Maritime Attorney Arthur Schechter Celebrates 50 Years of Helping Injured Workers

Houston maritime attorney Arthur Schechter will celebrate his 50th anniversary of practicing law this month. On April 27, he will become the nation’s longest practicing plaintiff’s maritime attorney.

“I have represented some of the same families now for over 40 years. I think helping people is the purpose of the law,” Schechter said.

In the past 50 years, he has represented local seaman’s unions, the National Maritime union, the Indian Seaman’s Union, the Pakistani Seaman’s Union and individual foreign seaman throughout the world.

As a maritime lawyer, he has helped thousands of clients to achieve successful financial outcomes and start new lives. As a reward for his dedicated services to the men and women of the maritime industry, he has been honored to have boats, businesses and even babies named after him!

Mr. Schechter was born in Rosenberg, Texas, is a Lamar High School alumnus, and served as Class Officer and Student Council officer before graduating with Honors. He was also named Most Popular Boy in his high school.

He attended the University of Texas for both undergraduate and law degrees and was one of only six members in the school’s oldest honor society, the Friar Society. He was licensed by the State Bar of Texas on April 27, 1964.

As an attorney and Senior Partner at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, he has dedicated his life to servicing offshore accident victims. He is also dedicated to serving his country. On Oct. 29, 1998, he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and appointed by President William J. Clinton to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas. This position, which he served until 2001, is considered by Schechter to be one of his greatest achievements.

Ambassador Schechter has also been a committed member of his community, serving as Chairman to the Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority, where he helped pioneer the Houston light rail and. He was also instrumental in passing a 20-year public transportation referendum for the city.

Philanthropy is another passion of Mr. Schechter. He has served positions in many organizations, including SEARCH (institution for homeless), William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity Board, Houston Area Parkinson’s Center, AIDS Foundation Houston, and many other nonprofit groups. He has helped organize philanthropic and political events that over the years have raised more than $100,000,000.

The award-winning, Houston-based maritime law firm of Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers focuses on maritime litigation and personal injury claims. For more than 50 years, the firm has been helping injury victims, and they continue this legacy today.