Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services for complex disputes.
Bill Johnston
Professional Neutral
Bill Johnston joins Delaware ADR as a seasoned mediator, arbitrator, and court-appointed neutral (Special Magistrate), bringing more than 40 years of experience in corporate counseling, business litigation, and governance disputes under Delaware law. His extensive background as an advocate for clients in complex corporate and commercial matters uniquely positions him to assist parties and counsel in resolving challenging disputes.
Bill’s distinguished career as partner at Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP reflects a deep commitment to leadership and service within the legal profession. He has served as President of the Delaware State Bar Association, President of the American Judicature Society, Chair of the American Bar Association’s Business Law Section, State Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates, and President of the American Counsel Association. Locally, he has contributed as a pro bono attorney in Delaware Family Court and with the Veterans Law Clinic, and he is a Past Chair of the City of Wilmington Ethics Commission.
A long-standing advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Bill co-chaired Young Conaway’s Diversity Committee and served on the ABA Center for Racial and Ethnic Diversity, the ABA Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Legal Profession, and the ABA Council for Diversity in the Educational Pipeline. In addition, he served for 24 years on the Delaware State Human Relations Commission by gubernatorial appointment. He currently serves on the ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund Fundraising Committee and on the ABA Law Library of Congress Advisory Committee.
Bill is a recipient of the Delaware State Bar Association’s Daniel L. Herrmann Professional Conduct Award and the Kimmel-Thynge Award presented by the DSBA’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section “For Outstanding Contributions to ADR in Delaware.” In addition, he has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America (Corporate Law) since 2007 and in the 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America (Commercial Litigation, especially Chancery).