AWARDS & GRANTSCONTACT

Mediator Profile

Donald R. Philbin, Jr.

Fellows
Practicing In: Texas
Member Since: 2010
don.philbin@ADRtoolbox.com
210-212-7100
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Donald R. Philbin, Jr.

Location

Donald R. Philbin, Jr., P.C.
P.O. Box 12367
San Antonio, TX 78212

About

Don Philbin is a dynamic mediator known for resolving complex disputes with innovative strategies and relentless tenacity. He has mediated more than 3,000 cases across a broad range of substantive areas. Recognized by peers as a Band 1 Nationwide Mediator (Chambers USA), multi-year Lawyer of the Year (Best Lawyers), Thought Leader (Lexology Index), and Top 50 Central/West Texas Super Lawyer, Don is an elected fellow of the International Academy of Mediators and the American College of Civil Trial Mediators. Teaching at Pepperdine Law’s Straus Institute and developing Picture It Settled, pioneering software akin to “Moneyball” for negotiation, keeps him at the field’s forefront.

Background

  • Elected Fellowships: Distinguished Fellow, International Academy of Mediators and National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (since 2010); Fellow, American Academy of Civil Trial Mediators (since 2009), Texas Bar Foundation (since 2001), and San Antonio Bar Foundation (since 2007).
  • Bar Leadership: Past Chair of the State Bar of Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Section. President of the William S. Sessions American Inn of Court (2012-2013); San Antonio Chapter President (2013-2020), National President’s Award (2013), Association of Attorney-Mediators.
  • Peer Recognition:
    • Chambers USA: Consistently ranked in the USA Nationwide Mediators category since 2019, Band 1 (2023-2025).
    • Best Lawyers in America®: Recognized for Alternative Dispute Resolution since 2007. Multi-year “Lawyer of the Year” recipient in San Antonio for Mediation (5x: 2014, 2016, 2021, 2024, 2026) and Arbitration (2x: 2018, 2019).
    • Super Lawyers: Named to the Top 50 Central/West Texas Super Lawyers list in 2025, with continuous selection to Texas Super Lawyers since 2010.
    • Lexology Index: Recognized as a Thought Leader in USA – Commercial Mediation (2017-2025) and recipient of the Client Choice award (2026).

Education / Training

  • Adjunct Professor: Pepperdine University School of Law (Straus Institute) (2008-present).
  • Post-Graduate Degrees: LL.M. in Dispute Resolution (2007) from Pepperdine Law (Straus Institute). M.B.A., Executive Program (2001) from The University of Texas at San Antonio.
  • Law Degree: J.D. (1987) – Pepperdine University School of Law: Pepperdine Law Review; Moot Court Board.
  • Undergraduate: B.A. in Business Administration (1984), Trinity University.
  • Select Advanced Training: Program on Negotiation AI Summit (2025) at Harvard Law and MIT. Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation for Senior Executives. Cambridge Executive Enterprises’ Senior Executive Training with MIT Professor John J. Donovan (2002).

Fees

Please call 210-212-7100 or visit www.donphilbin.com for current fee schedules and calendar availability.

Types of Cases Mediated

  • Complex Business & Commercial: Breach of Contract, Partnership Disputes and Dissolutions, Shareholder and Derivative Actions, Corporate Governance, Securities, Fraud, and D&O Liability.
  • Industry-Specific Litigation: Energy (Oil & Gas and Renewable), Healthcare, Construction, Real Estate, and Software/Technology disputes.
  • Intellectual Property, Trade Secrets & Executive Employment: Patent Infringement, Trademarks, Copyrights, Trade Secrets, Non-Competes / Non-Solicits, and Executive Compensation.
  • Private Client & Relational: Trusts, Estate and Probate Disputes, Family Business Succession, High-Net-Worth Family, and Complex Property Division.
  • Tort, Liability & Insurance: Significant Personal Injury (PI) and Property Damage, Product Liability, Professional Malpractice, Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith, and Class Actions.

CV / Resume

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