A popular and effective mediator, Phillip McCallum brings experience, creativity, and credibility to the mediation table. Litigation attorneys and their clients appreciate Phillip's ability to build relationships and rapport with people from all walks of life.
Phillip brings to every mediated dispute a wealth of experience in litigation and in business and organizational management in facilitating valuable problem-solving for individuals and businesses.
The Birmingham native and past president of the Alabama State Bar attended Auburn University, graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, and received his law degree from Cumberland School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma, and West Virginia, and he is a member of the Alabama Academy of Attorney Mediators.
Phillip's value as a mediator is enhanced by his experience in leading a successful trial firm and in litigating disputes on behalf of both businesses and individuals. That experience provides a solid foundation for his effectiveness in achieving settlement in a wide variety of areas, including:
Phillip has also been very active in giving back to his community through his pro bono leadership and civic and charitable causes
(listed below).
Phillip's case manager, Lacey McCaleb, will contact you on receipt of your Appointment Request.
Does your preferred date appear to be booked? Please contact Lacey at her office number 256-734-3542, ext. 6, by her cell number 205-495-1299, or by
email
to see whether we can accommodate your schedule.
Phillip McCallum on mediation and arbitration
(articles coming soon)
April 30, 2025
As mediation and arbitration continue to grow as preferred alternatives to litigation, the expectations for professionalism, consistency, and accountability in ADR have never been higher. Across both domestic and international forums, there is a clear and accelerating shift toward formal credentialing, structured peer review, and ongoing education for mediators and arbitrators. The future of ADR is not just about experience—it’s about earned and verified excellence. Rising Expectations from the Legal Community Attorneys, general counsel, and institutional clients are increasingly asking: ➡ “Is this neutral trained in this specific subject matter?” ➡ “Do they follow a recognized code of conduct?” ➡ “Are they current on the latest legal and procedural developments?” The answer to these questions matters more than ever. In a competitive field, credentialing helps ensure quality, consistency, and trust in the process—and makes selection easier for counsel. Credentialing Bodies Leading the Way Organizations such as the American Arbitration Association (AAA), JAMS, NADN, and international institutions like the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) have raised the bar by offering certification programs, codes of ethics, and peer-reviewed panel standards. Many courts now also prefer or require neutrals with verifiable training or membership in professional organizations. Continuing Education is No Longer Optional With rapid changes in technology, ethics, and legal standards, ongoing training is essential. Mediators and arbitrators who stay current can better manage complexity, adapt to client expectations, and uphold best practices in increasingly specialized disputes. For ADR professionals, the future is clear: credentialing is credibility. For counsel and parties booking mediators and arbitrators, verifying those credentials is an essential part of due diligence. As the field continues to mature, those who invest in professional development will lead the way in delivering fair, efficient, and trusted dispute resolution.
April 24, 2025
The shift to remote and hybrid work has transformed the modern employment landscape—and with it, the nature of employment disputes. While flexibility and autonomy have increased for many employees, so have legal gray areas, misaligned expectations, and challenges in workplace communication. ADR is uniquely positioned to meet this moment, providing employers and employees with an efficient, private, and flexible path to resolution. How Remote Work is Reshaping Employment Conflicts Blurred Boundaries and Policy Enforcement From off-the-clock work to expense reimbursement and surveillance claims, the physical separation between workplace and home has created new legal questions about compensation, privacy, and employer oversight.Disputes in this space are often nuanced, requiring fact-specific analysis and a deep understanding of workplace culture—something mediation facilitates more effectively than rigid litigation. Breakdowns in Communication and Team Dynamics Remote environments can lead to increased misunderstandings, missed performance feedback, or perceived favoritism, all of which can escalate into claims of discrimination, retaliation, or constructive dismissal. Mediation provides a space to reestablish communication and rebuild trust before conflict becomes irreparable. Return-to-Work and Accommodation Disputes As organizations phase employees back into office settings—or make remote work permanent—conflicts over accommodations, job duties, and policy shifts are increasing. ADR offers a path to personalized, non-adversarial solutions, allowing both sides to craft agreements that work in the new normal. Why ADR Matters Now More Than Ever Mediation and arbitration provide the speed, privacy, and adaptability needed in today’s rapidly evolving employment context. For legal counsel advising employers or employees, bringing in a neutral experienced in both traditional and remote work dynamics is essential.
April 17, 2025
In recent years, blockchain technology and smart contracts have begun to reshape how parties enter, monitor, and enforce arbitration agreements. What was once a theoretical intersection of law and tech is now emerging as a practical reality for ADR professionals and attorneys seeking greater clarity, efficiency, and security in their arbitration processes. Understanding Blockchain in ADR At its core, blockchain is a secure, decentralized ledger system that records transactions immutably and transparently. When applied to arbitration, blockchain offers significant benefits—particularly in verifying contract terms, ensuring procedural integrity, and streamlining enforcement across jurisdictions. For example, an arbitration clause embedded in a blockchain-based agreement is not only timestamped and tamper-proof , but can also be connected to a smart contract that triggers dispute resolution procedures automatically upon a breach. The Role of Smart Contracts Smart contracts are self-executing digital agreements written in code, programmed to respond to specific conditions (e.g., a missed delivery deadline or failed payment). When a condition is met—or not met—the smart contract can automatically initiate arbitration or withhold payment until a dispute is resolved. This automated enforcement mechanism enhances predictability and reduces the likelihood of procedural gamesmanship. Implications for ADR Professionals Efficiency : Dispute triggers can be flagged and addressed in real time, streamlining the initiation process. Security : Data stored on blockchain is encrypted and unalterable, offering added trust in digital arbitration. Cross-Border Enforceability : Blockchain provides a neutral technological framework that supports international arbitration enforcement more transparently. As an arbitrator, I see blockchain and smart contracts not as replacements for the human element of ADR, but as tools to enhance enforceability, trust, and efficiency in a digital-first legal world. For lawyers drafting arbitration clauses and ADR professionals administering them, understanding this technology is no longer optional—it’s essential.
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American Bar Association
Alabama State Bar: Past President (2012-2013)
Alabama Academy of Attorney Mediators
Birmingham Bar Association
National Conference of Bar Presidents
Southern Conference of Bar Presidents
"Mediation: Mistakes to Avoid - Beginning to End" (CLE webinar co-presenter), Alabama Defense Lawyers Association, April 18, 2023
"Mistakes to Avoid from Beginning to End in ADR/Mediation" (CLE webinar co-presenter), Birmingham Bar Association, October 28, 2022 | Member comments
Alabama, 1988
Texas, 2002
Oklahoma, 2003
West Virginia, 2004
J.D., Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, 1987
B.S. (Political Science), The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1984
Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Foundation: Past Board Member
City of Vestavia Hills Substance and Abuse Committee: Past Chair
Triumph Services: Past Board Member
Vestavia Hills Club Wrestling coach
While we function effectively via Zoom or other online settings, our conference rooms provide a peaceful, comfortable setting for your in-person mediation or arbitration. Take a virtual tour.
