Timothy G. Schafer

New Orleans, Louisiana
Senior Partner, Established 1974
Phone: (504) 522-0011
Fax: (504) 523-2795
Email: tschafer@schafer-law.com

Experience

TIMOTHY G. SCHAFER, who is still fully engaged in an active trial practice, has over 45 years of judge, jury, and appellate court experience in the representation of individuals, insurance companies, and corporations in a variety of cases. Mr. Schafer relies on statistics to describe his experience. He has tried 132 jury trials to verdict (the figure does not include 14 cases settled during trial), argued before the courts of appeal in over 105 cases of which 93 are published decisions, and tried over 250 bench trials. His adversaries describe him as a formidable but professional advocate.

His peers recognized his accomplishments by electing him 2009 President of the Louisiana Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an invitation only organization of respected trial lawyers.  He also has been recognized by Super Lawyers and by Martindale Hubbell’s AV rating.

Areas of Practice:

• Insurance Defense
  • Casualty – Coverage – First and Third-Party Claims
  • Products Liability - Emergency Responders – Medical Providers
  • Home and Building Owners – Business Operators
  • Automobile and Trucks - Fires
• Civil Litigation
  • Commercial – Contract
• Appeals

Bar Admissions:

• Louisiana State Bar
• United States Supreme Court
• United States Court of Appeal – Fifth Circuit
• United States District Courts in Louisiana

Education:

• Loyola University New Orleans School of Law, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1963
  LL.B., Bachelor of Law
  Law Review: Loyola Law Review, Member, Board of Editors, 1961 - 1963
• Loyola University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1961
  B.B.A., Bachelor of Business Administration

Accomplishments

• Loyola Law Review (2 years)
• Practising Law Institute –
  • Speaker – Seminar in New York on Insurance Issues
  • Speaker – Seminar in Las Vegas on Insurance Issues
• La. State Bar Association Practicing Law Seminar
  • Panelist – "Professionalism: Practicing with (and against) the Experienced Lawyer"
• N.O. Bar Association Seminar
  • Speaker – Jury Trials: Voir Dire and Opening Statements
• American Board of Trial Advocates Seminars
  • Instructor – Masters In Trial
• Instructor – Masters in Cross-Examination
• Speaker – Judicial Independence Seminar
• Speaker – Civil Jury Trials: Rights and Obstacles
• Lead Trial Counsel – 132 Jury Trials to Verdict –
  
  
  Click to view Jury Trials to Verdict
  

  Case Name and Number	Court and Year	Length in Days
  Ambrose v. Disney 2006-6277	CDC – New Orleans – 2011	4
  Thistlethwaite v Gonzalez 66-596	29th JDC – Hahnville - 2011	8
  Munch v. Backer – retrial 2000-9442	CDC – New Orleans - 2010	5
  Bordelon v. Gravity Drain 2006-4422	14th JDC – Lake Charles - 2010	8
  Donnelly v. USAA 2006-12064	22nd JDC – Covington - 2009	6
  Alden v. USAA CIC 2006-9159	USDC ED - New Orleans - 2009	4
  Phoenix v. Mitchell 2003-12894	22nd JDC – Covington - 2009	17
  Loughlin v. USAA-CIC 2005-12956	USDC ED - New Orleans - 2008	3
  Reisman v Rex A/C 602-811	24th JDC – Gretna - 2007	4
  Burlett v. Gleason 99-12818	CDC – Orleans - 2006	4
  Talton v. USAA 2005-12956	CDC – Orleans – 2006	7
  Yeager v. USAA 55-145	29th JDC – Hahnville - 2006	3
  Poplin v. Lemaire 91073	17th JDC – Thibodaux - 2005	3
  Sanders v. Shapiro 2003-5351	CDC – New Orleans – 2005	3
  McBride v. USAA 2003-2217	CDC – New Orleans – 2005	2
  Rivet v. Gheens 85-348	17th JDC – Thibodaux - 2004	3
  Allen v. Duhon & Daigle 89-537	34th JDC – Chalmette - 2004	2
  Self v. Castenado 2001-15315	CDC – New Orleans - 2004	2
  Munch v. Backer 2000-9442	CDC – New Orleans - 2004	5
  Floyd v. Childress 2000-13523	CDC – New Orleans - 2004	3
  Poche v. USAA - retrial 494-053	24th JDC - Gretna - 2004	4
  Kenny v. Turner 2001-7046	CDC – New Orleans – 2003	5
  Steed v. USAA 555-670	24th JDC – Gretna – 2003	3
  Davis v. Fennerty 438-237	24th JDC – Gretna – 2003	2
  Forest v. Hiller 2001-7810	CDC – New Orleans – 2003	4
  Poche v. USAA 494-053	24th JDC - Gretna - 2002	3
  Platt v. Rose 99-13085	CDC – New Orleans - 2001	3
  Malinovsky v. Midland 84-683	17th JDC – Thibodaux - 2000	5
  O'Neal v. Grant 97-7357	CDC – New Orleans - 2000	4
  Della v. Delaney 95-7603	CDC – New Orleans - 2000	3
  Dupuy v. Fitzpatrick 97-8459	CDC – New Orleans - 1999	4
  Breeden v. Bengtsson 96-7828	CDC – New Orleans - 1999	3
  Williams v. Paradise 504-297	24th JDC – Gretna - 1999	3
  Gagliano v. USAA 94-11081	CDC – New Orleans - 1998	6
  Leonard v. Gautreaux 97-198	USDC – ED New Orleans - 1998	4
  Perdomo v. Rellstab 96-17235	CDC – New Orleans - 1998	4
  Denton v. Reed 470-454	24th JDC – Gretna - 1998	3
  Hughs v. Smith 94-17121	CDC – New Orleans - 1998	3
  Pryor v. USAA 95-4015	CDC – New Orleans - 1997	7
  Dalrymple v. Young 499-701	24th JDC – Gretna - 1997	3
  Dugas v. Automotive Cas. 491-619	24th JDC – Gretna - 1997	3
  Barnett v. Libersatt 95-11795	CDC - New Orleans - 1997	3
  Molony v. USAA - 92-21304	CDC – New Orleans - 1997	4
  Comarda v. USAA 92-1550	CDC - New Orleans - 1996	3
  Soileau v. Liberty Lloyds 35-892	25th JDC – Plaquemines - 1996	4
  Bogan v. O'Connor 92-3477	CDC – New Orleans - 1996	4
  Carter v. Baham 91-19449	CDC – New Orleans - 1995	5
  McClure v. Parr 92-1416	CDC - New Orleans - 1995	3
  Wexler v. Doe 91-16642	CDC - New Orleans - 1994	3
  Donnow v. Lenoir 433-596	24th JDC - Gretna -1994	3
  Green v. USAA 89-5414	CDC - New Orleans - 1994	4
  Piazza v. Cagnina 89-22197	CDC - New Orleans - 1994	3
  Juneau v. Strawmyer 90-4459	CDC – New Orleans - 1994	3
  Breaux v. State Farm (637 So.2d 1313)	CDC – New Orleans - 1993	3
  Pfeifer/Thibodeaux v. USAA (647 So.2d 351)	32th JDC – Houma - 1993	3
  Jones v. City of N.O - 85-6243	CDC – New Orleans - 1993	5
  Williams v. Rasch - 88-636	21st JDC – Amite - 1993	3
  Young v. USAA 90-2124	CDC – New Orleans - 1993	2
  Foster v. Lupin 90-18515	CDC - New Orleans - 1992	3
  Guest v. Liberty Mutual 88-2433	CDC - New Orleans - 1992	3
  Deynoodt v. Warden 331-021	24th JDC – Gretna - 1992	3
  Bell v. Irvine 87-4193	CDC - New Orleans - 1992	3
  Lombard v. Russell 88-883	CDC - New Orleans - 1992	3
  Edmonds v. Gould - 88-15627	22nd JDC – Covington - 1991	3
  Yount v. Maisano – 360-919	24th JDC – Gretna - 1991	4
  Johnson v. Minnick 88-17969	CDC – New Orleans - 1991	3
  Hurst v. Drusilla - 85-967	21st JDC – Amite - 1991	3
  Williams/Buras v. Suskind 89-24495	CDC - New Orleans - 1991	3
  Blythe v. Naquin - retrial - 80363	32th JDC – Houma - 1991	3
  Industrial Risk v. NO S&W Bd 81-2635	USDC ED – New Orleans – 1990	52
  Holliday v. USAA - (569 So.2d 143)	22nd JDC – Covington - 1989	2
  Weiser v. USAA 343-543	24th JDC – Gretna - 1988	3
  Berthelot v. Sharp Shell 85-11164	CDC – New Orleans - 1988	3
  Burton v. Berthelot - 51-466	34th JDC – Chalmette - 1988	3
  Elfert v. Murphy 82-277	22nd JDC – Covington - 1988	4
  Shroyer/Joy v. Grush - 81-10991/81-1107	CDC – New Orleans - 1988	5
  Shepard v. State Farm/Torres - 47106	34th JDC – Chalmette- 1987	4
  Blythe v. Naquin – 803631	32th JDC – Houma - 1987	3
  McGowan v. S&W Bd - 82-10240	CDC – New Orleans – 1987	12
  Stapler v. Keller 84-483	22nd JDC – Covington- 1987	3
  Orleans v. Tschol/USAA 69-205	22nd JDC – Covington- 1986	3
  Versin/Grizzaffi v. Phillips 70-060	16th JDC - Franklin - 1986	4
  Adams v. Mohon - 56-427	22nd JDC – Franklinton - 1986	4
  Gravois v. Trout (498 So.2d 140)	24th JDC – Gretna - 1985	3
  Schoenberger v. Verrett 282-945	24th JDC – Gretna - 1985	3
  Wolniewicz v. Richard 82-1346	USDC ED New Orleans – 1985	3
  Fox v. Headrick 73-627	21st JDC – Amite - 1985	4
  Ashline v. Simon 248-598	24th JDC – Jefferson 1985	2
  Papazoglakis v. Matherne 47-979	17th JDC – Thibodaux - 1984	13
  Brady v. Terribile - 81-12506	CDC - New Orleans - 1984	4
  Reuther v. Landreneau - 82-6517	CDC – New Orleans - 1984	2
  Rodriguez v. Blanchard 82-2318	CDC - New Orleans - 1983	3
  King v. Kelly - 81-15706	CDC - New Orleans - 1983	3
  Giambelluca v. Chambers 80-2508	CDC - New Orleans - 1983	3
  Miramon v. Miramon 76-10429	CDC - New Orleans - 1983	4
  Andollina v. Herbert - 267-525	24th JDC – Gretna - 1983	2
  Schweiger v. Sanders - 449 So.2d 681	24th JDC – Gretna - 1982	3
  Pendergass v.GNO Tourst 81-1182	CDC - New Orleans - 1982	3
  Galloway v. Guichet 47-986	22nd JDC – Franklinton - 1982	3
  Borne v. Jasmin 22-239	29th JDC – Hahnville - 1982	3
  Jenkins v Curby 47-602	22nd JDC – Franklinton - 1982	5
  Whittacker v. Schudmak 78-12283	CDC - New Orleans - 1982	3
  Waddick v. Parratt 78-17623	CDC - New Orleans - 1981	3
  Shaddinger v. Gowland - 78-4264	USDC ED New Orleans - 1981	3
  Songy v. Songy/USAA 198-678	24th JDC – Gretna - 1981	3
  Odendahl v. Wild - (418 So.2d 36)	CDC – New Orleans - 1981	3
  Gonzalez v. Lockette - 77-13376	CDC – New Orleans - 1980	4
  Trosclair v. Hietala 225-648	24th JDC – Gretna - 1980	2
  Summers v. Hoerner - 78-7731	CDC – New Orleans - 1980	3
  Bienvenu v. Briede - 79-4114	CDC - New Orleans - 1980	3
  Bedford v. Cazayoux - (399 So.2d 1214)	22nd JDC – Covington - 1980	4
  Barrett v. Brisbin 77-16234	CDC - New Orleans - 1980	3
  Brouilette v. Ward - 224-086	24th JDC – Gretna - 1980	2
  Ordon v. Nash - (411 So.2d 1111)	CDC – New Orleans - 1979	3
  Rhodes v. Parrott – retrial - 78-2534	CDC – New Orleans - 1979	3
  Gottsagen v. USAA 77-3560	USDC ED New Orleans- 1979	3
  Dupre v. Episcopal Diocese - 76-4104	CDC - New Orleans - 1979	3
  Rhodes v. Parrott - 78-2534	CDC – New Orleans - 1979	3
  Bergeron v. Murray - 207-866	24th JDC – Gretna - 1978	3
  Westbrook v. NOPBRR	24th JDC – Gretna - 1977	3
  King v. Lousteau - 7871	29th JDC – Edgard- 1977	4
  Velez v. Sladovich - 180-797	24th JDC – Gretna - 1977	1
  O'Connor v. Terry - 42782	22nd JDC – St. Tammany - 1976	4
  Davis v. MacEluch 72-1294	USDC ED - New Orleans - 1975	2
  Willoughby v. Murray - 135-013	24th JDC – Gretna - 1974	3
  McGuinnes v. USAA - 29-870	22nd JDC – Covington - 1972	3
  Mark v. Nunenmaker 71-3374	USDC ED - New Orleans - 1972	2
  Carter v. Great A & P 67-582	USDC ED - New Orleans - 1971	2
  Cleary v. Theibert 67-1768	USDC ED - New Orleans - 1970	2
  Burke v. Holloway - 472-009	CDC - New Orleans - 1970	2
  Lowman v. City of N. O. 67-582	USDC ED – New Orleans - 1968	2
  Palmisano v. USAA - 456-623	CDC - New Orleans - 1967	2

  • Tried to a jury the first Katrina property damage claim in New Orleans
  • Successfully tried to juries six of seven Katrina property damage claims
  • Defended an industrial fire claim lasting 13 weeks in the U.S.D.C. Ed. La. (favorable jury verdict).
  • Cases included deaths, quadriplegia, paraplegia, burns, brain injuries, loss of vision, and spinal injuries, among others
• Appellate Counsel - over 105, of which 93 are published
  
  
  Click to view Appellate Court Cases
  

  Munch v. Backer, 63 So.3d 181 (2011)

  Talton v. USAA Cas. Ins. Co., 981 So.2d 696 (2008)

  Munch v. Backer, 972 So.2d 1249 (2007)

  Terrebonne v. Cheramie, 952 So.2d 833 (2007)

  Sperry v. Nationwide Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 915 So.2d 914 (2005)

  Sanders v. Shapiro, 2005 WL 2114953 (2005)

  Poche v. Allstate Ins. Co., 900 So.2d 55 (2005)

  Shambra v. Roth, 885 So.2d 1257 (2004)

  Forest v. Hiller, 879 So.2d 846 (2004)

  Floyd v. Childress, 2004 WL 3508054 (2004)

  Suskind v. Shervington, 846 So.2d 93 (2003)

  Byers v. Edmondson, 807 So.2d 285 (2001)

  Dupuy v. Fitzpatrick, 789 So.2d 667 (2001)

  Francis v. Esteen, 771 So.2d 184 (2000)

  Gentry v. Meade, 767 So.2d 60 (2000)

  Denton v. Reed, 739 So.2d 217 (1999)

  Peden v. Irvin, 729 So.2d 87 (1999)

  Dugas v. Automotive Cas. Ins. Co., 729 So.2d 25 (1999)

  Pryor v. United Services Auto Association, 729 So.2d 658 (1999)

  Molony v. USAA Property and Cas. Ins. Co., 708 So.2d 1220 (1998)

  Bogan v. O'Connor, 703 So.2d 1382 (1997)

  Jenkins v. Lindsey, 693 So.2d 238 (1997)

  Aupied v. Joudeh, 694 So.2d 1012 (1997)

  Molony v. United Services Auto Association, 683 So.2d 891 (1996)

  Carter v. Baham, 683 So.2d 299 (1996)

  Ensenat v. Edgecombe, 677 So.2d 138 (1996)

  Green v. USAA Cas. Ins. Co., 668 So.2d 397 (1996)

  Cahoon v. USAA Cas. Ins. Co., 663 So.2d 534 (1995)

  Juneau v. Strawmyer, 647 So.2d 1294 (1994)

  Thibodeaux v. USAA Cas. Ins. Co., 647 So.2d 531 (1994)

  Carter v. Baham, 644 So.2d 1086 (1994)

  Boteler v. Lake Management, Inc., 628 So.2d 86 (1993)

  In Re: Amtext, Inc., 625 So.2d 693 (1993)

  Yount v. Maisano, 616 So.2d 1382 (1993)

  Hurst v. Drusilla Seafood of Hammond, 616 So.2d 749 (1993)

  Eschete v. Walter H. Maples, Inc., 606 So.2d 564 (1992)

  Brown v. American Bank and Trust Co., 594 So.2d 1105 (1992)

  Burton v. Berthelot, 567 So.2d 649 (1990)

  Smith v. USAA Cas. Ins. Co., 563 So.2d 572 (1990)

  Smith v. Travelers Ins. Co., 560 So.2d 472 (1990)

  Shroyer v. Grush, 555 So.2d 534 (1989)

  McGowan v. Sewerage and Water Board, 555 So.2d 472 (1989)

  Jones v. Payton, 548 So.2d 1260 (1989)

  Shepard v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 545 So.2d 624 (1989)

  Ross v. Schultz, 542 So.2d 125 (1989)

  Thomas v. Kilgore, 537 So.2d 828 (1989)

  Adams v. Security Ins. Co. of Hartford, 533 So.2d 140 (1988)

  Smith v. USAA Cas. Ins. Co., 532 So.2d 1171 (1988)

  Gravois v. Succession of Trauth, 498 So.2d 140 (1986)

  King v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 485 So.2d 578 (1986)

  Reuther v. Landreneau, 480 So.2d 376 (1985)

  Brady v. United Services Auto. Association, 480 So.2d 393 (1985)

  Anthony v. New Orleans Public Service, Inc., 480 So.2d 444 (1985)

  Capone v. King, 467 So.2d 574 (1985)

  Brazile v. Arnaud Coffee Co., 465 So.2d 111 (1985)

  Schweiger v. Sanders, 449 So.2d 681 (1984)

  Anthony v. New Orleans Public Service, Inc., 449 So.2d 666 (1984)

  McSweeney v. Dept. of Transp. and Dev., 442 So.2d 659 (1983)

  Kahn v. United Services Auto. Association, 429 So.2d 873 (1983)

  Odendahl v. Wild, 418 So.2d 36 (1982)

  Brouillette v. Ward, 412 So.2d 138 (1982)

  Dollacker v. Schimek, 411 So.2d 643 (1982)

  Ordon v. Nash, 411 So.2d 1111 (1982)

  Gonzalez v. Lockett, 410 So.2d 265 (1982)

  Bedford v. Cazayoux, 399 So.2d 1214 (1981)

  Prats v. Moffett, 391 So.2d 1299 (1980)

  Schexnayder v. United Services Auto. Association, 375 So.2d 736 (1979)

  Adamski v. Burdell, 363 So.2d 1316 (1978)

  Richard v. Singer Lumber Co., 361 So.2d 955 (1978)

  Aetna Ins. Co. v. Singer Lumber Co., 361 So.2d 957 (1978)

  Greyhound Lines Inc. v. Neeb Kearney & Co., 360 So.2d 569 (1978)

  King v. Lousteau Auto Sales, Inc., 359 So.2d 320 (1978)

  Weathersby v. Kersbergen, 356 So.2d 498 (1977)

  Aetna Ins. Co. v. Emmons, 348 So.2d 1267 (1977)

  Barre v. Hong Kong Restauraunt, 346 So.2d 318 (1977)

  O'Connor v. Terry, 346 So.2d 739 (1977)

  DeVun v. Barton, 340 So.2.d 1018 (1976)

  Aetna Ins. Co. v. U.S. Fidelity & Guaranty Co., 340 So.2d 345 (1976)

  O'Connor v. Terry, 341 So.2d 1341 (1976)

  Delgrandile v. Employers Ins. of Wausau, 317 So.2d 669 (1975)

  Bugg v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 295 So.2d 194 (1974)

  Kirkland v. Western Elec. Co., 296 So.2d 350 (1974)

  Foret v. United Services Auto. Association, 293 So.2d 671 (1974)

  McGuinness v. United Services Auto Association, 275 So.2d 485 (1973)

  Felix v. W.H. McCrory & Co., 269 So.2d 845 (1972)

  Perry v. Lovecchio, 265 So.2d 349 (1972)

  Alpha v. Air Sifters, Inc., 260 So.2d 101 (1972)

  Levet v. Kirksey, 244 So.2d 346 (1971)

  Ward v. Aucoin, 222 So.2d 628 (1969)

  Palmisano v. United Services Auto. Association, 217 So.2d 744 (1969)

  Tripoli v. Gurry, 206 So.2d 163 (1968)

  Lilly v. Schmitt, 198 So.2d 502 (1967)

  Tripoli v. Gurry, 187 So.2d 540 (1966)
  

• Louisiana Supreme Court – 5 Appearances
  • In Re: Hackett, 701 So.2d 920 (1997)
  • In Re: Caulfield, 683 So.2d 714 (1996)
  • Yount v. Maisano, 627 So.2d 148 (1993)
  • Adams v. Security Ins. Co. of Hartford, 543 So.2d 480 (1989)
  • Tripoli v. Gurry, 253 La. 473 (1969)

Published Works:

• Community Property: Effect of Act II 86 of 1944, Loyola Law Review , Vol. 1, 1961-1962, 1962
• Sufficiency of Dates - Holographic Wills , Loyola Law Review Vol. II, No. 2, 1962-1963
• Cancellation, Reformation and Expiration of Auto Insurance Policies , Practising Law Institute Automobile Insurance Problem II , 1970

Representative Cases

• Yount v. Maisano, 627 So. 2d 148 (La. 1993)
• Shepard v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 545 So.2d 624 (La.App. 4 Cir. 1989)
• McGowan v. Sewerage and Water Bd. of New Orleans, 555 So.2d 472 (La.App. 4 Cir. 1989)
• Adams v. Security Ins. Co. of Hartford, 543 So.2d 480 (La. 1989)
• Molony v. USAA, 683 So. 2d 891 (La. App. 4 Cir. 1996)
• Talton v. USAA Cas. Ins. Co., 981 So.2d. 696 (La. App. 4 cir. 2008)

References:

• Whitney National Bank
• Ives Business Forms

Classes/Seminars Taught:

• Lecturer, Automobile Insurance Problems, Practising Law Institute, New York, NY, 1969
• Lecturer, Automobile Insurance Problems IID, Practising Law Institute, New York, NY, 1970
• Lecturer, Automobile Insurance Problems IID, Practising Law Institute, Las Vegas, NV, 1970
• Panelist, Seminar on Trial Technique, Practising Law Institute, New Orleans, LA, 1973
• Instructor/Panelist, Masters in Trial, American Board of Trial Advocates, New Orleans, LA, 2003
• Panelist, Professionalism: Practicing with (and against) the Experienced Lawyer. La. State Bar Association Practicing Law Seminar 2004
• Speaker, Jury Trials: Voir Dire and Opening Statements, New Orleans Bar Association Seminar 2004
• Instructor/Panelist, Masters in Cross-Examination, American Board of Trial Advocates Seminar 2009
• Speaker, Judicial Independence Seminar, American Board of Trial Advocates Seminar 2008
• Speaker, Civil Jury Trial: Rights and Obstacles, American Board of Trial Advocates Seminar 2010

Professional Organizations

• International Association of Defense Counsel
• American Board of Trial Advocate
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
• Defense Research Institute
• American Bar Association
• Louisiana Bar AssociationNew Orleans Bar Association

Recognitions

• Diplomat – American Board of Trial Advocates
• President – Louisiana Chapter of ABOTA 2009
• Martindale-Hubbell – AV Rating
• Super Lawyers

Birth Information

• November 6, 1939, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America