In 1992, Matt Shaffer joined Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., the continuation of a firm that has focused on representing injured men and women since 1964. As a managing partner of the firm, Mr. Shaffer has represented thousands of clients across the United States. Most recently, he successfully settled the largest single victim Jones Act case on record for a client with a brain injury. He has played a significant role in litigation related to several major maritime disasters, including the Deepwater Horizon explosion. Mr. Shaffer takes pride in bringing an experienced and thorough approach to every case. He is dedicated to providing a high level of support for his clients, who are often surprised to get return phone calls and emails from him well after business hours are done. More than 25 years ago, Mr. Shaffer began his career in law by representing large corporate clients. In 1992, he came to SMSH and began using his experience to help working men and women recover damages for on-the-job injuries. Mr. Shaffer is among the small percentage of Texas attorneys who are certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury Trial law. He has previously served as chairman of The Texas State Bar’s Grievance Committee for District 4C. He’s also licensed to practice law in Colorado. Every year since 2006, Mr. Shaffer has been named a Texas Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly Magazine, an honor bestowed on only 5% of the state’s attorneys. He’s also been recognized by H Texas magazine as one of Houston’s Top Lawyers for the People and was selected for inclusion in the 22nd Edition of The Best Lawyers in America (2016) in the practice area of Admiralty and Maritime Law.

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.

For over two decades, Jacob Monty has successfully practiced at the intersection of immigration, labor, and employment laws. A nationally recognized authority on issues facing employers with large Hispanic workforces, Jacob has written not one, but two books on the topic and speaks regularly in English and Spanish on navigating labor and employment matters in industries with heightened immigration scrutiny. His clients include professional baseball teams, grocery store chains, single establishment and chain restaurants, and leading companies in the construction and facility maintenance fields. Jacob has been interviewed by major media outlets such as Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC regarding national immigration concerns. Jacob founded Monty & Ramirez LLP to offer an integrated approach to dealing with Hispanic workforces. He and his bilingual partners address all the critical aspects of employer advocacy, from immigration to union matters, workplace safety, and employment disputes. Jacob’s practice extends nationwide; he has represented employers in courts and government investigations in California, Illinois, New York, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and throughout Texas. Jacob has held presidential and gubernatorial appointments to the University of Houston Board of Regents, the Texas Private Security Board, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Border Environment Cooperation Commission, and the North American Development Bank. Jacob is also active in civic and professional leadership. He serves as Outside Counsel for the Mexican Consulate in Houston, and chairs the Center for Latino Jewish Relations.

Daniel “Danny” Ramirez strategically represents public and private employers in labor, employment, and immigration matters. Danny’s successful track record includes providing sound advice to businesses on HR issues, representing employers during government investigations, and strategically defending companies, government agencies, and education institutions in litigation, arbitration, and appeals. He also regularly represents companies during high-stake ICE raids and helps them implement Form I-9 best practices. Danny’s clients include numerous McDonald’s, Walgreens, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Lone Star College, Houston Community College, and many small, mid-size and large privately-owned companies. As an alumni of The University of Texas Law School, Danny is a Board Certified Labor & Employment attorney that has been repeatedly honored with the title of Super Lawyer. Danny’s unique skill set allows him to aggressively defend his clients in litigation, while maintaining a strategic focus on the client’s best interests. Danny understands that litigation can create a substantial expense and distraction for many of his clients. Danny’s client-centric approach allows him to promptly identify his client’s needs and work towards obtaining swift, favorable dismissal of the case or resolution when necessary. Clients value that Danny is an experienced litigator that is able to offer proactive counseling and cost-effective solutions. As a 2nd generation U.S. Navy service member, Danny’s professional life and community activities reflect his commitment to service and hard work. Danny previously chaired the Harris County Sheriff’s Civil Service Commission and served as president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston, where he continues as a Board Member. Danny currently is a commissioner of the City of Houston’s Civil Service Commission. Danny has been awarded a Certificate of Special U.S. Congressional Recognition for his work on behalf of military families. He is an alumni of Leadership Houston and is often coaching his son in soccer.

Maricela Ventura Alvarado is a Partner in Monty & Ramirez LLP’s immigration division focusing on Business Immigration. Her experience includes a variety of employment-based and family-based immigration matters including nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, permanent residency, and citizenship. A majority of Maricela’s practice falls under the areas of employment and investment immigration representing small to large private and public businesses, private to public healthcare providers, primary, secondary and higher education institutions and more in their immigration and employment compliance issues. Maricela attended the University of North Texas and earned a degree in Economics in 2012. While attending college, Maricela was drawn into the nonprofit sector and decided to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service of America), a national service program designed to alleviate poverty. As a VISTA, Maricela worked with a nonprofit in Tarrant County serving Homeless Families and Victims of Domestic Violence. Once completing her year of service as a VISTA, Maricela moved to Houston, TX to continue working in the nonprofit sector for a local charity and attend South Texas College of Law where she earned her Juris Doctor in 2017. Maricela obtained her Juris Doctor working full-time in the nonprofit sector for her first 2 years of law school. She later joined Monty & Ramirez as a law clerk for the remaining time of her law school career. Her time as a law clerk in our Immigration division developed her skills and understanding in immigration law and her experience in the nonprofit sector further developed her compassion and civic mindedness in the profession

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.

Doug Murphy stands as a prominent figure in the legal realm of Houston, Texas, with a focus on Criminal Law and DWI Defense. His career, which began in 1999 with the establishment of Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C., showcases a deep commitment to justice and legal proficiency. As President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association and a member of the Board of Regents for the National College for DUI Defense, Doug's role in the legal community is marked by leadership and advocacy. Recognized consistently in listings like Best Lawyers in America and as a Texas Super Lawyer since 2009, Doug's achievements highlight his dedication to his practice. His significant role in revealing flaws in the Houston Police Department's breath alcohol testing vans led to his receiving the Sharon Levine Unsung Hero Lawyer of the Year Award in 2012, demonstrating his commitment to fairness in legal practices. Lauded by the Houston Press as the “Drinking Driver’s Best Friend,” Doug's influence extends beyond individual cases to broader systemic change and advocacy for equitable legal standards. Doug's practice covers a wide range of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DWI defense. His approach melds a comprehensive understanding of the law with a compassionate grasp of his clients' situations, ensuring they receive not just robust legal representation but also respectful and dignified treatment. Beyond his practice, Doug is a leader in legal discussions, evidenced by his numerous speaking engagements and contributions to publications. Fluent in Spanish, he reaches a diverse clientele, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility. In essence, Doug Murphy is more than just a lawyer; he is a key figure in the Houston legal community, an advocate for justice, and a dedicated representative for his clients. His unwavering commitment to excellence in criminal law and DWI defense makes him a distinguished choice for legal representation in Houston, Texas.