The following is a list of some of the matters Tom Schmidt has handled for clients. It should always be remembered, however, that every case is different, and these descriptions should in no way be construed as a guarantee of results in any particular case.
* Successful representation of an Austin-based start-up Internet company against one of its service providers for breach of contract in which the firm obtained a settlement in an amount in excess of ten times the value of the contract.
* Favorable settlement on behalf of an oil-trading company and an environmental company against a major, integrated oil company for breach of a contract to sell off-spec crude oil.
* Favorable settlement in favor of a radiation treatment equipment company against a major international manufacturer for breach of contract in the sale of a used radiation simulator in which the client obtained in excess of four times the value of the original contract of sale.
* Successful negotiation of a settlement for an international pipeline trenching equipment company against a major international engineering company in connection with claims for non-payment in a major pipeline construction contract in Mexico.
* Successful settlement reached on behalf of the Texas franchisee of a Central American fast-food company in connection with a dispute among its shareholders.
* Representation of a start-up telecommunications tower company based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in connection with corporate record-keeping, negotiation and drafting of contracts with customers, and fundraising.
* Representation of a Trustee in Bankruptcy against former officers of the Debtors and a well-known non-profit organization in connection with claims that the officers and the non-profit conspired to strip the Debtors of more than $2 million in business opportunities. The firm also represented certain outside shareholders of the Debtors in connection with their claims for shareholder oppression by the insiders. The firm settled many of the claims favorably, and then represented its clients in a three-week trial against the primary defendant. The Judge entered judgment on behalf of the Firm’s clients in an amount in excess of $1.5 million, including punitive damages awarded for fraud. Notably, the firm obtained one of the few favorable judgments in Texas on the little-known “minority shareholder oppression” cause of action.
* Achieved favorable settlement for the daughter of a woman who died as the result of negligent medical care in a small town hospital.
* Representation of numerous franchisees of an ice cream chain against the franchisor and its attorneys and accountants, alleging fraud in the sale of the franchises. Favorable settlements were reached for all parties after Mr. Schmidt successfully handled the appeal in one of the cases.
* Representation of a litigation support services company in connection with claims that two of its officers usurped a major business opportunity of the company and in related shareholder disputes.
* Representation of a well-known home electronics retailer in numerous matters, including its multi-million dollar claim against its former landlord for fraud in the inducement and wrongful termination of the lease.
* Representation of the former Minister of Energy of Ecuador in connection with securities fraud claims against a United States brokerage firm.
* Representation of the author of the novelization of the movie Romancing the Stone and her start-up movie production company in its corporate matters.
* Successful defense of the art agent for a deceased local folk-artist in connection with claims that the agent usurped numerous works of art from the artist’s family. The firm obtained summary judgment for our client without the need for a trial.
* Preparation of incorporation documents, loan and security agreements, and operating agreements for an Italian restaurant in Houston.
* Successful settlement achieved on behalf of the firm’s client in connection with claims against a Swiss steel trading company that allegedly breached a partnership agreement and usurped a business deal to construct a power plant on the Caribbean island of Anguilla.
Additionally, during his career, Mr. Schmidt has handled medical malpractice, personal injury, securities, oil & gas, and other commercial litigation matters for corporate and individual clients.
