Name: John Michael Phillips
Age: 39
Family: I met my wife, Angela, at a charity auction for the Child Cancer Fund. She has been my best friend and rock. Our son, Bennett, was born two years ago and has changed my view on nearly everything.
Pets: We have a golden retriever (Brodie) and chocolate lab (Darby). Rumor has it they both were named for Alabama football players. I will neither confirm, nor deny, this.
Education: University of Alabama, BA in political science and criminal justice (1997) and JD (2000)
Admitted to the Bar: Alabama (2000), Florida (2001) and Georgia (2002)
Employed by: The Law Office of John Phillips. I started my own office on July 5, 2012, gaining my independence 236 years and one day after America gained hers.
Field of practice: After nearly a decade doing insurance defense, I hopped the fence and now represent the injured and those who have lost a loved one.
Professional organizations: At some point, I largely traded the list of professional organizations for community organizations. However, I have been involved the local and state bar associations, Inns of Court and others.
Community involvement: I have been on the boards of the Shannon Miller Foundation, the National High School Basketball Association, the Spina Bifida Association and others. This year, we were given the “Companies with Heart” Award by 904 Magazine because of the work we do in the community. It’s one of the best accolades I have ever gotten.
How did you become involved? Becoming involved is an addiction. Jacksonville is an amazing town and needs your help. I have been given so much by giving to others. As I said, I even met my wife at a charity event.
How can someone else become involved? Find something you are passionate about and lend a hand. We have so many problems in this city, state, country and world and your time, however small, can help.
What was the last book you read or are reading? Not counting trial transcripts, the last book I read was “Blue Ocean Strategy,” a book on focusing on how to find and cultivate business in a different way than your competition. In personal injury, the waters are overfished and polluted. We are trying to find ways to change that.