driver who had been injured while making a delivery.  At the deposition of Plaintiff’s expert, crucial testimony was obtained undercutting the claims in the case.  After building that testimony into a Havner/Robinson challenge, the expert was excluded, leading to favorable settlement on the eve of trial.
• Defense of premises liability wrongful death claim arising out of alleged chemical exposure at a petrochemical plant in North Texas. After extensively working the case up and obtaining rulings limiting many of Plaintiff’s claims, a favorable settlement was reached on the eve of trial.
• Defense of gross negligence wrongful death claim. Plaintiffs, the family of an employee who had died on the job, claimed that the injuries were caused by work activities.  The claim was investigated through the depositions of multiple witnesses and medical experts, including the pathologist who had performed the autopsy.  After evidence was developed showing the injury had actually occurred days prior, successfully argued a challenge to Plaintiffs’ medical causation evidence, which led to the dismissal of all claims.
• Member of appellate team in challenge to rulings by the trial court in a wrongful death case. The appeal resulted in three discovery mandamus orders immediately before trial.

Pro Bono 

• Accredited by the Veteran's Administration to represent veterans and their family members in claims and appeals before the VA. Represented widow of WWII veteran in appeal of denial of benefits.  Also volunteer at veterans clinic providing advice and assistance to veterans.
• Represented unaccompanied minor fleeing violence in his homeland in asylum and immigration court proceeding.
• Represented low-income woman and helped her obtain divorce and name change.

Interests

A prolific traveler and voracious reader, I am also a committed golfer and skier whose passion for each is sadly unmatched by his ability at either.