James Phillips is a founding partner of Katz & Phillips, P.A. Mr. Phillips focuses his practice on Criminal Defense both at the State and Federal level and Family Law. His extensive trial experience began in the State of Mississippi where Mr. Phillips advocated for abused and neglected children in the Rankin County Youth court system. Based on his stellar performance, Mr. Phillips was chosen to work for the Rankin County Prosecutor's Office where his dedication and aggressiveness to his cases was exemplified by his undefeated trial record.
Upon graduating from Mississippi College School of Law, Mr. Phillips moved to Florida where he was given the honor of representing the State of Florida as an Assistant State Attorney for the 1st & 18th Judicial Circuits. As a Prosecutor, Mr. Phillips continued to build on his trial experience by prosecuting more than 3,000 cases with the primary focus on DUI's. Based on Mr. Phillips' impressive courtroom presence and trial skills he was offered a position in a Criminal Defense/Family Law Firm where he was quickly promoted to Senior Associate, becoming the youngest attorney to achieve this level in the history of the firm. As Senior Associate, he handled major felony crimes both at the State and Federal level. Mr. Phillips has represented clients charged with misdemeanors, felonies, felonies punishable by life, sex crimes, internet crimes, armed robbery, burglary, attempted murder and murder including co-counseling a capital death penalty case, as well as numerous other offenses.
In addition to his experience as a Criminal Prosecutor and Defense Attorney, Mr. Phillips practice also extends to Family Law. Mr. Phillips handles uncontested divorces, complex contested divorces, child custody and child support issues, modifications, paternity, alimony and father's rights.
Mr. Phillips left his position as Senior Associate to become a partner at Katz & Phillips, PA, where he continues to maintain his reputation as an aggressive trial attorney and a zealous advocate for his clients.
Mr. Phillips professional membership includes:
- The National College for DUI Defense
- The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- The Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- The Federal Bar Association
- The American Bar Association
- The Florida Bar Association
- The Orange County Bar Association
- The Seminole County Bar Association