Phillip W. Bechter

Phillip is a partner in the Vorys Houston office and a member of the litigation group.  His practice is focused on commercial litigation, complex insurance coverage, risk-shifting obligations in contracts, injury/death litigation and all types of employment matters.  Phillip has successfully navigated complex insurance disputes for firm clients involving more than a billion dollars.  Phillip also has over 25 years of experience in the area of governmental immunity, and represents governmental entities, emergency service organizations and non-profits across the state of Texas in matters involving health care liability, employment-based claims, injury/wrongful death and civil rights claims.  He defends employers in single-party discrimination and collective actions at the administrative, trial and appellate levels, has successfully tried employee termination/discipline disputes in arbitration under collective bargaining agreements and performs workplace investigations for public and private entities.

In addition to an extensive Texas practice, Phillip has been successful in state and federal courts across the country, including California, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana, Colorado and Kansas, as well as before numerous regulatory agencies.

Phillip has authored articles on insurance coverage and maritime law.  He has presented on a variety of employment law topics and on risk-shifting in contracts/insurance, including within the evolving area of additional insurance obligations.

Phillip received his J.D. magna cum laude from the South Texas College of Law, where he was a member of the South Texas Law Review and a recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award for Academic Excellence.  He received his B.S. magna cum laude from the University of Houston.

Professional & Community Activities

State Bar of Texas, Member

Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow

Houston Bar Association, Member