Curtis Hastings Schwake, Appellate Attorney in Austin, Texas
Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and Contracts
MemberatSchwake Zielinski LLP
Austin, TX
Practicing appellate in Austin since 1997.
- 29+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Curtis Hastings Schwake?
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Quick answer
Curtis Hastings Schwake is a member based in Austin, TX. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Contracts. Curtis has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schwake Zielinski LLP.
- Based in
- Austin, TX
- Experience
- over 29 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · Contracts
- Handles Appellate, Business, and Contracts matters from Austin, TX.
- Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Curtis Hastings Schwake: Curtis Hastings Schwake is a member based in Austin, TX. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Contracts. Curtis has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schwake Zielinski LLP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Curtis Hastings Schwake
Curtis concentrates on appellate, business, contracts, energy, and estate planning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Curtis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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Contracts
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Energy
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Estate Planning
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General
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Trusts
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Probate
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Appellate cases in Austin, Texas
Curtis takes appellate matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Curtis agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Austin, Texas
Curtis takes business matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Curtis agrees to represent you.
Contracts cases in Austin, Texas
Curtis takes contracts matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Curtis agrees to represent you.
Energy cases in Austin, Texas
Curtis takes energy matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Curtis agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Austin, Texas
Curtis takes estate planning matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Curtis agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Curtis Hastings Schwake — Over 29 years of Texas appellate experience
Curtis Hastings Schwake is a member based in Austin, TX. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Contracts. Curtis has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schwake Zielinski LLP.
Mr. Curtis Hastings Schwake is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, civil litigation, toxic torts and 9 other areas of law. Curtis received a B.S. degree from Texas A & M University in 1981, and has been licensed for 29 years. Curtis practices at Schwake Zielinski LLP in Austin, TX.
Curtis's approach to appellate cases
Mr. Curtis Hastings Schwake is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, civil litigation, toxic torts and 9 other areas of law. Curtis received a B.S. degree from Texas A & M University in 1981, and has been licensed for 29 years. Curtis practices at Schwake Zielinski LLP in Austin, TX.
The kind of cases Curtis takes
Curtis reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and contracts matters in Austin and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Curtis Hastings Schwake's legal education and bar admissions
Baylor University
J.D. · 1996
Texas A & M University
B.S. · 1981
Jurisdictions
Curtis's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
2000 · ACTIVE
Texas
1997 · ACTIVE
Curtis studied at J.D. in Baylor University and B.S. in Texas A & M University.
Law school and academic background
Curtis completed J.D. in Baylor University and B.S. in Texas A & M University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Curtis runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Office locations for Curtis Hastings Schwake in Austin, Texas
Curtis's primary office is at Austin, TX, 78716-0723. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Curtis Hastings Schwake
Curtis has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Curtis Hastings Schwake — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Curtis usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Curtis charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Curtis's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Curtis will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Austin, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Curtis
Curtis discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Curtis confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Curtis's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Curtis Hastings Schwake
How much does it cost to hire Curtis for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Curtis walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Curtis offer a free consultation?
Curtis charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Curtis's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Curtis's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Texas typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Curtis gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Curtis take my case if I'm outside Austin?
Curtis is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Curtis will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Curtis?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Curtis will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Curtis accepting new appellate clients right now?
Curtis's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Austin, Houston and Dallas in Texas
Curtis handles appellate matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Texas
If Curtis's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Austin handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.