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Steven D Shellist
About Steven
Biography
Attorney Steven Shellist is an aggressive trial lawyer and the founder of The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC in Houston, Texas. A former chief prosecutor, he is a renowned criminal defense and personal injury lawyer with a proven track record of success. He is also recognized as an authority on criminal defense and related legal matters, frequently appearing on ABC-13 as a legal analyst and trusted resource for a wide variety of issues.
Mr. Shellist applies his years of experience and aggressive approach to trial to his personal injury practice. He is committed to helping his clients navigate the legal process as efficiently as possible and always strives for the best possible outcome on their behalf. He is adept at presenting evidence to judges and juries and knows how to aggressively advocate for his clients’ rights. Call The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
23 years | 1,000 cases
Personal Injury
50%
19 years | 100 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 22 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Location
Shellist Law
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1515, Houston, TX, 77046
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Steven D Shellist's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
60 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 60 reviews
Posted by Stephanie | January 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
My Attorney for 2 DECADES!
No matter how old I was or how severe the charge I was facing, a simple phone call to Steve had me feeling relief immediately. This man is the one you want in your corner when the going gets tough and you feel like you've hit rock bottom. He treats you with respect, all while talking to you as thou...
Posted by Amanda | January 25, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury
The best!
Steve is a fantastic and trustworthy attorney. Throughout our personal injury case, he was extremely communicative, took his time in explaining things to us and explaining what to expect, and was always only a phone call or email away. He is also a very pleasant person and often felt more like a frie...
Posted by Todd | February 28, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Assault – Expert Counsel, Confidence, Knowledge & Success
A fellow attorney and business colleague recommended Mr. Shellist to me. At the time I was facing a serious allegation with potential career-ending ramifications. Upon contacting Mr. Shellist, he immediately met with me, discussed my concerns, reassured me and promptly mapped out a legal strategy. ...
Posted by Todd | November 11, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Extremely Effective and Responsive
In my informed opinion, Steve is the best criminal and personal injury attorney in Houston. I have trusted him with many important matters and he always delivers the best results possible. His fee structure is quite fair given the his experience, expertise and his dedication to efficiency. For as ...
Posted by Octavio | June 07, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
criminal negligent homicide
For six months I did not know whether or not I would be a free man in 2019. Attorney Shellist , from the moment I retained him, has been encouraging, and always kept me and my family informed. He was highly recommended by other attorneys as the best for my case. He did not disappoint.
Steven D Shellist's Lawyer Endorsements
"Steve is my go-to guy for any criminal cases I have in the Houston area. I have sent a number of people to him over the years, and I always get back rave reviews. If someone calls me on a Houston-area case, I don't even think twice about it. Steve is the one."
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve was always prepared to zealously defend his clients. Steve and I handled a number of criminal cases against one another. Through this experience I developed a healthy respect for his abilities as a lawyer and trial attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is a great guy who gives his profession his all. He cares about his clients and is always looking for interesting angles and ways to approach a case. I have enjoyed working on cases with him. He is a lawyer who can be trusted to fight for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is a very humble and down to earth attorney considering he's one of the country's top lawyers. Steve gives each case 100% of his effort and the results show it. Hire Steve. It'll be the smartest decision you've ever made."
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is an incredible criminal defense attorney. He represents his clients zealously and achieves unbelievable results for them."
"I endorse Steven. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Mr. Shellist is a very talented criminal defense attorney in Houston. He is aggressive in the courtroom and well respected among prosecutors and judges. He has also been a great mentor for me and I highly recommend his services for anyone in need of legal representation in Harris County."
"I endorse this lawyer. His advice has paid off. If I were in trouble with the law, I would seek his counsel."
"Steve is a great lawyer, always willing to go the extra mile for his client, and always willing to go to trial. He is also an asset to the defense bar as he is always willing to share his knowledge with others. I endorse his work."
"An incredibly talented trial lawyer. I tried several complex criminal trials with him. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have observed Steve evaluate a case to the littlest detail. He often see angles and issues that most attorneys would not realize until much later, if at all. Steve is a go-to guy for tough criminal cases and his client can expect a thoughtful analysis of their case as well as an aggressive defense."
"I have known Steve for over a decade. In that time he has proven time and time again to be a tenacious, vigilant, and intelligent advocate for his clients and their rights. If the state's case has any holes in it, Steve will find them. He's a great lawyer and I endorse Steve Shellist."
"Steve Shellist is one of the best lawyers in Houston. He is compassionate, hard-working, knowledgable and above all committed to the success of his clients in every case. Steve understands the hard work it takes to win in a criminal trial and he puts himself on the line for his clients when it matters most. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is very knowledgable regarding criminal law and procedure. He is a zealous advocate for his clients."
"I fully endorse Steve Shellist in the areas of criminal defense, DWI defense, and pre-charging investigation. I have watched Steve work tirelessly for clients because he believes in justice and believes that every person should get the best defense. Moreover, his results demonstrate how hard he works. Anyone charged with a crime should consider hiring Steve Shellist."
"Tenacious, that is the best term to describe Steve. Somehow he finds a way to win cases that look simply impossible to win. He simply refuses to lose."
"I represented a co-defendant in a medicare / medicaid fraud trial in federal court where Steve Shellist represented one of the other two co-defendants. Throughout the trial, Steve amazed me. His ability to attack the credibility of the government's witnesses and punch holes the size of Texas in their exhibits and evidence astounded me. Anyone who wants a smart and witty attorney with an astounding work ethic should hire Steve."
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve has represented some very high profile clients and gotten unbelievable results in very complex cases. I would hire Steve if myself or a family member ever had to face a criminla charge and that is the best endorsement I can give."
Paula Goodhart
Criminal defense lawyer
Aaron Holt
Litigation lawyer
Jason Luong
Criminal defense lawyer
Joseph Vinas
Criminal defense lawyer
Christian Capitaine
Criminal defense lawyer
Carmen Roe
Appeals lawyer
Sean Mcalister
Criminal defense lawyer
Paul Calzada
Divorce and separation lawyer
Luis Midence
Criminal defense lawyer
Peyton Peebles
Appeals lawyer
Experience
Honors
2015
2015 H Texas Top Lawyers of Houston, H Texas Magazine
2014
2014 H Texas Top Lawyers of Houston, H Texas Magazine
2013
Top Lawyers, H Texas Magazine
2011
Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Founding Attorney, Shellist Law
2015 - 2017
Founding Partner, Shellist McAlister, LLP
2006 - 2015
Managing Partner, Capitaine, Shellist, Peebles & McAlister
2003 - 2006
Assistant District Attorney, Harris County District Attorney's Office
2002 - 2002
Legal Intern for Judge Hittner, United States Federal Courts
Associations
2014 - Present
American Chemical Society
2013 - Present
National College for DWI/DUI Defense
2011 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2008 - Present
Fort Bend County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2007 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2006 - Present
Harris County Criminal Lawyer's Association
Education
2002
South Texas College of Law
Speaking Engagements
2014
2014 Annual Judicial Education Conference
Assault Family Violence for Judges
2010
Houston Texans Training Camp
Legal Rights and Responsibilities
2008
Private CLE
Ins and Outs of DWIs
2007
Private CLE
What to do if stopped by the police.
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers