John W. Hughes, Dallas-Fort Worth Mediator
John W. Hughes has practiced law since 1967 and served as a mediator since 1992. Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, he works directly with attorneys, businesses, organizations, and individual parties throughout Texas.
His experience extends beyond the mediation room. Mr. Hughes has worked as a trial lawyer, managed his own legal practice, operated businesses, and handled more than 6,000 mediations involving a broad range of civil and commercial disputes.
A Career Inside and Outside the Courtroom
After graduating from Baylor University School of Law in 1967, Mr. Hughes practiced with several Fort Worth law firms before establishing his own firm in 1980. He tried cases in state and federal courts in Texas, Florida, and Oklahoma, including complicated civil and business litigation.
From 1984 to 1991, he worked in oil and gas, real estate, and manufacturing. That experience gave him a practical understanding of business operations, financial decisions, contracts, and workplace relationships.
Mr. Hughes began mediating in 1992, made mediation his full-time practice in 1996, and has operated his solo mediation practice since 2000.
A Practical Perspective on Disputes
Mr. Hughes approaches mediation as a structured, practical conversation. He listens carefully, identifies the issues preventing agreement, and helps the parties consider the risks, costs, and available options.
He does not decide the dispute or tell either party what outcome to accept. His role is to facilitate productive negotiations so the parties can determine whether a mutually acceptable resolution is possible.
Attorneys and parties work directly with Mr. Hughes throughout the process, whether the dispute involves two parties or a complex matter with numerous participants.
Professional Leadership and Recognition
Mr. Hughes’s professional background includes:
- Past President, Association of Attorney-Mediators — National president from 2009 to 2010
- Texas Bar Foundation Sustaining Life Fellow
- AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
- Recognition from Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers
- Charter Member, National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals
- Past President, Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association
Learn More About Mr. Hughes
Explore additional information about Mr. Hughes’s career, professional work, and involvement in dispute resolution:
- View Mr. Hughes’s Resume — Complete career and professional background
- Read Published Articles — Articles about mediation and dispute resolution
- Review Honors and Awards — Professional and peer recognition
- View Mediation Affiliations — Professional memberships and leadership roles
- Explore Mediation Services — Types of disputes Mr. Hughes handles
- View Mediation References — Browse Mr. Hughes’s published professional reference list, organized by location.
Refer a Matter or Request Mediation
If you are an attorney referring a matter — or a business, organization, or individual considering mediation — you can review Mr. Hughes’s availability and submit an appointment request. His staff will contact you to confirm the requested date.