Laura De La Cruz

Laura De La Cruz is the firm’s newest attorney. She joined Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris in 2010 and worked as a legal assistant for managing partner, Matthew Shaffer, until she became licensed to practice law.

Laura strongly believes that the law is meant to serve individuals and their families. Her practice focuses on advocating for injured workers in maritime and other work accidents across the country. She is proud to have been a part of the firm’s success in obtaining justice for its clients over the past 5 years, and her experience has given her the knowledge and practical skills to see a case through from beginning to end.

Areas of Practice:

Jones Act
Maintenance and Cure
General Maritime Law
DOHSA – Death on the High Seas Act
Maritime Piracy
Public Vessel Act
Suits in Admiralty
Merchant Mariners Act
Admiralty Extension Act
OSCLA – Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
Military Sealift Command
Motor Vehicle Accidents – Plaintiff
Texas Trucking Accidents – Plaintiff
Premises Liability – Plaintiff
Railroad Accidents – Plaintiff
FELA Claims – Plaintiff
Products Liability Law

Bar Admissions:

State Bar of Texas – 2015

Education:

University of Houston, Doctor of Jurisprudence, 2015
University of Houston, B.A. in Philosophy, Sociology, 2008 – summa cum laude

Honors and Awards:

2014 Champion of the Blakely-Butler Moot Court Competition – UH Law Center
2014 Champion and Best Speaker of the James Hippard Open Mock Trial Competition – UH Law Center
2013 Champion of the Lorance and Thompson Negotiation Competition – UH Law Center

Professional Association and Memberships: