James Phillips

A founding partner of Katz & Phillips, P.A, James Phillips specializes in State and Federal Criminal Defense and Family Law. His extensive trial experience began in the State of Mississippi where he advocated for abused and neglected children in the Rankin County Youth court system. He then worked for the Rankin County Prosecutor’s Office. His dedication and aggressiveness to his cases was exemplified by his undefeated trial record.

Mr. Phillips graduated from Mississippi College School of Law and moved to Florida, honorably representing the State of Florida as an Assistant State Attorney for the 1st & 18th Judicial Circuits. While working as a Prosecutor, he continued to build on his trial experience by prosecuting more than 3,000 cases, focusing primarily on DUI’s.

Mr. Phillips accepted a position in a Criminal Defense/Family Law Firm and soon became the youngest attorney to achieve a promotion to Senior Associate in such a quick timeframe. As Senior Associate, Mr. Phillips handled major State and Federal felony crimes and 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 specializes in Family Law where he 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 and continues to maintain his reputation as an aggressive trial attorney and a zealous advocate for his clients.

Professional Memberships:

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