Justice Phylis Speedlin Joins Cox Smith

Cox Smith, the largest Texas law firm headquartered in San Antonio, today announced Justice Phylis J. Speedlin has joined the firm’s Litigation department.

“We are honored to have Justice Speedlin join the firm and we look forward to sharing her practical approach and strategic insight with our clients,” said Deborah Williamson, managing director of Cox Smith.

“I am excited about joining Cox Smith. I’ve worked with their attorneys for years and have observed first-hand the firm’s unparalleled commitment to client service and legal strategy,” said Justice Speedlin. “Cox Smith assists clients on a wide variety of issues throughout the state and I’m looking forward to becoming part of the team to help our clients with their litigation and appellate matters.”

A highly respected member of the San Antonio legal community for more than 30 years, Justice Speedlin adds significant experience to the Cox Smith litigation team.  As a trial attorney, she has represented clients in numerous industries, with a significant focus on the healthcare industry including doctors, nurses and hospital administrators on medical malpractice and medical product litigation.  

As a jurist, Justice Speedlin spent 10 years as an appellate Justice on the Fourth Court of Appeals and three years as a Bexar County Civil District Court trial judge. During the time she served as an appellate justice, her opinions covered a wide variety of issues, including personal injury, property rights, insurance law, medical malpractice, family law, employment law, probate, oil and gas, construction law and criminal law. Prior to serving as an appellate justice, Justice Speedlin served for three years as District Court Judge of the 408th Judicial District Court in Bexar County, where she presided over and rendered decisions in all types of general civil litigation. After her departure from the Fourth Court of Appeals, Justice Speedlin served as a mediator, arbitrator and private judge.

Justice Speedlin is the second attorney at Cox Smith with experience serving the Fourth Court of Appeals, joining former Mayor Phil Hardberger who was an Associate Justice for four years and then Chief Justice for six years.

A native of Ohio, Justice Speedlin moved to San Antonio during her service with the United States Army Nurse Corp. She completed her undergraduate education in nursing at Incarnate Word College and obtained a masters degree in health care administration from Trinity University in San Antonio.  She earned her law degree (with distinction) from St. Mary's University School of Law.