Atty. James Michael Phillips

Atty. James Michael Phillips

James Michael Phillips is a lawyer practicing business litigation, trusts & estates, labor & employment and 2 other areas of law. James received a A.B. degree from University of California at Davis in 1968, and has been licensed for 54 years.

Fresno Fresno 54 yrs experience 54 year
Call (559) 272-4511 Book Appointment

Business Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Fresno, CA · 54+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About James Michael Phillips at a Glance

James Michael Phillips is a The Phillips Group based in Fresno, California. They have 54+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1972. Their practice focuses on trusts, employment, business, litigation, and adr. Admitted to practice in California (1972). Educated at University of California at Davis (J.D., 1972) and University of California at Davis (A.B., 1968). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Fresno, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About James Michael Phillips

  • James Michael Phillips is a lawyer practicing business litigation, trusts & estates, labor & employment and 2 other areas of law
  • James received a A.B. degree from University of California at Davis in 1968, and has been licensed for 54 years
  • James practices in Fresno, CA

Practice Areas Explained

James Michael Phillips's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James Michael Phillips handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Fresno.

Trusts in Fresno

James Michael Phillips is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in California →

Employment Law in Fresno

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

James Michael Phillips is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in California →

Business & Corporate Law in Fresno

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

James Michael Phillips is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →

Civil Litigation in Fresno

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

James Michael Phillips is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in California →

Mediation & Arbitration in Fresno

Mediators and arbitrators for civil, commercial, family, and employment dispute resolution.

James Michael Phillips is one of 73,315 adr attorneys indexed nationally. Browse adr attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Fresno

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Fresno are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Fresno Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Fresno-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Fresno or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About James Michael Phillips

Where is James Michael Phillips's law office located?
James Michael Phillips's law practice is located in Fresno, California. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James Michael Phillips handle?
James Michael Phillips focuses on trusts, employment, business, litigation, adr. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has James Michael Phillips practiced law?
James Michael Phillips has 54+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1972.
Where did James Michael Phillips go to law school?
James Michael Phillips earned their education at (J.D., 1972); (A.B., 1968).
How can I contact James Michael Phillips for a consultation?
You can contact James Michael Phillips directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James Michael Phillips received?
James Michael Phillips's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Fresno Choose James Michael Phillips

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish James Michael Phillips's practice in the field of trusts, employment, business, litigation, and adr.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

James Michael Phillips brings 54+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering trusts, employment, and business, James Michael Phillips can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Fresno

A Fresno-based practice means James Michael Phillips attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues James Michael Phillips Handles in Fresno

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters James Michael Phillips has experience with under California law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Wrongful termination claims
Employment
Workplace discrimination
Employment
Wage and hour disputes
Employment
Non-compete agreement review
Employment
Business formation and structure
Business
Contract drafting and review
Business
Partnership disputes
Business
Merger and acquisition support
Business

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact James Michael Phillips directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find James Michael Phillips Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Fresno commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like James Michael Phillips.

James Michael Phillips attorney James Michael Phillips lawyer James Michael Phillips Fresno James Michael Phillips California James Michael Phillips reviews James Michael Phillips contact trusts attorney in Fresno trusts lawyer Fresno best trusts attorney Fresno top rated trusts lawyer near me trusts attorney California find a lawyer near me how to hire an attorney

If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with James Michael Phillips directly.

James Michael Phillips's Practice Areas & Specializations

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
University of California at Davis
- 1972
A.B.
University of California at Davis
- 1968

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

California
Admitted: 1972

Client Reviews & Ratings — James Michael Phillips

5.0
1 Review
5 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
1 0
These reviews belong to platform users; they do not constitute advertisement or promotion for the attorney. Opinions are published for informational purposes only.

No reviews yet.