Justice Phylis Speedlin

Meet Phylis J. Speedlin, Esq. – San Antonio’s Trusted Authority in Family Law Mediation

With almost four decades of experience as an appellate justice, district court judge, and trial lawyer, Phylis J. Speedlin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work as a mediator.

Exceptional Value Through Extensive Experience

Justice Speedlin’s 13 years on the bench included 10 years as a Justice on the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals and three years as a Bexar County District Court trial judge. During this time, she authored more than 1,300 opinions on a wide range of legal issues, including personal injury, breach of contract, medical negligence, oil and gas, property rights, employment law, construction law, family law, and criminal law.

Proven Success as an Arbitrator and Mediator

Justice Speedlin has served as an arbitrator in complex cases across the country for the American Arbitration Association, with a focus on healthcare, commercial, consumer, employment, appellate, and construction cases. Since 2013, she has arbitrated over 250 cases, both as a single arbitrator and as a member of a panel. In addition to her work as an arbitrator, Justice Speedlin has also mediated commercial, medical, contract, employment, appellate, oil and gas, products, and construction cases.

Recognized for Professional Excellence and Community Involvement

Justice Speedlin has received numerous awards and accolades for her professional achievements and dedication to the community, including the San Antonio Bar Journal’s Outstanding Lawyer Lifetime Achievement Award and the St. Thomas More Award from St. Mary’s University School of Law. She has also been inducted into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame and the Texas Chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. In addition to her service as President of the San Antonio Bar Association, Chair of the San Antonio Bar Foundation Advisory Committee, and Chair of the Community Justice Pro Bono Committee, Justice Speedlin co-founded and chaired the Community Justice Program, for which she was honored with the American Bar Association’s Harrison Tweed Outstanding Pro Bono Award and the State Bar of Texas Judge Merrill Hartman Pro Bono Judge Award.

A Dedicated Professional with Deep Roots in San Antonio

Originally from Ohio, Justice Speedlin moved to San Antonio in 1970 to serve in the United States Army Nurse Corps. She completed her undergraduate education in nursing at Incarnate Word College and received her master’s degree in healthcare administration from Trinity University in San Antonio. She obtained her law degree, with distinction, from St. Mary’s University School of Law and has been a dedicated member of the San Antonio legal community ever since.