Midsize Texas law firm Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr has launched a mediation practice led by former CEO Phil Appenzeller, who also serves as the firm's current co-general counsel and lateral recruiting shareholder.

Appenzeller stepped down as CEO after 11 years on Jan. 1, and has focused on the general counsel and recruiting duties since then. But, he said, he always wanted to extend his commercial litigation practice to mediation, and the firm supported the strategic expansion of practice offerings.

In the past, Appenzeller said, the Dallas-founded firm had some lawyers handling mediations, but they have retired, and the firm's leadership was fully supportive of Appenzeller launching the practice on Monday.

“Starting a mediation practice reflects Munsch Hardt’s continued evolution in response to market needs for efficient, pragmatic alternatives to traditional litigation,” David Coligado, Munsch Hardt CEO, wrote in a press release.

“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,” he said.

Appenzeller said that while the firm has offered mediation in the past, the new practice is "a different take," taking it in a more robust and strategic direction.

To prepare, Appenzeller received a certificate of completion in mediation from the Northwestern University School of Professional Studies. But over more than 30 years, his practice focused on large, complex commercial lawsuits involving fiduciaries and creditors against former officers, directors, and other professional advisers of failed companies. He also represented clients on a variety of securities litigation matters.

He expects to build the mediation practice in part with connections to the many lawyers he has litigated with or against around Texas over the years, and will handle mediations in areas such as fiduciary and bankruptcy disputes.

"I did a ton of due diligence before I took this step," he said. "There is a real need in this area."

Munsch Hardt has more than 170 lawyers in Dallas, Houston and Austin.

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