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John Winston Phillips
also known as John W. Phillips
About John
Biography
Following his graduation from Loyola Law School in 1979, John became a prosecutor for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office. As a city attorney, John conducted over 100 jury trials, including many for driving under the influence and petty theft – charges which most often arise in private criminal defense. He was appointed director of the Career Criminal Unit, and later worked in the Housing Enforcement Section which prosecuted slumlords’ who rented-out apartments with multiple violations issued by the Health Department, Fire Department and the Department of Building and Safety.
In this capacity he obtained the largest civil judgment ever recorded against a slumlord by the City. John was appointed Special Prosecutor to the Los Angeles County District Attorney, in its Organized Crime and Anti-Terrorist Unit, and served in this position for seven years. While there, 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 broadcast trial (Court TV), 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. The convictions withstood all appellate challenges, confirming his contention that the rights of neighborhood residents to be free from fear superseded the Klan’s right to openly inflame the cross.
John began his private civil practice in 1985, primarily representing victims of traffic accidents and other bodily injury claims. As either a prosecuting attorney or as a civil attorney in private practice, he has conducted approximately 150 jury trials in civil matters ranging from motor-vehicle collisions, medical malpractice, products liability, and business related disputes, and in criminal matters ranging from petty theft, drunk driving, drug possession and first degree murder. All the while, he has worked closely with the finest doctors and healthcare facilities in the greater Los Angeles area to ensure his clients receive the best medical attention and care during the resolution of their claim.
John W. Phillips is the author of Sign of the Cross: The Prosecutor’s True Story of a Landmark Trial Against the Klan, published by Westminster John Knox Press. It remains available for purchase through bookstores and online services.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
30%-40%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 45 years
State: California
Acquired: 1980
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of John Winston Phillips
5850 Canoga Ave #400, Woodland Hills, CA, 91367
Phillips & Associates
5850 Canoga Avenue, Suite 400, Woodland Hills, CA, 91367
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John Winston Phillips's Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 client review from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | March 10, 2011
John is an extremely skilled attorney and a pleasure to deal with
I was involved in a serious car accident and the insurance company attempted to exclude part of my damages on a legal technicality. John and his staff zelaously protected my interests and the insurance company eventually accepted full liability on behalf of their insured. My settlement fully compen...
John Winston Phillips's Lawyer Endorsements
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"Attorney Phillips exemplifies the very best attributes of an active attorney and a level of professionalism we should all aspire to. Honesty, dedication and a love of the law which means. giving back to others who lack our understanding of the law. The thousands years of combined legal experience of professionals activity participating in forum represent some of the very best of our profession, which is after all, at its base is desire to those in need. This Attorney’s experience allows to obtain excellent results for his clients. Most importantly, this Attorney is willing to help complete strangers (as is the case in this forum) with legal problem for which we may have some helpful information and thereby demystify the legal process as much as possible. I would recommend this Attorney without any hesitation for all practice areas listed."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Phillips is an outstanding attorney and a zealous advocate for his clients. He is a credit to the legal profession."
"I endorse this lawyer. He demonstrates his superb knowledge of the law in his answers on Avvo. He will be able to help you with all of your Woodland Hills litigation matters"
"I endorse this lawyer. John's legal resume is extremely impressive. I am certain he would be a credit to any client."
"I endorse this lawyer. He provides excellent responses on Avvo and has superior academic credentials."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Phillips provides potential clients with good legal suggestions and is an asset to our profession."
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"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Philips is an brilliant attorney that handles cases efficiently while producing great results. He is well-respected in the legal community for his extensive experience, knowledge and success."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Phillips is an excellent attorney. He provides really good legal information and practical legal knowledge to those who need him. He has an impressive history. He is a credit to the profession."
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"Top notch lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
N/A
Dean's List, University of California -- Los Angeles
N/A
Dean's List, Loyola Law School
Work Experience
1988 - Present
Founding Attorney, Phillips & Associates
1985 - 1988
Special Prosecutor, Anti-Terrorist & Organized Crime Unit, Los Angeles District Attorney Office
1980 - 1984
Prosecutor, Los Angeles City Attorney Office
Associations
2000 - Present
Consumer Attorney Association of Los Angeles
1988 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar Association
1980 - Present
State Bar of California
Sample of Legal Cases
Mason v. Moyer, et al.
$400,000
People v. Metger
Jury verdict in favor of prosecution
Fernandez v. Nester
$85,477
Lowe v. Doe
$125,000
Doe v. Government Entity
Significant award
Education
N/A
Loyola Law School
J.D.
N/A
University of California - Los Angeles
Undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2011
Criminal Law Seminar
Obtaining a Criminal Expungement
2003
Arrest & Trial
Prosecution of the Ku Klux Klan in Los Angeles
Publications
2011
The California Injury Blog
Recent Changes to the 'Make-Whole Rule'
Languages
Italian
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What does this mean? BENCH WARRANT ISSUED AND HELD UNTIL 06/29/2011. BAIL SET AT $50000.00. MAY NOT FORFEIT.REASON: 3-FTA ON O.R
28 Jun 2011
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I was diagnosed with a deep bone bruise in my arm. Is this something for which I should consult an atty? [California]
28 Jun 2011
Q&A
What charges will my teenage son face for joyriding in anothers vehicle?
20 Jun 2011
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