858-925-7184
CLIENT FOCUSED, RESULTS DRIVEN.
Phillips & Associates is a family run law firm, which means we take our business personally. You will never feel like “just a number” at our firm. Patrick and John will stay in direct contact with you throughout the duration of your case and your concerns will always be promptly addressed.
The firm also has a reputation for delivering exceptional case results. With more than 50 years of combined personal injury litigation and trial experience, we know the tactics that insurance companies will use in their efforts to devalue your case, and we know how to fight back. Through a unique combination of skills, knowledge and resources, we achieve the best outcomes for our clients time and time again - and we make sure they never feel alone in the process.
WHO WE ARE
JOHN W. PHILLIPS
Founding Partner
Email: john@johnphillipslaw.com
Phone: (818) 348-9515
"John Phillips's tenacity and skill bringing Tom Metzger and his racist band to court give a powerful testament to one prosecutor's passion for justice. A great book that restores one's faithin the system."
- Morris Dees
John W. Phillips is a trial attorney with an unparalleled track record of courtroom success. Beginning his legal career in 1979 as a prosecutor for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, John conducted nearly 200 jury trials, obtaining results which included the largest civil judgment ever recorded against a slumlord by the City. John was later appointed Special Prosecutor to the Organized Crime and Anti-Terrorist Unit of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office where he conducted the trial of fifteen members of the Ku Klux Klan, American Nazi Party and other domestic terrorist groups on charges ranging from criminal conspiracy, illegal weapons possession, the setting of illegal fires, and unlawful assembly. He obtained convictions in this nationally broadcasted trial (covered on Court TV, CBS, NBC and more), and is very proud to have set a legal precedent which helped end overt Klan recruitment activity by establishing for the first time in American judicial history that the Ku Klux Klan ceremonial cross ‘lighting’ ceremony (or cross burning as it’s more commonly called) is not protected by the First Amendment. John's prosecution of the Ku Klux Klan later became the subject of his best-selling book, Sign of the Cross.
John went into private practice in 1989, dedicating his efforts to protecting the rights of the individual. Focusing his wealth of courtroom and trial experience on personal injury actions, John developed a track record of successfully representing individuals harmed by auto negligence, property hazards, defective products and intentional torts, and has recovered many millions of dollars to-date in such actions.
John’s approach to representing accident victims is a unique blend of fierce advocacy and compassion. He prides himself on getting to know each one of his clients personally, and taking their problems personally, too. Clients, attorneys and judges respect John for his even temperament, relatability, and ease in reducing complex facts and law into simple questions of “right” and “wrong.”
PATRICK DIFILIPPO
Managing Partner
Email: patrick@johnphillipslaw.com
Phone: (858) 925-7184
Patrick DiFilippo* focuses his legal practice on representing individuals who have suffered catastrophic injuries. Deeply familiar with the laws and medical science involved in personal injury actions, Patrick formulates and executes cutting-edge litigation strategies to consistently deliver excellent results for his clients. Unwavering in his commitment to achieve justice for those who have been wrongfully injured, Patrick is responsible for numerous six and seven figure recoveries in cases ranging from auto accidents, slip-and-falls, medical malpractice, and dog attacks.
In addition to his personal injury work, Patrick has a comprehensive understanding of California employment law and business law and routinely advises companies on wage and hour matters and complex compliance issues. He also frequently represents employees on wage claims, discrimination claims, contract disputes, and other employment law matters.
Patrick has been recognized for his outstanding legal work by being selected multiple times as a Super Lawyers "Rising Star," a designation reserved for the top 2.5% of California licensed attorneys under 40. He has also received a 10 out of 10 rating with Avvo, a legal directory service that rates attorneys on the basis of experience, industry recognition, and professional conduct.
Patrick is licensed to practice law in California state and federal courts and has also argued before the California Court of Appeals. His appellate work in the matter of Case v. State Farm (Case No. B281732) led to a published decision clarifying an auto insurer’s obligations in resolving uninsured motorist claims.
Patrick attended the University of Arizona where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in English. Patrick then attended law school at the University of San Diego, where he participated extensively in USD’s Special Education Legal Clinic, negotiating with school districts to obtain special education services for children with special needs. While in law school, Patrick also interned with Judge Eddie C. Sturgeon of the San Diego Superior Court.
Patrick has full professional fluency in French and is conversational in Spanish and Russian. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys landscape photography and the outdoors.
* In 2022, Patrick changed his last name from Phillips to DiFilippo to restore his family's original Italian name.
Jan McBride, the firm's senior paralegal and case manager, has been an integral part of Phillips & Associates for more than six years. Serving as a primary point of contact for the majority of our clients, Jan's approach to her work is characterized by a unique blend of empathy, compassion, and meticulous attention to detail. These qualities form the basis for a connection with our clients that goes beyond mere professional interaction, ensuring they feel genuinely supported and understood at every stage of their case.
With more than three decades of combined paralegal and insurance experience, Jan's role at Phillips & Associates is multifaceted and critical. Her expertise is essential in the crafting of precise settlement demands, the careful acquisition and thorough review of medical records, and in providing various aspects of essential litigation support. Her extensive knowledge and commitment to excellence not only enhance the firm's capabilities but contribute to a seamless and supportive client experience.
We are privileged to count Jan as a key member of our team. Her experience and human-centered approach resonate with the firm's values, and her daily contributions continue to reinforce Philips & Associates' unwavering commitment to justice and client satisfaction.