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Carl D. Shaw
About Carl
Biography
Having played a pivotal role in some of the nation’s most visible landmark cases, I have earned the recognition and respect of the legal community and my clients as a capable and compassionate attorney who will not flinch in the face of opposition.
During much of my 20-year tenure with O’Quinn Law Firm, I also served at the South Texas College of Law as an adjunct professor in mock trial to Associate Dean Gerald Treece, widely known for his KHOU-TV appearances informing citizens of their legal rights.
Prior to O’Quinn Law Firm, I was member of a Harris Country District Court Staff where I gained a thorough understanding of the behind-the-scenes workings of our legal system and the perspectives of judges and other courtroom influencers who greatly impact the outcome of a case. I also did an internship at the Texas Court of Appeals.
I began my career in the law as a Texas peace officer, vowing to serve and protect the people of my community – a firsthand experience that gave me great empathy for and commitment to the people I represents in the legal system today. I am still a peace officer and have completed enough service, education and time to hold a Masters Peace Officer Certification in the State of Texas.
I earned my law degree from South Texas College of Law, and was commended as the year’s outstanding male graduate by the Student Bar Association. I am an often-requested speaker in the community, and spend time doing work with various organizations in the community.
As a devoted family man, I advocate for causes I believe will leave the world a better place for my children.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Litigation
47%
35 years
Personal Injury
20%
35 years
Wrongful Death
14%
35 years
Business
11%
35 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 150-400 per hour
Contingency
20%-50%
Pro bono
10 %
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 34 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
ShawLawTexas
2118 Smith Street, Houston, TX, 77002
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Carl D. Shaw's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
25 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Kathryn | February 12, 2026 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellence in Trial Practice and Client Care
Carl Shaw is an accomplished trial attorney with decades of legal experience and a deep understanding of how to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients. He consistently goes above and beyond, demonstrating exceptional negotiation skills and strategic insight to ensure each client receives ...
Posted by Marina | January 23, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Best Lawyer in town
Attorney Carl Shaw has helped me with a number of court paperwork and has always been my go to lawyer for legal advice. Attorney Carl Shaw is always professional and very knowledgeable.
Posted by Shane | January 20, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer
I have used Attorney Shaw on more than one occasion, one of the best lawyers in Houston and surrounding area. Very knowledgeable and knows how to win.
Posted by anonymous | January 20, 2026
Houston's Finest
Carl Shaw is truly an outstanding attorney. His knowledge of the law is exceptional, and it’s immediately clear that he has deep expertise and experience in his field. He explains complex legal issues with clarity, is incredibly thorough, and approaches every situation with precision and confidence. ...
Posted by Eric | January 19, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Calling Carl was the best choice I've made in 10 years
Carl provided STELLAR advice, not only with my legal issues, but for the personal ramification of my legal choice.
Carl D. Shaw's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Carl is an effective advocate for his clients and maintains the highest ethical standards."
"I endorse this lawyer. Carl is a very dedicated lawyer that puts his client's interests first."
"I have known Mr. Shaw for more than twenty years. He is well qualified to handle a variety of litigated matters, including personal injury matters. He is compassionate, professional and you would be well-served to seek her counsel."
"I endorse this lawyer. Carl is a highly skilled and hard-working attorney. He works with people well and obtains terrific results. I recommend him whole-heartedly."
"Carl is one of the hardest working lawyers that I know. He has been a part of some of the most intersting cases in Texas and the U.S. over the past 20 years with stellar results."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Carl for years and he is highly respected in his practice areas, well known in the legal community, and a "go to" attorney for all types of litigation issues. A hard-driving, motivated attorney who is known throughout Texas and beyond for achieving maximum results for his clients. I highly endorse him."
"Carl is a first rate attorney and professional. We have worked closely on several matters and he combines a deep understanding of the law and facts with great people skills and advocacy."
"Carl is an exceptional advocate and trial lawyer. While we have been opposed to one another he has zealously represented his clients while maintaining respect for the other party and its counsel, and perspective of the big picture."
"I endorse this lawyer as among the most highly qualified, experienced, compassionate of client's concerns, and legally effective lawyers in Texas. Mr. Shaw takes the time to truly understand a client's needs, to comprehensively assess the issues, to be honest with the client about the strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, to be a real advocate of the client in what is often a long, expensive and contentious litigation process. His legal skills and ability to deal with opposing counsel and other parties involved is second to none, and his goals driven method is able to successfully cope with the many unexpected twists and turns of a case."
"I endorse this lawyer. His devotion to his clients is exceeded only by the positive results that he obtains for them."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Carl Shaw is one of the most dedicated attorneys I have had the privilege of working with. He has a unique ability to manage people and cases. He possesses an unmatchable work ethic. And he is a results driven attorney who diligently fights for his clients to reach the best possible outcome. If I needed an attorney personally or for my business, I would reach out to Carl first."
Mark Murray
Litigation lawyer
Byron Barclay
Litigation lawyer
Michael Howell
Litigation lawyer
Michael Hiller
Family lawyer
Donivan Flowers
Litigation lawyer
Scott McLemore
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2022
Alumni Public Service Award, South Texas College of Law
2018
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2013
Constable's Award, Harris County Constable Precinct One
2012
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
Master Peace Officer with Precinct 6, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education
1997
Career Division Alum of the Month Award, South Texas College of Law
1990
Order of the Barristers, South Texas College of Law
1990
Outstanding Male Graduate, South Texas College of Law Student Bar Association
1990
Dean's Student Service Award, South Texas College of Law
1990
Regional Champion- San Diego, California, National Institute for Trial Advocacy
1990
National Finalist- Denver, Colorado, National Institute for Trial Advocacy
1989
American Jurisprudence Award, South Texas College of Law
1989
Dean's List, South Texas College of Law
1989
Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who In American Law
1987
President's Award, Student Bar Association
Work Experience
2016 - Present
Assistant Chief, Harris County Constable Precinct One
2010 - Present
Attorney and Witness Preparation Specialist, ShawLaw
2014 - 2016
Captain, Harris County Constable Precinct One
2013 - 2014
Lieutenant, Harris County Constable Precinct One
1995 - 2005
Adjunct Professor, South Texas College Of Law
1991 - 2010
Attorney, The O'Quinn Law Firm
1989 - 1989
Intern, Texas Court Of Appeals, First District
1988 - 1988
Legal Intern, Fulbright & Jaworski
1985 - 1990
Sheriff's Deputy, Harris County Sheriff's Department
1984 - 1989
Law Clerk/Courtroom Deputy, 151st District Court
Associations
2023 - Present
Texas Bar FoundationFellow
2019 - Present
South Texas College of Law Houston Alumni Board of DirectorsBoard Member
1991 - Present
State Bar of TexasAttorney Member
1988 - Present
League of Women VotersMember
1986 - Present
Texas Commission on Law EnforcementPeace Officer
1990 - 1990
American Trial Lawyers AssociationVarsity Member, National Mock Trial Team
1989 - 1990
South Texas College of LawOfficer, Board of Advocates
1989 - 1989
National Institute for Trial AdvocacyVarsity Member- National Mock Trial Tournament
1988 - 1989
American Trial Lawyers AssociationPresident- Law Student Division
Sample of Legal Cases
Business Competition
The client's business was reopened, partially, within days and soon returned to full operation.
Carswell v. Christus Health Care
Won 2 million dollars for my client
Patel, Hasu vs. Christus Health Gulf Coast
On the eve of jury selection, successfully settled this personal injury lawsuit after extensive depositions and discovery.
3 local construction defect cases
over one million dollars in repairs
18-Wheeler Accident
The client recovered the property and personal injury losses created by the truck driver's recklessness.
Hepatitis C Infection
Multiple cases were successfully resolved for clients prior to going to trial.
Oilfield/Rig Injury Case
The case for the client's family settled prior to trial.
Premises Liability
The case was mediated twice and resolved prior to trial.
Education
1990
South Texas College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1984
University of Texas
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2013
Voir Dire Program
Voir Dire
2012
Matt Patrick Show
Infections from Surgical Instruments on the Rise
1998
Texas Civil Trial Update
Preparation and Use of a Trial Notebook
Publications
2012
Reader's Digest
Horror Headline: Dirty Tools More Common Than You Think
2012
Reader's Digest
Why Can’t Linda Carswell Get Her Husband’s Heart Back?
2012
Outpatient Surgery Magazine
CDC Investigation Uncovers Dirty Surgical Instruments at Houston Hospital
2011
2010
The Houston Chronicle
Widow awarded $1 million in missing heart fraud case
2010
Dolan Media Newswire
Texas jury awards widow $2 million for hospital’s fraud
2009
Katy Times
Katy hospital fined for unethical behavior
2009
The Houston Chronicle
Harris judge's sanctions against Katy hospital upheld
2008
1998
South Texas College of Law
Preparation and Use of a Trial Notebook
1990
South Texas College of Law Annotations
Cheating Policy Concerns Students
1990
South Texas Law Review
Attorney-Client Privilege in Texas
1989
South Texas College of Law Annotations
The Great Mayoral Debate
1989
South Texas College of Law Annotations
BOA Reorganizes
1987
Beard Books
Oil and Honor
1986
Associated Press
Original Presiding Texaco-Pennzoil Judge Dies
N/A
Lewis and Clark Law Review
The Politics of Risk: Pre-Litigation Site Assessment in Houston, Texas
Languages
Hebrew
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How do i go about reopening a suicide case
25 Dec 2012
Q&A
Trial on Merit in a Texas Divorce?
12 Oct 2012