B. Adam McGough, Esq., brings over two decades of distinguished experience in dispute resolution to the Dallas panel. Mr. McGough has successfully mediated over 1,500 disputes and trained over 1,000 mediators across the country. With experience as a commercial litigator, an entrepreneur, a federal prosecutor and an elected official, he is known as a creative problem-solver and a servant leader. He has navigated complex cases across industries, including municipal government and public policy, business and commercial, higher education, public safety, personal injury and employment. He is a sought-after speaker and trainer in negotiation and conflict management, and is recognized for his work ethic.

During his four-term tenure on the Dallas City Council, Mr. McGough was elected to the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities, was appointed to the Regional Transportation Council, served as the chair of Public Safety, and led the responses to Ebola, COVID and multiple weather-related crises. As a former chief of staff, chief of community prosecution, deputy mayor and special assistant U.S. attorney, he has demonstrated a unique ability to serve clients with efficiency and effectiveness. He is dedicated to serving with excellence and continues to make a significant impact in both legal and civic spheres through his fair-minded and strategic approach to helping clients achieve a pathway forward through conflict resolution.

Representative Matters

• Business Commercial
• Mediated a dispute involving the removal of executive leadership and continuation of existing business
• Mediated a multiparty dispute involving the separation and partnership dissolution of a tow truck company after a failed merger
• Mediated matters stemming from consumer debt actions between individual debtors and large credit providers
• Facilitated mediation between multiple online legal research providers during appellate proceedings over an intellectual property dispute
• Served as mediator in a dispute involving a Hollywood modeling agency and large lingerie company addressing breach of contract and product liability
• Employment Law
• Mediated a dispute between executive leadership, achieving resolution of personal and professional issues to ensure continuity of business operations
• Mediated numerous EEOC matters between employees and an event planning corporate entity
• Mediated countless disputes between employers and employees to create a more efficient and productive work environment
• Facilitated separation agreements for a large corporate entity
• Mediated a presuit settlement in a wrongful termination case
• Entertainment & Sports
• Member of the city selection team for World Cup 2026
• Facilitated negotiations between music festivals/concert tours and local municipalities regarding permitting, security and noise ordinance compliance
• Mediated discussions among local rap artists, including peace negotiations to reduce violence
• Mediated disputes between entertainment venues and professional organizations regarding contract disputes
• Mediated conflicts between concert promoters/event organizers and performers, addressing breach of contract, cancellations and rider demands
• Mediated disputes concerning releases and breach of terms with youth athletic club organizations
• Facilitated negotiations between college athletes and organizations regarding NIL (name, image and likeness) agreements
• Mediated contract disputes between hotel and travel organizations
• Facilitated negotiations between a major transportation hub and concessionaires/vendors over operational agreements and revenue sharing, including equity and bidding processes
• Estate Probate Trusts
• Mediated disputes over the validity of power of attorney and capacity, involving family members and multiple property/business interests
• Mediated complex trust provisions and challenges to fiduciary activities alleging self-dealing
• Mediated to resolution a dispute involving complex real property lending schemes as part of an investment and estate plan
• Mediated a dispute arising from fraud allegations involving a family and a bookkeeper
• Governmental & Public Agency
• Facilitated multiparty negotiations of a police and fire pension with $4 billion unfunded liabilities and board governance involving state and local municipalities, organized associations and numerous stakeholder groups
• Mediated disputes between municipalities and developers regarding zoning, land use and permitting matters
• Mediated matters stemming from conflicts between municipalities and citizens' groups over proposed public works projects, including transportation and infrastructure developments
• Served as mediator in litigation between government entities and local property owners concerning group home and housing issues
• Facilitated multiparty negotiation and settlement of decades-long litigation involving pay referendum for local first responder organizations
• Mediated disputes between public agencies and contractors over the terms of construction contracts, project delays and cost overruns
• Mediated disputes between public transit authorities and local communities regarding route planning, noise pollution and other impacts of transportation projects
• Mediated disputes between local law enforcement agencies and community groups over policing practices, use of force and alleged civil rights violations, leading to unanimous support of a citizen police oversight board
• Facilitated and mediated disputes involving the creation of a responsible eviction ordinance during the pandemic
• Mediated numerous cases involving Chapter 54 of the Texas Local Government Code, pertaining to housing issues and code compliance
• Higher Education & Title IX
• Directed a small claims mediation clinic mediating cases for JP courts across Dallas-Fort Worth and Los Angeles County
• Mediated student faculty issues for institution of higher education
• Established peer mediation programs and provided mediator training
• Served as mediator for faculty and administration to address disputes in culinary and nursing program for large college program
• Facilitated discussions between universities/colleges and student groups regarding campus policies, disciplinary actions and student conduct issues
• Facilitated negotiations between school districts and construction companies/contractors over building projects, facility upgrades and construction defects
• Personal Injury
• Mediated a dispute between a large gaming business and an individual injured while participating in gaming activity
• Mediated a matter related to a significant insurance claim stemming from a casualty vehicle accident
• Mediated complex damages cases involving multiple carriers and defendants
• Mediated medical damages disputes involving plaintiffs, physicians and hospitals
• Real Property
• Mediated disputes between real estate investors and property management companies, addressing mismanagement claims, accounting discrepancies and allegations of breach of fiduciary duty
• Facilitated negotiations between real estate brokers or agents and clients, resolving commission disputes, failure to disclose material information and breach of duty claims
• Mediated a case concerning the breach of a commercial lease contract between a physician group and a commercial landlord
• Mediated a matter between a residential homeowner and a roofing company over breach of contract, breach of warranty and violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act
• Facilitated negotiations between commercial property owners and tenants, addressing lease terms, rent increases and alleged violations of lease agreements
• Facilitated negotiations between real estate investors and lenders, resolving issues related to loan defaults, foreclosure proceedings and mortgage modifications
• Mediated a dispute between owner/agent and sale of residential property, with lis pendens prohibiting sale
• Served as mediator in disputes between homeowners associations and individual homeowners involving enforcing provisions and setting assessments

Honors, Memberships, and Professional Activities

Memberships and Affiliations

• Council Member, Dallas City Council, 2015–2023
  • Chair, Public Safety Committee 2017–2023
  • Chair, Transportation Committee 2020–2021
• Board of Directors, National League of Cities, 2019–2023
• Regional Transportation Council, 2016–2023
• Charter Review Commission, City of Dallas, 2023–2024
• Board of Directors, Safer Dallas Better Dallas 2023–2024
• Board of Directors, White Rhino Coffee Foundation 2023–2024
• Board of Directors, Imagine Dallas, 2021–2024
• Development Board Member, Lifeline Chaplaincy, 2015–2024
• Chair, ADR Section, Dallas Bar Association 2013–2014
• Board of Directors, Texas Association of Mediators, 2011–2015
  • Chair, State Conference 2013
• Board of Directors, Dispute Mediation Services, 2008–2013

Selected Awards and Honors

• Distinguished Mediator, Texas Mediator Credentialling Association
• Presidential Leadership Scholar, 2020–2022
• Public Servant of the Year, Christians in Public Service
• Law Enforcement Advocate of the Year, 2016
• Public Safety Leader, Rotary Club of Dallas & Safer Dallas Better Dallas, 2022
• Regional Elected Official Award, North Texas Commission, 2022
• Legacy Award, Lake Highlands Chamber, 2019
• 40 Under 40, Dallas Business Journal, 2017
• Blake Anderson Public Safety Award Founder, 2016

Speaking Engagements

• Speaker, “Solving Cities’ Most Complex Problems,” Engage Dallas, April 2024
• Presenter, “Masters of the Air: Lucky Luckadoo on Courage, Leadership & Sacrificial Service,” Jesuit Dallas and 1613 Leaders, April 2024
• Panelist, “Beyond the Courthouse: Mediation’s Potential in Unusual Venues,” American Bar Association – Dispute Resolution Section, April 2024
• Speaker, “Politics & Conflict: Building Trust Through Interest-Based Government,” Texas Association of Mediators, March 2024
• Speaker, “Creating Impact: Strengthening Community Connections: Empowering Dallas County through Supportive Engagement and Reducing the Need for Panhandling,” Engage Dallas, March 2024
• Speaker, “Pathways to Public Safety,” Public Safety Leader Award, Rotary Club of Dallas, March 2023
• Panelist, “Building Courageous Leaders,” 1613 Project, February 2024
• Presenter, “Conflict Management for Caring Caregivers,” Weekend at Ricky’s, November 2023
• Presenter, “Red Pill Politics: An Insider Perspective on Conflict and Government,” Sam Houston State University, October 2023
• Guest Speaker, “Leadership Through Big-City Problems,” Amazing Cities Podcast (Interview With Jim Hunt), October 2022
• Speaker, “Updates From the Front Lines,” Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce: Economic Development Summit, October 2022

Background and Education

• Graduate Certificates, Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School
• LL.M., Dispute Resolution, Specialization in Mediation, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine School of Law, 2005
• J.D., Dedman School of Law at SMU, 2003
  • SMU Science and Technology Law Review
  • Master Advocate, Board of Advocates
  • Member, Phi Delta Phi
• International and Employment Law, University College, Oxford University, 2001
• B.A., Economics, University of Texas at Austin, 2000
  • Member, Delta Tau Delta