Scott, David L.

Richard (“Dick”) Austin Schwartz has tried over 60 cases in many forums in the United States.  Over the past 34 years, he has gained extensive knowledge regarding the business of oil and gas exploration, production, and refining.  He has investigated and handled significant matters arising from refinery fires and explosions and well control events at drilling locations.  Dick has taken industry courses in refining, refinery economics, and well control and holds the IADC certification for well control at the supervisor level.  In addition to his complex commercial trial practice, Dick has a significant employment law practice.  He counsels clients and handles cases regarding employment contracts, terminations, and separations, claims of discrimination and retaliation, breach of non-competition/non-solicitation/confidentiality agreements, theft of trade secrets.  He also regularly performs independent investigations for companies on a variety of issues.  Dick is committed to finding prompt and cost effective solutions to the client’s problems. He is known for his ability to understand complex matters, identify the  key questions and issues, and develop, execute, and assess strategies to accomplish the client’s goals.

Dick is a member of numerous professional organizations.  He has been a member of the Garland Walker Inn of Court since 1987, and serves on its board.  He was the executive director for 9 years.  Additionally, Dick is the Fifth Circuit Trustee on the National Inns of Court Foundation.  Dick was the President of the Federal Bar Association, South Texas Chapter in 2000.  He is a fellow of the Houston Bar Foundation and Texas Bar Foundation.  He was chairman and member of the District 4J State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee.  Dick has authored and lectured at numerous legal education programs.  He has written papers and given lectures on such subjects as expert discovery, corporate investigations, legal privileges, and ethics.
 
Before going into private practice, Dick served two years as a briefing attorney for Hugh Gibson, a federal district court judge.

Dick is also a certified flight instructor for single and multi-engine airplanes and instruments and an avid bicycle rider.