What People are Saying

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

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.

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

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

What a great mediator! Phil just got us 5X policy limits on a pre-suit blown Stowers case that was set for trial in 6 weeks. If you have not yet mediated with Phil, you should definitely add him to your list.

Phil successfully handled a complicated multi-party mediation with some very unique facts and legal issues and some very big egos in the room. I was impressed with his demeanor, his creativity and his ability to handle the diverse parties and counsel. I have already recommended Phil to others in my firm and will continue to do so.

Phil was recently proposed as a mediator for a multi-party case involving catastrophic injuries to multiple plaintiffs, a bankrupt defendant, and coverage disputes. In the span of two weeks, Phil managed to herd all of the necessary folks (20+) to a meaningful mediation. Just getting everyone to the mediation table was a huge feat. On mediation day, Phil was effective and efficient—making meaningful use of every minute. Phil’s persistence resulted in all sides coming to a reasonable resolution. Phil’s handling of this difficult multi-party mediation was outstanding.

Thanks for all your hard work in getting my cases worked out loast week.  It was a very long but productive day and we really needed to settle considering the insurance coverage and bankruptcy issues.  I will certainly use you in the future on other cases.

Phil, tremendous job as usual. There is no doubt you were the right person for this job. Getting all of the parties and their lawyers wrangled up in such a  short period of time and then making productive use of the time we spent together are not easy things to do, but you certainly made it look that way. It was an impressive feat. Got a bottle of Red Breast with your name on it.

I have known and litigated personal injury cases with Phil for over 40 years.  As a litigator he was reasonable, fair but tenacious for his clients welfare.  Now that he is mediating I have called on him to use that same experience to resolve many cases.  He never fails and never gives up as long as there is a chance to resolve the case.  He works hard and makes the parties do the same.  My insurance clients listen to him.  He refuses to be a numbers carrier but makes both sides support their positions with evidence and sound legal arguments.