Biography

Don Philbin is an AV-rated attorney, mediator, arbitrator, and consultant. His experience as a commercial litigator (associate and partner in Bar Register firms), general counsel, and president of hundred-million dollar plus technology companies augment his business and legal education. Mr. Philbin has served as mediator in 200 cases and advocated party positions in many others. He writes and lectures on the subject, is listed in The Best Lawyers in America® (Alternative Dispute Resolution), and is actively involved in a number of community and professional activities.

Experience

Substantial business experience in a variety of strategic and day-to-day operating roles (sales activity doubled while introducing new products and operating income doubled within a three year period) in telecommunications and high-tech related companies. Twenty years’ experience representing public and private entities and individuals in a variety of matters and forums as well as negotiating and drafting contracts, license agreements, and corporate documents in many areas of commercial and general civil law, including accounting, antitrust, banking, bill processing, civil rights, communications, construction, consumer, contract, corporate and organizational, employment, entertainment, environmental, family, insurance coverage, intellectual property, international, partnership dissolution, personal injury/death, property damage, public policy, real estate, regulatory, securities, software licensing and technology law, and business and personal torts.

Training

  • LL.M. (Dispute Resolution, 2007), Pepperdine University School of Law (number of academic and professional skills courses and a top U.S. News rated ADR program )
  • M.B.A. (Executive Program, 2001), University of Texas at San Antonio (Beta Gamma Sigma)
  • J.D. (1987), Pepperdine University School of Law (Law Review and Moot Court Board)
  • B.A. (Business Administration, 1984), Trinity University (internships on Capitol Hill, The White House, and University President’s Office)
  • Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School (Programs for Senior Executives and Dealing With Difficult People and Difficult Situations)
  • Cambridge Executive Enterprises, Senior Executive Training and Product Development with MIT Professor John J. Donovan

Publications and Honors

  • The CPR Institute – International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution Panel of Distinguished Neutrals
  • The One Minute Manager Prepares for Mediation: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Negotiation Preparation, 13 Harvard Negotiation Law Review 501 (2008).
  • Deal or No Deal? Or Perhaps a Better Deal? The Impact of Improved Information, 25 Alternatives to the High Cost of Litigation 177 (Dec. 2007).
  • The Psychology of Bad Economic Decisions, 7 JAMS Dispute Resolution Alert 1 (Fall 2007).
  • Texas Bar Foundation Life Fellow
  • William S. Sessions American Inns of Court Group Leader and Barrister
  • Texas Mediator Credentialing Association (Credentialed Distinguished Mediator)     Martindale-Hubbell® rating: AV (1999-)
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (Alternative Dispute Resolution 2007, 2008)

Community Activities

  • Trinity University Business Advisory Council Member and Former Alumni President
  • First Presbyterian Church Elder and Usher
  • Goodwill Industries of San Antonio Advisory Council
  • Leadership San Antonio XXIX
  • Pepperdine University School of Law (Straus) and Trinity University Business Department Guest Lecturer

Admissions

  • Supreme Court of the United States
  • United States Courts of Appeal for the Fifth and Tenth Circuits
  • United States District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas
  • All State Courts of Texas

"Mr. Philbin was exceptional and professional in dealing with this mess. Thank you."