(DALLAS) – As Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. (Munsch Hardt) continues to focus on strategic, organic growth throughout Texas, it is announcing the launch of a Mediation practice aimed at providing efficient, strategic alternatives to traditional litigation. Phil Appenzeller, the Firm’s current Co-General Counsel, Lateral Recruiting Shareholder, and former CEO, will lead this new practice.

“Starting a Mediation practice reflects Munsch Hardt’s continued evolution in response to market needs for efficient, pragmatic alternatives to traditional litigation,” said David Coligado, CEO of Munsch Hardt. “Phil’s previous leadership experience and decision-making ability allow the Firm to offer third-party, private mediations resulting in meaningful, cost-effective solutions to businesses and individuals alike.”

With more than 30 years of litigation experience, Appenzeller’s practice historically has focused on large, complex commercial litigation involving fiduciaries and creditors against former officers, directors, and other professional advisors of failed companies. He also routinely represented clients on a variety of securities litigation matters.

Throughout his career, some of his most high-profile cases involved:

• Co-Lead Counsel for the Plan Administrator for the failed Texas Rangers Baseball franchise, pursuing claims against the Rangers' former owner.
• Trial counsel for one of the nation’s largest student loan servicing centers against a software design company, obtaining a verdict on behalf of the client.
• Served as lead Trial Counsel for the litigation trustee of ETS Payphones, Inc. in a $400 MM Ponzi scheme.
• Represented a commercial real estate developer in an international arbitration against a United Arab Emirates governmental entity.
• Represented the liquidating trust of a bankrupt public telecommunications company in a suit against a public company’s officers and directors and its former auditors. The claims were for negligent auditing and negligent advisory services in relation to the booking of revenue. The case was consolidated in a multidistrict litigation along with numerous securities class action lawsuits. After more than 160 depositions and successfully defeating numerous summary judgment motions, the case against the auditing firm settled prior to trial.
• Represented the liquidating trustee of a failed public energy company. On behalf of the debtor, the firm brought claims against the officers and directors of the company as well as against its auditor for negligence and breach of contract. The case settled shortly after defeating the auditor’s motion to dismiss.

Going forward, Appenzeller will primarily focus on helping parties resolve disputes with clarity, fairness, and discretion outside of the courtroom. With a history of navigating intricate cases to find creative solutions for clients, Appenzeller is well-positioned to bring the same thoughtful, skilled approach to the practice of mediation.

“It’s no secret Texas continues to experience significant growth – both from corporations and law firms alike. This continued influx of business has led to an increase in lawsuits filed in Texas courts, which has led to an increased need for new, sophisticated mediation services in the Texas market,” said Appenzeller. “Mediation offers the benefits of allowing the parties to preserve vital business relationships and maintain confidentiality with respect to sensitive information. I’m excited to lead this new practice for the Firm.”

Phil recently received a Certificate of Completion in Mediation by the Northwestern University School of Professional Studies, along with receiving his B.S. with honors from Evangel University and his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Phil also served in the United States Army Judge Advocate General Corps, obtaining the rank of Captain, and tried dozens of cases both before military tribunals and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia.

Click here to learn more about Munsch Hardt’s Mediation practice and approach.