Some men follow baseball statistics Dennis McElwee keeps up with court rulings regarding the daily living expenses of seamen. After more than two decades of practicing Maritime Law, he is still keen on the details that can make all the difference in the quality of life of his clients. Dennis began his career as the protégée of Arthur Schechter, founder of the firm. Not only did he learn the fine points of trial law in courtrooms throughout the United States, he can tell you about the arguments and cross examinations that carried the day. In his words, “A funny thing happens when you put people under oath—the truth comes out.”

Dennis has handled many Jones Act, General Maritime Law and seaman’s wage claim cases to very successful conclusions in addition to general personal injury cases. He has taught at the Southeast Admiralty Law Center and the University of Texas Maritime Law Conference. Not only is he licensed to practice law in Texas and Minnesota, he has practiced in four United States District Courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th District and the United States Supreme Court.

Contact

Particulars
Current Employment Position
Partner

Areas Of Practice
Personal Injury -- Plaintiff
Jones Act
Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compensation Act
Aviation Accidents -- Plaintiff
Premises Liability -- Plaintiff
Railroad Accidents -- Plaintiff
Wrongful Death -- Plaintiff
Chemicals & Cosmetics
Machinery & Tools
Motor Vehicle Defects
Recreational Products
Aviation
Railroad
Shipping

Litigation Percentage
95% of practice devoted to litigation

Bar Admissions
Texas, 1986
Minnesota, 1998
U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court

Education
South Texas College of Law, Houston, TX, 1986 - J.D.
Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Camden, New Jersey, 1980 - B.A.

Published
"The Relationship Between Medicare and a Vessel Owner's Duty to Provide Cure," SEALI, June, 1996
"Occupational Ilness Cases in a Maritime Context," University of Texas, September, 1998

Classes/Seminars Taught
Instructor, Southeast Admiralty Law Institute , SEALI, 1996 Instructor, 7th Annual Admiralty and Maritime Conference, University of Texas, 1998

Professional Associations and Memberships
Association of Trial Lawyers of America, 1986 - Present
Southeast Admiralty Law Institute, 1999 - Present

Birth Information
1954, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America