Atty. John E. Phillips
John Phillips practices in the area of labor and employment. He represents employer clients in labor and employment matters throughout the United States.
Commercial Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Tampa, FL
Profile Summary
About John E. Phillips at a Glance
John E. Phillips is a employment, business, and litigation attorney based in Tampa, Florida, practicing at Phelps Dunbar LLP. Admitted to practice in Florida, The Florida Bar. Educated at Boston University School of Law (J.D., 1989) and University of South Florida (BA, 1986). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026). Serves clients in Tampa, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About John E. Phillips
- John Phillips practices in the area of labor and employment
- He represents employer clients in labor and employment matters throughout the United States
- Past and present clients include manufacturers, retailers, rental car companies, financial institutions, medical services, hospitals, hotels, physicians’ professional associations, employee leasing companies, government contractors, insurance companies, shipyards, mining companies, and restaurants
- He regularly appears in both state and federal courts
- Mr. Phillips has served as lead employers’ counsel in race, sex, sexual harassment, age, religion, national origin, and handicap (disability) employment discrimination charges filed with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Florida Commission on Human Relations, and other state and local EEO agencies
- He has litigated claims brought against employers under the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 (§ 1981) and 1964 (Title VII), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the analogous state statutes
- He prepares employment contracts and has helped develop companies' severance and confidentiality agreements
- He frequently litigates breaches of employment contracts, alleged breaches of compensation and discretionary compensation agreements, and enforcement of non-competition agreements
- He develops or reviews clients’ personnel policy manuals, employee and supervisor handbooks, employee applications, arbitration and ADR or EDR programs, and personnel policies (including drug testing and polygraphing policies) for compliance with EEO and wage-and-hour laws
- He frequently assists clients in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Mr. Phillips has acted as management counsel in organized labor disputes (including arbitration of contract and employee discipline disputes)
- He has litigated equal pay claims and a segment of his practice focuses on employee safety and health issues, and he represents employers in contesting citations issued by the Occupational Safety and Mine Safety and Health Commissions
- Mr. Phillips serves as the practice coordinator of Phelps Dunbar's labor and employment group in the Tampa office
Practice Areas Explained
John E. Phillips's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John E. Phillips handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Tampa.
Employment Law in Tampa
Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.
John E. Phillips is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Florida →
Business & Corporate Law in Tampa
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
John E. Phillips is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Florida →
Civil Litigation in Tampa
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
John E. Phillips is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Florida →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Tampa
Practicing law in Florida. Legal matters in Florida are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Tampa are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Florida state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Florida 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 Florida courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Tampa Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Tampa-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 Florida attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Tampa or all attorneys in Florida.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Tampa Choose John E. 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 John E. Phillips's practice in the field of employment, business, and litigation.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering employment, business, and litigation, John E. Phillips can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Tampa
A Tampa-based practice means John E. 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 John E. Phillips Handles in Tampa
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters John E. Phillips has experience with under Florida law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact John E. Phillips directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find John E. Phillips Online
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John E. Phillips's Practice Areas & Specializations
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