Stew Schmella

Biography

Stew Schmella is a civil trial lawyer and mediator. Since beginning his practice in 2001, Stew has tried cases to verdict in state and federal courts throughout Texas. Stew’s clients include commercial trucking companies, restaurants and bars, real estate management companies, insurance companies, and insurance agents. Most of Stew’s cases involve wrongful death and catastrophic personal injuries. Stew also represents businesses and individuals in commercial matters.

Stew also helps clients navigate the appellate process, including arguing cases before the Supreme Court of Texas and intermediate appellate courts.

Since 2012, Stew has helped parties settle disputes as a trained mediator.

Stew lives in Houston with his wife, Sam, and their children, Laney and Neil. Stew enjoys movies, baseball, photography, and cooking.

Representative Matters

• Earned defense verdict for restaurant in premises case involving traumatic brain injury claims.
• Earned defense verdicts for national restaurant chain in multiple slip and fall premises cases.
• Earned defense verdict for landlord in case involving allegations of fraud in lease dispute.
• Earned seven-figure verdict in California against supermodel and management company for breach of contract.

Educational Background

Stew graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston Law Center in 2001. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Rice University in 1998.

Professional Associations

• Houston Bar Association
• College of the State Bar of Texas
• Council on Litigation Management
• Texas Association of Defense Counsel
• Defense Research Institute (DRI)

Admissions

• All state courts in Texas
• All federal district courts in Texas
• U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Selected Presentations

• Transportation Law Update, 2021 West Texas TADC/NMDLA Seminar (2021)
• Ethical Considerations for Insurance Claims Professionals, Central Texas CPCU Society Chapter (2021)
• Recent Changes to Texas Discovery Practice, Collin County Bar Association (2021)
• Recent Changes to Texas Discovery Practice, Denton County Bar Association (2021)
• Recent Changes to Texas Discovery Practice, Houston Bar Association (2020)
• Additional Insureds, Independent Insurance Agents of Houston (2020)

Community Service

• Vice President, St. Cecilia Catholic School Advisory Board
• Usher, St. Cecilia Catholic Church
• Den Leader, Sam Houston Area Council Pack 673