Don Philbin

Don Philbin

Nationally Ranked Mediator • 3,000+ Mediations • Adjunct Professor

Don Philbin leverages the insight of 3,000+ mediations and scholarship to resolve disputes of all complexities. By combining the science of settlement with a tenacious, analytical approach, Don helps parties to reach efficient resolutions in a wide variety of cases.

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Peer Reviews

These peer reviews summarize Don Philbin's recognition across directories, from global rankings to local polls, based on rigorous independent research, peer surveys, and user feedback.

Chambers USA

Recognized in the Nationwide Mediators category since 2019.

Band 1, USA – Nationwide: Mediators (2023–2025)

Editorial Summary: Thought leader among mediators; a highly regarded neutral sought after for a wide range of disputes.

“Don is our go-to mediator for complex commercial litigation.” (2024)

“Donald is a very quick study and understands complex financial cases very quickly. He is thorough, intelligent and hard-working.” (2025)

“He’s very charming, very professional, very understanding and empathetic to what’s going on. That’s his secret sauce.” (2023)

“He’s proactive and really wants to get to a result that both sides can live with.” (2023)

“Donald does a very good job at communicating both strengths and weaknesses and pointing out issues that parties need to consider.” (2025)

Band 2 (2021–2022) & Band 3 (2019–2020)

Editorial Summary: Lauded as ‘a real thinker and innovator,’ San Antonio-based Donald Philbin is highlighted for his handling of large corporate cases. (2019)

Best Lawyers®

Gathering detailed feedback from leading practitioners via peer-review survey.

  • The Best Lawyers in America® for Mediation and Arbitration (Consecutively since 2007)
  • Lawyer of the Year, San Antonio: Mediation (2014, 2016, 2021, 2024, 2026); Arbitration (2018, 2019)

“Don Philbin is a very quick study. He boils a case down to the important issues rapidly and he doesn’t get distracted by non-issues.”

“I can trust him to have the knowledge and insight to settle any kind of case… His pragmatic approach helps steer parties into a position to make sensible business decisions.”

“Far more than a ‘message carrier,’ Don helps parties look for solutions to their disputes that may not have come to their minds.”

Lexology Index (Formerly Who’s Who Legal)

  • Client Choice – Commercial Mediation Lawyer (USA – Texas): 2026
  • Thought Leader – Commercial Mediation (Global & USA): 2017–2026
  • Commercial Mediation (Recognized since inception in 2011)

“His grasp of the forces that drive a successful mediation is always spot on. There is not a mediator working today that I would trust more.”

Martindale-Avvo

  • AV Preeminent® Rating (Martindale-Hubbell, 1999–2025)
  • 10.0 Superb Rating (Avvo) in Mediation, Arbitration, and Litigation

“In a single session, we were able to reach a settlement agreement that included a novel, non-financial element neither party had previously considered. It was a creative solution.”

— National firm lawyer

Mediation War Stories

“I just completed the most difficult mediation of my career. We literally worked for 22-hours straight… Most importantly, he did not give up and kept the parties working. This was my first mediation with Don, but it will not be my last. I highly recommend Don to all who are in need of a dedicated and skillful mediator.”

— Trial attorney on LinkedIn