- Civil Trial Law Specialist,
- Personal Injury Trial Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and
- Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
About C.L. Mike Schmidt
Certifications
- Civil Trial Law Specialist
- Personal Injury Trial Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and
- Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers
- Member of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Member of the International Society of Barristers
- Former National Membership Chairman and a Diplomate of the American Board of Trial Advocates
- Listed for several years in The Best Lawyers in America,
- Listed as One of the Best Lawyers in Dallas by D Magazine,
- Listed in Who’s Who in Law by the Dallas Business Journal
- Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Featured on the Learning Channel about a wrongful death case in Texas entitled The Magic Bullet
- Board President of the Millicent M. Rogers Museum in Taos, New Mexico



















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See All Of C.L. Mike Schmidt's Articles
Using Headphones While Driving (Penalties, Exceptions & Legality)
Each state has its laws regarding using headphones or earbuds while driving. To ensure compliance and avoid car accidents, you must be aware of the driving laws in the state where you frequently drive. With years of experience as a...
Consecutive vs. Concurrent Sentences (Examples and Definition)
A consecutive sentence is one which does not begin to run until the expiration of a prior sentence, whereas concurrent sentences are served simultaneously. Therefore, consecutive sentences follow one another and add (as opposed to combine) to the duration of...
Is California a Stand Your Ground State?(4 Self-Defense Types)
Under California law, a person generally has the right to "stand their ground" and use deadly force without retreating when threatened by an attacker in a life-or-death situation. However, there are nuances to California’s stand your ground laws that you...
Misdemeanor Convictions – 9 Examples Explained
A misdemeanor offense is less serious than a felony, but worse than an infraction, and may involve fines and even jail time if you are convicted.
How Police Handle Anonymous Tips?4 Types of Confidential Informants
A tip from an anonymous source may provide police with reasonable cause to detain a person or conduct a search if the tip includes certain facts that can be verified by police. The search and/or detention must be based on...
EEOC Right-to-Sue Letters – 5 Examples Explained
An EEOC Right-to-Sue letter is a document issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to individuals who have filed charges alleging employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation which authorizes that person to proceed with a lawsuit in court.
How Many Hours Can I Work in a Day (OSHA and FLSA Explained)
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers a normal work shift to be a work period of no more than 8 consecutive hours during the day, 5 days per week with at least an 8 hour rest.
Indecent Exposure Definition(Penalties & 4 Common Types Explained)
Indecent exposure is the act of revealing one's private parts in order to frighten or upset someone else. Exposure is considered indecent legally whenever a reasonable person would or should know that his act may be seen by others, and...
Split Shift in California (Benefits And Definition Explained)
A "split shift" in California is a work schedule that is interrupted by non-paid and non-working time periods established by the employer. An example of a split shift is a restaurant worker who works from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.,...
Legal Working Age in California(2 Types of Penalties Explained)
The legal age to work in the state of California is currently 14-years-old. However, minors between the ages of 14 and 17 face significant restrictions on when, where, and how many hours they can work. Most children also need their...
16 Types of Protected Classes in California
(Definition & Examples)
In California’s “at-will” employment, employers can fire workers for any reason. This can lead to wrongful termination, discrimination, and harassment. Some protected people can sue their employers for discrimination. Federal and California anti-discrimination laws allow this. As an attorney, I...
5 Keynote Points For Non-Discretionary Bonus (Definition and Examples)
Non-discretionary bonuses are a critical component of wage and hour law that employers frequently mishandle — costing employees thousands of dollars in unpaid overtime. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-discretionary bonuses must be included in the “regular rate...



