Phil R. Newman

I never thought I'd need a divorce lawyer but when I found myself pregnant going through a divorce I knew I'd need one that would advocate for me and my baby boy. From the minute I met Phil Newman we just clicked. His warm, caring nature together with his no-nonsense, cut-to-the-chase way makes him a... bulldog of a lawyer. In the end, the way he fights for what's best for the CHILD is what sets him apart. And he's had to put me in my place a few times, but I've always been better as a result. Now having been divorced 8+ years and going through several post-divorce rounds of parenting plan changes, I can't recommend Phil and his team highly enough. Especially Alisha Warner who is my other lawyer and who has walked with me as well through the past 8 years. She is an incredibly hard worker and has gut instincts that recently helped me settle a really hard situation in mediation. I can't recommend the whole team at Puryear, Newman & Morton highly enough - they are ALL incredible to work with and ultimately fight for what's best for everyone in the long run.

Phil was highly recommended to me by a long-time friend who had recently gone through a divorce and was in a very similar situation to mine. I have two young boys and was the breadwinner in my household, which is very relevant because I had a hard time accepting the role reversal of my situation. I k...new within 5 minutes of sitting down with Phil and his paralegal, Julie, that I didn’t need to look any further. Phil is a busy lawyer (which means he’s good lawyer) so he can be hard to pin down at times, BUT he was always there when I needed him – responding to texts and phone calls at night, early morning and over the weekend. He and Julie not only counseled me through the technical aspects of the divorce, but the emotional aspects as well. Phil would empathize with me and validate my feelings, but he also told me what I needed to hear even if it wasn’t what I wanted to hear. Thankfully, we were able to settle my divorce in mediation. Phil took time to explain the mediation process to me and ensure I was well prepped – both materially and emotionally. The mediation was 11 grueling hours . There was one point when we were negotiating alimony – a real sticking point for me – when Phil looked me straight in the eye and said, “Tracy, that’s a good deal. You need to take it.” I didn’t like it but I took it. No questions asked. And, this is representative of how my whole process went. Throughout one of the most difficult periods of my life when I was at my most vulnerable, Phil was my rock and my protector. I felt strong because I had Phil and Julie in my corner. On one hand, I’m grateful my divorce didn’t end up in court, but on the other hand, I would have loved to see him in action in that setting. He’s strong advocate, great listener and fierce negotiator, but best of all…he’s an overall wonderful human. I would recommend Phil over and over again.

Phil had handled the divorce cases for 2 close friends. They recommended him when it came time for me to file for my divorce. Phil did an amazing job handling my divorce. My case was complex due to my job and investments. Phil made himself available for me to discuss the valuation issues and pr...ovide honest and thoughtful feedback to my concerns. He had me prepared and helped me have realistic expectations. He got mediation scheduled promptly and counseled me to do the things I needed to do to get my case settled as quickly as possible. He handled the mediation of my case like a pro and got what I believe was a just and fair settlement given the complexity of the case. His assistant Julie Ennis was on top of things and helped coach me through the financial disclosures. She is very efficient, and we did not waste time or legal fees. Julie is GREAT!!! I settled my divorce in approximately 90 days (the allowable minimum wait) and now I am free to move forward with the rest of my life. Phil treated me as more than a client. He treated me like a friend. I've already recommended Phil to a friend who is facing a divorce. I trust him to do as good of a job for my friend as he did me.

Mr. Newman, his colleagues, partners, and staff assisted me at a time when an unexpected tragedy struck. As I met with him on several occasions I was impressed with his patience in clearly explaining my options, helping me understand what counter-arguments might be used, and what the most likely outc...ome would be. He immediately acted on the matter by assigning appropriate personnel to investigate, prepare correspondences, explore legal options (even if it meant consulting his partners or outside sources), and respond to any of my inquiries, needs, or concerns. His demeanor was compassionate and supportive, and his support staff continue to stand by me months after the matter settled. In my 34 years experience in law, I have never been so impressed as I am with his full-service firm, and not only recommend PN&M, but would call upon Phil and his firm again.