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Alex KatzmanPartner Katzman & Katzman

I had my first mediation with Phil earlier this week. Funeral home case.  I echo everything Steve Dummitt just said.

Steve DummittPartner Carlson Law Firm

Phil did an excellent job for my client earlier this week in a non-surgical MVA case. Def was national company rep’d by a Louisiana lawyer. We are fortunate to have excellent mediators in town that can help steer the other side in the direction needed to get cases resolved.

Bernard T. Klimist Law Office of Bernard T. Klimist

I practice in Victoria and throughout South Texas.  I used Phil Watkins as a mediator about 4 years ago on a recommendation from a San Antonio lawyer.  Best recommendation I ever had.  I use Phil every chance I get.  Defense lawyers know Phil’s reputation for diligence and working both sides over during mediation.  He has the respect from both sides of the bar. He has mediated 2 of my cases that didn’t settle at mediation but he continued to work both sides for months until the cases resolved.  I don’t know anyone else that would do that. Add Phil to your top mediators.

David NeblettPartner Fancher & Neblett

I just completed another successful mediation with Phil, who always manages to find a way to finish the job.  I have been a defense lawyer in Corpus Christi for thirty years and was  defending a Nueces County case, but went to see Phil because I knew he was our best shot at resolving a very contentious liability dispute.  Phil’s patience and calm demeanor were brought to bear from the start as he discussed and explained to the claims representative some of the evidentiary issues that might bear on liability, and it is clear that Phil played the Devil’s advocate in the other room as well.  Phil is direct and does not pull any punches, and one of the traits that makes him so effective in my opinion is what seems to be a sixth sense about pushing a point just far enough, never beyond.  He plies his craft politely and professionally and it is a real pleasure to get to mediate with him, as you never feel that your time is wasted.  I like going to see Phil in particular because he has a keen perspective and is a huge asset in helping to explain difficult concepts so that the decision-makers understand completely, and are therefore comfortable to make informed choices.  Phil sure did a great job for the parties and the process yesterday in what was basically a red light/green light dispute, convincing both sides that perhaps it was yellow after all.

Mario Diaz The Aguirre Law Firm

Had a mediation handled by Phil on Friday of last week and, as usual, it worked out perfectly. Plaintiff was great, liability clear, and FLI was on the ropes. Phil made the process smooth and helped keep the pressure on, making it clear to FLI that trial was not going to go well for them. The week before trial and we settle in an amount I didn’t think FLI would get to, thanks in part to a great mediator. That’s a good way to start a weekend.

James Martinez Law Office of G. James Martinez

Yesterday, Phil mediated a difficult case with an even more difficult carrier. He obtained policy limits in a minimal amount of time. He did a great, great job for my clients and me. Thanks Phil!

Tom C. Hall Tom C. Hall, P.C.

I had Phil on a difficult case this week and he did a fantastic job.

Larry Webb Tinsman & Sciano

I don’t usually post, but thought I might take a few moments following a successful mediation earlier this week.

For years, I defended hundreds of school districts across Texas, but haven’t taken any on the plaintiffs’ side over the last dozen years or so because of the TTCA and its liability limit for school districts. I violated my own rule during the pandemic, though, after learning that my client was being treated unjustly by the claims handler and was being misinformed about the TTCA.

Careful selection of a local mediator led both sides to Phil Watkins. Phil’s thoughtfulness and ability to quickly analyze the case enabled him to quickly gain the trust of all the necessary players. I’m happy to say that, despite the district’s written “authority” and despite having to move six times my every move, Phil was able to get the non-surgical matter resolved by way of a mediator’s proposal at a number far beyond what the district had previously contemplated (again, because of the protections afforded by the TTCA).

Kudos to Phil. If you haven’t mediated with Phil Watkins in a while, be sure to give him a shot.

Jana ReistPartner Johnson & Reist, Dallas

Mr. Watkins is an effective communicator and did a great job in working with the parties in resolving a tough case.

William AllredPartner Cooper & Scully; Dallas

I had a mediation with Phil yesterday.  He understood the case, the value and worked hard.  I will definitely use him again in mediation.