Professional Neutral

William D. “Bill” Johnston, Esquire

William D. “Bill” Johnston, Esquire is 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.

Mr. Johnston’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 (DSBA), 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, Mr. Johnston 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, the ABA Council for Diversity in the Educational Pipeline, and the ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund Fundraising Committee. In addition, he served for 24 years on the Delaware State Human Relations Commission by gubernatorial appointment. He currently serves on the ABA Law Library of Congress Advisory Committee.

Mr. Johnston is a recipient of the DSBA’s Daniel L. Herrmann Professional Conduct Award. 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). Bill is a recipient of the DSBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Section’s Kimmel-Thynge Award, presented for “Outstanding Contributions to ADR in Delaware.”  Recently, he was presented with ACAN’s Civil Justice Award, the organization’s highest award recognizing “individuals who exhibit excellence in civil justice and promote the service of our profession.”

ADR has long been a focus of Mr. Johnston’s professional work as well as his service and community-building efforts.  He is certified by the Delaware Superior Court as a mediator and commercial arbitrator. He is a member and Distinguished Neutral of the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (CPR), a member of the American Arbitration Association’s Roster of Commercial Arbitrators, a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (NADN), and a Fellow-elect of the College of Commercial Arbitrators. In addition, he is a Fellow and member of the Board of Directors of the Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals (ACAN) and a member of the governing Council of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution.