KENT COUNTY’S
OLDEST & PROUDEST

Our History

Schmittinger & Rodriguez, Kent County’s oldest law firm, is the success story of how two young, dedicated attorneys turned their vision into one of Delaware’s premier law firms. Harold Schmittinger and Nicholas Rodriguez founded the firm in 1961, and to this day, the firm takes pride in its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional legal services to our clients.

Harold and Nicholas hung their shingle in a small office located at the corner of State Street and The Green. In 1965, due to the expanding practice, the firm constructed a new office building at 414 South State Street and relocated after its completion in 1966. Since then, the firm has undergone tremendous growth, opening satellite offices in Wilmington, Rehoboth Beach, and Odessa (later moved to Middletown). Our team of 11 attorneys and 50 support staff operate from three offices offering comprehensive legal solutions to individuals, businesses, and government entities.

Our accomplished attorneys have litigated in all state courts in Delaware, as well as the District Court for Delaware, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. We have also represented clients in courts in other jurisdictions, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota. 

Schmittinger & Rodriguez is proud of our close ties to the US military. Our founding partner, Harold Schmittinger, served in the military, and seven other attorneys previously or currently employed by the firm have also served. We are honored to provide legal services to military personnel, veterans, and their families, and we remain committed to supporting their needs. This commitment is just one part of the deep root system the firm has placed in Delaware, and after all these decades, why it continues to thrive, grow, and blossom with new attorneys, expanded practice areas, and the incorporation of technology into the firm’s dynamic infrastructure.

Schmittinger & Rodriguez is Delaware-owned, Delaware-based, and Delaware-proud. The culture, mission, and vision of our founders are the history of the firm and remain the lifeblood of the practice. Without this deep history and decades of legal mastery, Schmittinger & Rodriguez would not be able to deliver – day by day, year by year, and decade by decade – the personalized legal solutions that meet the needs of a diverse set of clients. 

0 +
YEARS SERVING DE RESIDENTS
0 +
clients served
Experienced Delaware Lawyers

Wide Range of
Legal Practice Areas

We have a core group of Delaware lawyers who act as lead counsel in many areas of practice. Our law firm is composed of experienced trial lawyers and legal counselors who are dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome for their situation based on Delaware law. We strive to provide quality legal representation by utilizing our decades of experience, staying on the cutting edge of legal trends, and leveraging our extensive network of professionals.

Our attorneys serve clients in a wide range of legal matters including:

our reviews

What Our Clients Say

Sharonda goode
2023-08-15
Great experience! Doug Catts, Ryan and Ms. Kaye are awesome to work with. Very professional, friendly & knowledgeable. They are expensive. But get the job done & in a timely manner. I use Mr. Catts for all my legal needs.
Hot Box237
2023-08-15
I will recommend this lawyer to any one, I feel like crying. He is kind, patient and a good listener. He solved your problem and at the end advice you. Thank you very much.
Cheryl Rowe
2023-08-15
Doug is personable…assertive and he will get the job done!
Patsy Ware
2023-08-14
Schmittinger and Rodriquez attorney Doug Catts is the best, I highly recommend him. As an attorney he is forthright, honest, transparent and sincere. Doug Catts and his staff are amazing.
James Trower
2023-08-11
I only have great things to say about the great folks at Schmittinger & Rodriguez. Everyone in the office had a warm personality. My Attorney, Diana Stewart, is a resilient lawyer in that she fought from beginning to the ending of my case. I am retaining this office for all my legal needs. Folks if you need a group of folks to fight for you, choose Schmittinger & Rodriguez, P.A.!
Josue Lopez
2023-08-03
Dianna Stuart is the best lawyer in the town. awesome customer service, awesome communication and very helpful. definitely will be recommending her to everyone. thanks for everything Dianna.
Augustine Graves
2023-07-20
Mr. Rodriguez is top-notch and Susan has kept me informed every step of the way. Great staff!
Felicia Batson
2023-07-18
Doug Catts was great and everyone working for him down to the lady at the front desk. His paralegal kept me in the know about what was goin on with my case without me having to reach out 10/10 Highly recommend!!!
our team

Our Skilled Attorneys

Nicholas H. Rodriguez
founding director
Douglas B. Catts
managing director
Skip to content