Professor Fred Shuchart, Z”L, who died early Saturday morning, surrounded by loved ones. True to form, Fred spent his final evening at a family reunion—joyful, boisterous, and so filled with laughter that the group was kindly asked to leave the hotel lobby. It was a moment emblematic of who he was: a man whose life was marked not only by remarkable achievement but also by joy, warmth, and connection.
Fred’s legacy is vast, reaching from his beloved hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, where he will be laid to rest alongside his parents, to Houston, Texas, where he built an influential legal career and inspired countless students and peers. A memorial service in Houston is being planned, and details will be shared as they are finalized.
Fred Shuchart’s path was grounded in academic excellence and a tireless work ethic. After graduating magna cum laude from Duke University in 1982 with degrees in Economics and German, Fred earned his J.D. from Washington University School of Law in 1985. There, he was inducted into both the Order of the Coif and the Order of the Barristers, accolades that foreshadowed a distinguished career in law.
He began his legal journey in St. Louis, where he became part of the legal team on Kemner v. Monsanto, the longest-running jury trial in American history. That early experience marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the law, which he pursued with both brilliance and integrity.
Fred eventually made his professional home in Houston, where he rose to become a shareholder at Ramey, Chandler, Schein, PC. He was widely respected for his expertise in insurance coverage law and was recognized as one of the leading voices in his field. From 2007 to the present, Fred was consistently named to the Texas Super Lawyers list by Thomson Reuters, and in 2015, he was honored as a Blue Ribbon Panel member. His achievements were also acknowledged by American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell, which named him a top lawyer in insurance law in both 2013 and 2014.
But Fred’s impact went far beyond accolades and courtroom wins. He had a deep passion for legal education, sharing his knowledge generously with others. He taught two insurance courses at South Texas College of Law Houston and regularly traveled across the country delivering seminars on coverage and extra-contractual issues. His work wasn’t just about teaching the law—it was about mentoring the next generation, fostering curiosity, and cultivating excellence.
He also believed in engaging with the community. As a volunteer with the Houston Bar Association’s “Teach Texas” program, Fred brought the intricacies of the Texas and Federal Court Systems to seventh-grade students, many of whom experienced the legal system in an accessible way for the first time. Fred made it a priority to demystify the law and empower others through education.
Licensed to practice in Texas, Missouri, and Illinois, as well as in all Federal District Courts in Texas and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Fred’s professional credentials were as far-reaching as his compassion. He held memberships with the Houston Bar Association, Metropolitan St. Louis Bar Association, and served as Director of Education for the CLM Alliance – Greater Houston Chapter.
But beyond the courtroom and classroom, Fred was a man who cherished life. He was known for his booming laugh, his love of good company, and the way he made everyone feel welcome and respected. His kindness, intelligence, and humility touched many, and he leaves behind a beautiful family that will miss him every single day.