Meet Edward W. Schmitt

Edward W. Schmitt

Partner

Ed has been a member of Koeller Nebeker Carlson Haluck, LLP since 1991, focusing on the representation of developers and general contractors in residential and commercial construction litigation, while maintaining a personal injury defense and general civil litigation practice.  Prior to joining the firm, his practice involved personal injury defense and the representation of school districts and governmental agencies, including the defense of peace officers in civil rights cases.

He graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara before obtaining his J.D. from Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco.  He has obtained his mediator certification through the Straus Institute at Pepperdine University.

Ed has tried and arbitrated numerous matters to conclusion, but been blessed with opportunities to work closely with clients to tailor solutions to protect their immediate interests in litigated and non-litigated matters, while preserving the valued business relationships and long term goals of his clients.

Prior to pursuing a legal career, Ed was involved in the Southern California sport fishing business and remains active in organizations and publications associated with this pursuit.  Ed and his wife Wendy brought up their five children in the Dana Point area of Orange County, where they have resided for nearly 40 years.  They have been and remain involved in school sports, theater and various community activities, along with family endeavors including camping, fishing, hunting and the arts.

  • Construction Claims & Litigation
  • Catastrophic Injury & Accident Litigation
  • Product Liability
  • Commercial Trucking & Transportation Litigation
  • Premises Liability & Hospitality Claims Litigation
  • Business & Transaction Law
  • Professional Liability
  • Government Tort Liability

  • Orange County Bar Association, Construction Law Section
  • Association of Southern California Defense Counsel
  • Building Industry Association of Southern California, Inc.

  • AV rated by Martindale Hubbell
  • Judge Pro-Tem for the Orange County Superior Court
  • Past Board Member of Association of Southern California Defense Counsel
  • “Once More, With Feeling – AB 267 and its expanded approach to pre-litigation procedures for common interest developments” February 2002

  • California Construction Defect Claims Manager’s Association
  • Statewide Risk Summit for California Community Colleges
  • West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar
  •  Pulte Legal Summit

(949) 864-3400
TitleDescription
Education
  • University of California, Santa Barbara, 1978 – B.A. Political Science, with Honors
  • Hastings College of Law, 1981 – J.D.
States Licensed to Practice
  • State Bar of California, 1981
  • U.S. District Court, Central District of California
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit