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 as of September 22, 2025.
Chambers USA
Don Philbin has been recognized in Chambers USA’s Nationwide Mediators category since 2019, based on independent research involving peer interviews.
Band 1, USA – Nationwide: Mediators: 2023–2025
- Editorial Summary: The editorial for these years consistently highlights Don as a thought leader among mediators and describes him as a highly regarded neutral who is sought after for a wide range of disputes.
“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)
“Don is our go-to mediator for complex commercial litigation.” (2024)
“He’s proactive and really wants to get to a result that both sides can live with.” (2023)
“I think Donald is a unique, highly talented and experienced, one-of-a-kind mediator.” (2024)
“Donald does a very good job at communicating both strengths and weaknesses and pointing out issues that parties need to consider.” (2025).
“He is a unique professional and the most qualified mediator I’ve ever worked with. Clients from across Texas seek him out for his special skill set and outstanding value.” (2024)
“Donald is highly sophisticated and provides great legal service.” (2025)
Band 2, USA – Nationwide: Mediators: 2021-2022
Editorial Summary: “Based in San Antonio, Donald Philbin provides commercial mediation services for those facing intellectual property, energy and other business disputes.” (2021)
“An extremely effective mediator in a wide variety of situations.” (2021)
“He has a good bedside manner, even with difficult parties.” (2021)
“He’s a serious and smart mediator. He has the savvy to know when it’s time, on both sides, to find the sweet spot.” (2022)
Band 3, USA – Nationwide: Mediators: 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)
“Extremely hard-working: he spends a lot of time preparing in advance and works hard to ensure the partners are aware of the risks.” (2020)
“Don Philbin is one of the smartest, most talented mediators I know.” “He has lots of really innovative and clever ideas he uses for helping people close.” (2019)
Best Lawyers®
While Chambers focuses on in-depth, confidential interviews, The Best Lawyers in America® uses a peer-review survey that gathers detailed feedback, occasionally leading to ‘Lawyer of the Year’ distinctions in a practice area.
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.
Super Lawyers
Complementing peer-voted awards, Super Lawyers employs a multiphase selection process that combines peer nominations with independent research.
- Texas Super Lawyers for Alternative Dispute Resolution: Annually since 2010 (2010–2025).
- Top 50: Central/West Texas Super Lawyers in 2025.
Lexology Index (Formerly Who’s Who Legal)
Lexology Index—formerly Who’s Who Legal—identifies top legal practitioners internationally. It recognizes legal thought leaders through independent research and feedback.
- Client Choice – Commercial Mediation Lawyer in USA – Texas: 2026.
- Thought Leader in USA – Commercial Mediation: 2017–2025.
- Commercial Mediation since inception in 2011.
Editorial Summary: “Donald Philbin Jr at ADR TOOLBOX in Texas is recommended for his “exceptional” mediation skills and depth of knowledge of the mediation process. (2017)
User Quote: “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 in bringing a case to resolution.” (2017)
SA Scene Magazine
In addition to national recognition, SA Scene Magazine conducts an annual poll of local attorneys to compile its ‘Best S.A. Lawyers’ list.
- “Best S.A. Lawyers” for Alternative Dispute Resolution: Annually since 2014 (2014–2025).
Martindale-Avvo
The Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Rating is based on peer reviews of legal ability and ethics, while Avvo adds a layer of user-based ratings.
- Martindale-Hubbell®: AV Preeminent® Rating since 1999.
- Avvo: 10.0 Superb Rating in Mediation, Arbitration, and Litigation.