Certified Mediator in Texas with 30+ Years in Mediation
John W. Hughes is a certified mediator in Texas who has served as a neutral since 1992. A lawyer since 1967, he has handled more than 6,000 mediations involving civil, commercial, and complex multiparty disputes.
Mr. Hughes works directly with referring attorneys, their clients, businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout Texas.
Why Certification Matters and Why It’s Voluntary
Texas does not issue a statewide license for mediators. Under Chapter 154 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, an impartial third party appointed under the chapter generally must complete at least 40 classroom hours of dispute-resolution training, subject to statutory exceptions.
Professional certification and credentialing are voluntary. Because requirements vary, attorneys and parties should look beyond the word “certified” and consider:
- Who provided the mediator’s training
- How long the mediator has practiced
- Experience with comparable disputes
- Continuing professional education
- Applicable ethical guidelines
- Legal and courtroom background
Mr. Hughes obtained his mediator certification through Dispute Resolution Services of Tarrant County in 1992.
Experience Beyond the Certificate
Mr. Hughes’s experience includes matters ranging from two-party disagreements to disputes involving more than 48 parties.
“A mediator has no authority to tell anybody what the law is or tell them what to do. This is something they have to conclude themselves as you bring them through the process.”
His role is to help the parties confront the realities of the dispute, consider the risks and costs of continued litigation, and explore practical settlement options. He does not decide the case or tell the parties what outcome to accept.
What Mr. Hughes Brings to Your Case
Courtroom Perspective
Mr. Hughes has practiced law since 1967 and tried cases in state and federal courts. This background helps him understand the legal, financial, and practical considerations surrounding civil litigation.
Complex-Case Experience
He has mediated commercial, construction, oil and gas, employment, real estate, insurance, probate, personal injury, and other civil disputes, including complex multiparty matters.
Direct Access
Attorneys, clients, and parties work directly with Mr. Hughes throughout the mediation process.
Neutrality and Party Control
Mr. Hughes facilitates negotiations without deciding the dispute. Any settlement must be voluntarily accepted by the parties.
Professional Accountability
The Association of Attorney-Mediators maintains experience and continuing-education requirements for its members, along with professional ethical guidelines.
Professional References
Mr. Hughes also provides a published list of professional references organized by location, including attorneys and firms across Texas and several other states.
Range of Disputes Mediated / Arbitrated
Mr. Hughes’s mediation and arbitration experience includes a broad range of civil, commercial, and complex disputes.
- Oil and Gas
- Insurance Disputes
- Business Disputes
- Commercial Transactions
- Contracts
- Real Estate Transactions
- Title Disputes
- Eminent Domain
- Estate and Probate
- Trust and Foundation Disputes
- Intellectual Property Rights
- Negligence
- Airplane and Helicopter Crashes
- Fraud
- Unfair Debt Collection
- Civil Rights Violations
- Americans with Disabilities Act Disputes
- Wrongful Death
- Personal Injury
- Construction Contracts, defects, and performance
- Labor and Employment Harassment, discrimination, contractual, and noncompetition matters
- Professional Malpractice Architectural, engineering, medical, and legal matters
Please note: Mr. Hughes no longer accepts family law matters, including divorce or child custody cases.
Credentials Referring Counsel Can Verify
Certified Mediator
Certified through Dispute Resolution Services of Tarrant County in 1992
Past President, Association of Attorney-Mediators
National president from 2009 to 2010
Attorney Since 1967
Decades of legal and courtroom experience
More Than 6,000 Mediations Handled
Including complex multiparty disputes
AV Preeminent Rating
Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer-review rating
Professional Recognition
Recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers
Certified Mediator Texas FAQs
No. Texas does not issue a statewide mediator license. Chapter 154 establishes training qualifications for impartial third parties appointed under that chapter, while professional organizations may offer voluntary credentials with additional requirements.
Mr. Hughes obtained his mediator certification through Dispute Resolution Services of Tarrant County in 1992.
An attorney-mediator brings experience with litigation, courtroom procedure, legal disputes, and settlement negotiations. When serving as mediator, however, Mr. Hughes remains neutral and does not represent or provide legal advice to either party.
No. A mediator facilitates communication and negotiation but cannot impose an outcome. The parties retain control over whether to settle and what terms to accept.
Counsel can review the mediation calendar and submit an appointment request online. Mr. Hughes’s staff will contact the parties or their attorneys to confirm availability and scheduling.
Ready to Refer 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.