Brett W. Schouest

Member


Brett Schouest is a talented commercial litigator, but he doesn’t view every client matter as litigation, per se. Often, clients are concerned about the prospect of a lawsuit and the uncertainty and disruption it can cause, both in their businesses and personally. Brett provides guidance and direction, helping them resolve issues in and out of court with creative concepts.

With a focus on business and financial services litigation, Brett pursues and defends clients’ rights in disputes over financial transactions, real estate, construction, computer technology and hardware-software implementations, commercial contracts, torts, insurance coverage, and owner-officer issues.

Because the best outcomes avoid or reduce exposure, Brett tries to prevent formal litigation on the front end with risk avoidance measures and minimize risk on the back end, often utilizing mediation, arbitration, and other ADR options.

As Dykema’s construction industry team co-leader, Brett represents clients in litigation over design-build defects, performance and payment bonds, leasehold improvements, construction delays, public works projects, and other construction-related disputes.

On the transactions side, he counsels clients and negotiates agreements between property owners, developers, general and subcontractors, architects, and engineering consultants.  

Brett invests in each client relationship, learning what they do, understanding and anticipating their needs, and relieving the anxiety of pending legal issues.

A puzzle-solver and problem-fixer who enjoys the intellectual challenge the law offers, Brett relishes the opportunity to find solutions that help companies and individuals get back to business and ease people’s stress.

More than anything else, clients want your attention and understanding. They need to know you’re taking care of their problems. Litigating cases—and even negotiating some transactions—takes a toll on people, and I’m sensitive to that.
      • Duke University School of Law, J.D., 1990
      • Louisiana State University, B.S., Finance, cum laude, 1987
  • Bar Admissions

    • Texas, 1990
  • Court Admissions

    • United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit
    • United States District Court Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern Districts of Texas
    • Supreme Court of the United States
    • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Construction, and Litigation - Real Estate, 2006-2024

    • Named "Lawyer of the Year" in Litigation - Real Estate by The Best Lawyers in America® in 2023

    • Recognized in Texas Super Lawyers® for Business Litigation; Insurance Coverage; Construction Litigation, 2012, 2014-2023

    • Recognized by San Antonio Magazine in "San Antonio's Top Attorneys," 2019-2022

    • Martindale-Hubbell® BV® DistinguishedTM Peer Review Rating
    • "Texas Super Lawyer," in Business Litigation Law, Texas Monthly, 2014
    • San Antonio Young Lawyers Association, "Outstanding Mentor Award," 2009
    • American Bar Association
    • State Bar of Texas, Construction Law Section; Insurance Law Section
    • San Antonio Bar Association, Construction Law Section, Board Member; Litigation Section; Bexar County District
    • Courts Committee; Law School Liaison Committee
    • Texas Association of Defense Counsel
    • Inns of Court
    • State Bar College of Texas
    • USLAW Network
    • Texas Association of Bank Counsel
    • Construction Financial Management Association, San Antonio Chapter
    • Associated General Contractors, Member
    • Associated Builders and Contractors, Member
    • Risk and Insurance Management Society, San Antonio Chapter
    • Winston School, Board Member

Latest News and Insights

Webinars11.14.23

Legal Rights in Construction Disputes: Contractor Ceases Work, Owner Halts Payment

This webinar will explore the dynamics that transpire when construction projects come to a halt and…

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Press Releases9.18.23

15 Dykema Attorneys Named to Texas Super Lawyers List for 2023

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that 15 of its Texas-based attorneys—from…

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Press Releases9.4.23

28 Dykema Attorneys Included in "San Antonio's Top Attorneys 2023" by San Antonio Magazine

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is pleased to announce that 28 of its attorneys are listed as…

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