Fighting to Protect Consumers
“The consumer must be protected against unsafe products, against misleading information, and against the deceitful practices of a few businessmen that can undermine confidence in the vast majority of diligent and reputable firms.”
– President Lyndon Johnson
For decades, Richard Schechter has represented countless individuals who were harmed by unsafe products and deceptive trade practices, including those harmed by corporations, misled by educational institutions, and injured by defective products. Schechter’s dedication to justice helps ensure that businesses treat their customers honestly and fairly, safeguarding their consumer rights.
Protecting Students from Deceptive Practices
Higher education helps students increase their economic stability, enrich their lives, and promote personal growth. It also drives societal economic development, technological advances, and healthy social change. Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.”
Richard Schechter shares Roosevelt’s belief in the transformative power of higher education. He funds scholarships to diverse institutions—including community colleges, universities, and law schools—and has previously served as a trustee on the Board of Houston Community College.
When he learned of a university misleading students about its nursing program being licensed, Schechter was honored to be asked by the students to represent them, filing suit under the state deceptive trade practices act. These students had, in many cases, spent years and borrowed tens of thousands of dollars to attend classes that did not count toward a nursing degree. Schechter secured a recovery for each of the students that he represented.
Schechter’s unwavering dedication to justice means holding accountable businesses that engage in false and misleading advertising, thereby ensuring consumers receive the products they were promised and protecting their investments. His efforts safeguard the rights and well-being of consumers, including students, at all stages.
Class Actions and Mass Torts
Richard Schechter has been involved in representing consumers in class action and mass tort lawsuits against manufacturers. One notable case involved representing consumers against General Motors for defective air conditioning systems in various models of their vehicles, including trucks, Suburbans, and Tahoes. The design defects in the system caused significant inconvenience and financial burden to the vehicle owners. The lawsuit not only aims to secure compensation for the affected consumers but also to hold GM accountable for its oversight, ensuring higher standards of safety and reliability in the automotive industry.
Dedicated to Consumer Protection
Richard Schechter has leveraged the state deceptive and unfair trade practice act to represent consumers across various sectors. His firm is capable of representing individuals with large-scale consumer complaints and addressing issues affecting many consumers, safeguarding their rights and investments.
For more information about Richard Schechter's work and to explore his other notable cases, please visit our Meet Richard and Our Work pages.