Overview

Phil has developed a reputation as a formidable trial attorney in complex commercial litigation matters. Recently, he second chaired a five-month bench trial representing a Native American tribe in complex, multi-party litigation adjudicating the tribe’s federal reserved water rights claims for its reservation. He also regularly represents businesses in intellectual property litigation as well as public utilities in complex litigation matters, including actions initiated by government entities seeking to condemn the utilities’ valuable water systems and water rights.

Before joining Osborn Maledon, he served as a law clerk for the Honorable Andrew D. Hurwitz of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the Honorable David G. Campbell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. His two clerkships laid the foundation for his practice, affording him a window into the decision-making processes of both trial and appellate judges. This invaluable insight allows Phil to develop winning trial strategies for his clients, while at the same time creating clean trial records that can withstand close scrutiny on appeal.

Phil graduated first in his class from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University in 2015. He was chosen by his law school faculty to receive the John S. Armstrong Award for the ‘outstanding graduate’ in his class. In 2021-22, he was recognized by Best Lawyers® as among the Ones to Watch in both the Appellate and Commercial Litigation categories.

Awards

  • Best Lawyers®, Ones to Watch, Appellate, Commercial Litigation, 2021-2022

Insights

Publications

  • Arizona’s Civil Asset Forfeiture Scheme: Distorted Justice, Arizona State Law Journal, 47 Ariz. St. L.J. 475 (Summer 2015)