Robert Schaffer
Hon. Robert Schaffer Neutral
See Rates Below

Overview

Robert Schaffer

Hon. Robert Schaffer, a native Houstonian, has dedicated his career to public service and the resolution of civil disputes. He served as the judge of the 152nd Civil District Court from 2009 to 2024, presiding over complex civil litigation and earning a reputation for fairness and legal acumen.

Robert’s extensive judicial, legal, and mediation experience, combined with his leadership roles and community involvement, make him a highly respected mediator. His dedication to fairness, legal excellence, and conflict resolution continues to benefit his clients and the greater Houston community.

During his tenure, Robert contributed to the judiciary and community in numerous leadership roles:

  • Local administrative judge for Harris County District Courts (2013–2021)
  • Administrative judge for the Civil Trial Division (2012–2013)
  • Justice by special assignment on the 14th Court of Appeals (2010)
  • Pretrial judge for high-profile statewide multi-district litigations:
    • Toyota Unintended Acceleration (2010)
    • General Motors Ignition Switch (2015)
    • Opioid Litigation (2017)
  • Member, Harris County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee
  • Appointed to the Supreme Court Advisory Committee (2021) and the Judicial Administration Specialization Task Force (2023)

Prior to assuming the bench, Robert practiced law for 24 years in the Houston area, representing clients in various civil disputes. He also served as a mediator, using his skills to resolve complex disputes efficiently and equitably, for 16 years. He has been married to attorney Jo Ann Weiss Schaffer for 37 years. Together, they have three adult children.

 

Affiliations and Leadership

  • President, Houston Trial Lawyers Association (1998–1999)
  • President, Houston Trial Lawyers Foundation (1999–2000)
  • President, South Texas College of Law Alumni Association (1991–1993)
  • Member, Southwest Regional Board, Anti-Defamation League
  • Former member of the board of trustees, Congregation Emanu El
  • Various roles with the State Bar of Texas and Houston Bar Association, including chairing a local grievance committee

Recognition and Awards

  • Trial Judge of the Year, Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists (2013, 2019)
  • Distinguished Alum, South Texas College of Law Alumni Association (2014)

 

Education

  • B.A., University of Arizona (1974)
  • J.D., South Texas College of Law Houston (1984)
Rates and Fees

Rates - Robert Schaffer

If you have questions regarding our rates and fees, please contact support@milesadr.com

MEDIATION RATES:

Flat Rates
Full-Day Mediation: $2,500.00 Per Party/ Per Day
Half-Day Mediation: $1,500.00 Per Party/ Per Day
Multi-Day: Contact us for rate as fees vary depending upon such factors as number of parties, amount of pre-mediation preparation required, number of mediation days, complexity of the issues, travel requirements, etc.

Pre/Post Consultation & Document Review: Rates inclusive of prep work and follow-up.
Travel Rates: Rates inclusive of all travel time but not travel expenses. Travel expenses, including but not limited to flights, meals and lodging, billed separately and split equally among the parties.
Arbitration Rates: $8,000 per day for the hearing on the merits; $500 per hour for pre/post hearing matters

MEDIATION CANCELLATION POLICY

Mediations cancelled within 10 days of the mediation will be charged a cancellation fee of $1,000.
However, mediations cancelled, rescheduled or settled within 24 hours of the mediation will be charged half of the Neutral’s per day flat rate. Cancellation fees shall be sent to the cancelling party unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.

ARBITRATION FEE PAYMENT POLICY

Arbitration Commencement and Administrative Fee is $1500.00 per party, per arbitrator. At the commencement of arbitration, each party will be invoiced $1500.00. This fee is refundable minus $500.00 per party until the initial case management order has been issued. All arbitration related invoices are due upon receipt.

ARBITRATION CANCELLATION POLICY

If a single-day Arbitration Hearing scheduled on the merits of the case cancels or reschedules within 15 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 4 hours of the Arbitrator’s hourly rate. However, if the single-day Arbitration Hearing cancels or reschedules within 2 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 8 hours of the Arbitrator’s hourly rate.

If a multi-day Arbitration Hearing scheduled on the merits of the case cancels or reschedules within 28 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 4 hours of the Arbitrator's hourly rate for each day reserved for the hearing. However, if the multi-day Arbitration Hearing cancels or reschedules within 7 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 8 hours of the Arbitrator's hourly rate for each day reserved for the hearing.

Issuance of the Final Arbitration Order/Award

Arbitration Awards/Orders will not be issued to either party until Miles has received full payment for all fees and expenses associated with the arbitration.