About Scott

Scott Loras acquired his diverse skill set through over 30 years practicing law.  Scott – a gifted trial lawyer – has protected clients in matters involving personal injury, property rights and damages, as well as complex business disputes.  He continues to be in demand as counsel for plaintiffs and defendants, representing individuals and businesses in trial and appellate courts throughout Texas.

Scott’s experience transcends that of most litigation attorneys in that he is as “at home” in a board room as he is in a courtroom. He has managed numerous businesses and partnerships, forming entities and negotiating thousands of agreements valued from a few thousand to hundreds of millions of dollars.

He makes great use of his broad legal experience.  Combining trial and business skills, Scott also serves as a mediator in numerous cases either pending in Court or before lawsuits are filed.

His Work and Personal Life

Scott has worked at Bracewell & Patterson, Hughes Watters & Askanase, managed his own law offices (lawyers and staff of 12+), and Dell Computers where he received numerous awards for his negotiation expertise, including Dell’s Platinum Award for his service.  He recently shared offices with fellow mediators Jose R. Lopez II, Sherra Gilbert, Noe Moreno, Nicole Nech, and Judge Dion Ramos.

Scott and his wife Donna recently returned to Houston after living in Austin for almost 20 years.  Scott is active in his faith (He and his wife are Torah observant), including leading Bible studies, writing teachings, and moderating discussions as a volunteer for a global ministry.  He enjoys cycling, running, strategy board games, movies, and gadgets (lots of gadgets!).

Mediation Style

“My preferred approach is to be actively involved in my mediations instead of merely a money messenger.  I find asking probative questions and digging into each party’s strengths and weaknesses (without offering legal advice) actually empowers the attorneys and increases the success rate of settlements.  In order to be more effective, I also research and maintain a database of verdicts by litigation type in Harris and the surrounding counties. I work hard in my mediations and make it my sole mission to get your case settled.  I do this by asking the right questions, actively listening, employing my experience, empathizing as appropriate, and occasionally using my sense of humor.  While no one can guarantee a win at the courthouse, I find this style most often leads to a “Win Win” for all parties.”

*The Win Win Mediation Group page provides more detail on Scott’s style and approach.

Education

  • South Texas College of Law Houston (J.D., 1985) – National Order of the Barristers, Numerous Mock Trial and Moot Court Awards, including member of South Texas’ famed National Mock Team and National Moot Court Team.
  • The University of Texas at Austin (B.A., 1982) – Internships for Senator Lloyd Bentsen (DC Office) and President Jimmy Carter (White House)

Affiliations

HBA Dispute Resolution Center, Mediation Training and Certificates (1990 and 2018)

HBA Bench Bar and Judicial Polls Committees 2019-2020, Member

Seminar Speaker and Author, Texas Department of Insurance Approved – Re: Insurance, Workers’ Compensation, Subrogation, and Investigation

Hundreds of Hours of CLE and Training in Mediation and Negotiation

MABAH, Mexican American Bar Association, Member Judicial Endorsement Screening Committee

American Inns of Court XV (Founding Member 1986), Barrister

Texas Bar College, Member

Experience

Scott’s experience includes civil bench and jury trials, appeals, transactional drafting and negotiations, and mediations including the following areas at issue:

  • Architects Liability
  • Automobile
  • Collections
  • Commercial
  • Construction
  • Consumer Fraud
  • Contracts–Interpretation / Enforcement
  • Electrical – Electrocutions
  • Employment
  • Energy–Pipeline/Refinery/Rig
  • Engineers Liability
  • Entertainment – Film
  • Fire Cause & Origin
  • Healthcare / HIPAA
  • Industrial
  • Insurance
  • Intellectual Property
  • Landlord/Tenant
  • Liens
  • Local Government
  • Non-Disclosure Agmts
  • Partnership Dissolution
  • Personal Injury
  • Premises Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Professional Services/Fees
  • Property Damage
  • Real Estate
  • Religious Groups
  • Sales Contracts
  • Security Issues
  • Services Contracts -Hardware / Managed
  • Subrogation
  • Technology
  • Torts – All Kinds
  • Transportation
  • Trucking
  • Workers’ Compensation
  • Workplace Accidents & Incidents
  • Wrongful Death