Arthur Louis Schechter (born December 6, 1939) is an American attorney, philanthropist, diplomat, socialite and senior partner at Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer, and Harris based in Houston, Texas. He attended public schools and graduated from Lamar High School. Schechter graduated from the University of Texas in Plan II Honors Program with a BA and received a JD degree from the University of Texas Law School in 1964. He also subsequently attended the University of Houston for a master's degree in Political Science and Foreign Affairs. Schechter previously served as the United States Ambassador to the Bahamas. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and was appointed by President Bill Clinton on October 29, 1998. After returning Schechter chaired the Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority.