Laura De La Cruz first joined Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP in 2010 as a paralegal for managing partner, Matthew D. Shaffer. She continued to work at the firm through law school until she became licensed to practice law in 2015. Laura believes the law is meant to serve those who have been wronged. She has devoted most of her practice to advocating for maritime workers and other individuals injured in serious accidents throughout the country. She understands how a serious injury can transform an individual’s life and fights hard to obtain the best outcome for her clients in every case. She is licensed to practice law in Texas and Louisiana and regularly practices in both federal and state court. Laura was born in Puerto Rico and spent much of her childhood moving across different parts of the United States. She now considers Texas her home. She is a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center and has spent her entire legal career representing claimants. In her spare time, Laura enjoys spending time with her two young daughters and traveling to new places.

We are excited to welcome Jonathan Bever to our legal team. Jonathan brings with him a strong foundation in federal workers’ compensation law, a tireless work ethic, and a genuine passion for helping injured workers and their families navigate complex claims processes. Jonathan earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston-Downtown in 2018. He went on to attend the University of Houston Law Center, where he graduated cum laude in 2021 with a Doctor of Jurisprudence. During law school, he developed a strong interest in workers’ compensation law and began shaping his legal career around it. Immediately after law school, Jonathan began representing injured workers under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and the Defense Base Act. Over the years, he has expanded his practice to include claims under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act. His commitment to advocating for those injured while serving their country or working in high-risk environments has earned him a reputation for being both compassionate and results-driven. Jonathan is known for his approachable demeanor, attention to detail, and deep understanding of federal compensation systems. Whether he’s advocating for overseas contractors injured in conflict zones or harbor workers injured on the job, he works diligently to ensure each client receives the care, benefits, and justice they deserve. Outside of his legal practice, Jonathan is a devoted husband and proud father to three energetic young boys, ages 4, 2, and 1. He enjoys coaching Little League and finds great joy in watching his sons learn and grow through sports. In his free time, Jonathan also enjoys cooking for his family, golfing with friends, and fishing whenever he gets the chance. Jonathan’s blend of professional experience and personal values makes him a tremendous asset to our firm and a strong advocate for the clients we serve. We are thrilled to have him on board.

Austin Marin is a Houston native who takes pride in serving the community that shaped him. Raised in a working-class family, he understands the value of hard work, resilience, and treating people with respect. He earned his law degree from South Texas College of Law, where he was recognized on the Dean’s List, and graduated cum laude from the University of Houston as a member of the Honors College. He approaches every case with dedication and a client-first mindset, ensuring those he represents feel heard and supported throughout the legal process. When he’s not practicing law, Austin enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Matt McCracken has more than thirty years of trial, appellate and administrative law experience representing medical, legal, insurance and other professionals as well as product manufacturers, energy companies, telecommunications companies and medical institutions. Matt has defended numerous doctors, nurses and insurance professionals at their respective licensing boards. Matt is a well-known figure at the Texas Medical Board where he guides doctors through the professional disciplinary process and licensure issues. Notably, Matt briefed and argued the seminal case of American Transitional Care v. Palacios; 46 S.W.3d 873 (Tex. 2001) at the Texas Supreme Court. This important decision established minimum standards for preliminary expert reports in medical malpractice cases, and set the standard of appellate review in dismissals of medical malpractice cases under Tex. Rev. Civ. Stat. Ann. Article 4590i §13.01, now Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Chapter 74. This case has been cited by appellate courts over 5,000 times and continues to instruct and inform judges and lawyers across the State of Texas.

James A. Tatem is a graduate of the University of Texas where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1989. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from South Texas College of Law in 1992. Tatem James A. is admitted to practice before Texas state courts and the United States District Court for the Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas. Jim has served as a first-chair trial lawyer in a variety of personal injury and property damage cases as well commercial cases. Jim has extensive experience in products liability, premises liability, toxic torts, superfund and environmental litigation, construction litigation, real estate, civil litigation, class and collective actions, commercial litigation, insurance law, mediation/arbitration, and personal injury defense.

William is a seasoned trial attorney with over 30 years of experience litigating claims involving personal injury, medical malpractice, professional negligence, products liability, motor vehicle collisions, deceptive trade practices, premises liability, property/casualty losses and insurance coverage. William has a strong background defending physicians and hospitals, as well as companies involved with pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He has been involved with various mass tort dockets. In connection therewith, he has specific expertise managing large caseloads and providing liability/damage assessments, budgeting projections and resolution strategies. He has substantial experience with jurisdictional challenges, venue disputes, preemption, large document productions, privilege and confidentiality issues, corporate witness and expert depositions, expert challenges, discovery/summary judgment motions and trial. William has tried cases in Texas and New Mexico, and been involved with various national trial teams and formulation of national litigation strategies.

Jennifer A. Lopez (formerly Gutierrez) is a Houston estate planning attorney who practices estate planning and immigration law. Attorney Lopez is licensed in 3 states – Illinois, Indiana, and Texas. She is also authorized to practice in the U.S. District Court – Southern District of Texas, U.S. District Court – Northern District of Illinois, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. She has practiced in all three states and is a member of the American Bar Association. Prior to starting J. Lopez Law, Ms. Lopez worked for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Through her experience at the Office of Chief Counsel she knows first-hand the procedures and strategies of the opposing counsel and uses this knowledge to her clients’ advantage. Immigration law is fast paced and if your attorney is inattentive or hasty, you could pay the price. Attorney Lopez believes that the best way she can serve her clients is by completing their case right the first time. She is attentive to details, knowledgeable of immigration law, and very efficient in the courtroom. Over the years, she has proven her abilities as an immigration and nationality attorney with a track record of success. Immigration and nationality are life altering pursuits, and at J. Lopez Law, we work hard to assist clients in achieving their goals.

Gabriel joined the firm back in January of 2016 working as a Law Clerk and began his career as a personal injury attorney in 2017. He graduated from South Texas College of Law with honors and is a member of the American Bar Association and the Houston Young Lawyers Association. Gabriel comes from a family of lawyers, so it was a natural decision for him to choose this career path. Gabriel personally understands the frustrations of being involved in an accident, and wants to help others with the process of healing and recovering what is just. Gabriel is a husband and father of two, and enjoys fishing, playing golf, and coaching his daughter’s softball team.

Lyle J. Rudolph is a proud advocate for people injured by the negligence of others. His practice includes a wide range of personal injury cases including automobile, motorcycle, and 18-wheeler collisions, along with claims arising from an injury on someone else’s property and work place injuries where the employer does not participate in workers compensation insurance. Lyle graduated from South Texas College of Law with high honors. In his time at South Texas, Lyle participated as a member of South Texas Law Review and he was admitted into Phi Delta Phi Honor Society. He is admitted to practice in both the State Bar of Texas and U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas. Lyle is active in the community serving as a board member on the New Caney ISD Education Foundation and is a member of Rotary International. Lyle is a husband and father of two. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

“HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING AN ARMOR FOR MY CLIENTS.” “I am passionate about helping individuals, families, seniors and business owners achieve peace of mind by tailoring legal services to fit their needs. My goal is to make this process as accessible, efficient and streamlined as possible. I received my Undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University in 1997 and my JD from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (now Texas A&M University School of Law) in 2002. I have been licensed to practice law in Texas since 2003. I have 3 wonderful Sons 17, 11 and 11 years old that are active in the Katy Community.”