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D. Michael Phillips

also known as Michael Phillips
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Avvo Rating9.9
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About D. Michael

Phillips Law Offices Online Injury Law
Now a great personal injury attorney is never more than a mouse click away!
We understand the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with an accident or injury during normal times. We know that the coronavirus outbreak can magnify those feelings. But we are still here to help you. You may think that social distancing and shelter-at-home requirements mean that you can’t get the legal help you need to pay the bills caused by your accident.

But you don’t need to leave your home for us to help you! With a virtual consultation, we can keep you safe from COVID-19 and immediately start protecting your legal rights. You may call us, send us an email through our contact form, and we’re happy to meet with you through any number of video-conferencing apps like Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom.

Unlike firms that are just staring to use video chat, we embrace technology and innovation at every turn both in and out of the courtroom, and have been doing it that way for years! Since our founding, we have operated as a remote, web-based networked team, so that is nothing new for us. We Are Your Online Personal injury Web Based Law Firm. We serve clients in the “Gold Country” and greater Sacramento region to the Oregon border.

  • Unlimited Access to Your Attorney from Your Home or Office

Communication and collaboration is the foundation for a successful outcome. No office visit required. Whether its video conferencing (It's easy!) or chats by phone or on-line, questions are answered - fast. At the Phillips Law Offices, you work directly with Michael Phillips and will never be handed off to an assistant or junior lawyer.

  • 24/7 Secure Access to Your File

Our clients lead busy lives, so we have our designed our firm to work around their schedule, not ours. With 24/7 access to you file, you can see the status of your file at any time, when it is convenient to you. Collaborate with Mr. Phillips in a secure on-line environment without the inconvenience of unnecessary face-to face meetings.

  • Secure Message Center

Many law firms don’t understand that e-mail isn’t secure, but we do. Your sensitive information will never be sent via e-mail, where it is unsafe. We use CLIO, a state-of-the-art message center, with "bank-grade" security. We provide our clients with secure and convenient online communication and collaboration tools they’ve come to expect from their lawyers.

  • Direct Attorney Contact

When you hire our personal injury law firm you hire a lawyer, not a legal assistant. You will work directly with Michael, who will be with you throughout the process to answer your questions.

  • Responsive Injury Lawyer

We pride ourselves in being responsive. Even in these challenging times, we strive to return phone calls and emails the same day. If Michael is in court or out of the office when you call, our receptionist will immediately send him an electronic alert for a return call. We work hard to put our clients at ease after their injury, by being responsive and keeping them informed.

  • Fee Transparency

Here’s an idea: What if you knew what hiring an injury lawyer cost before you start? For all of our potential clients, we’re able to quote a clear rate of fees and explanation of all costs at our initial consultation. How’s that for different? And we put it in writing, so there is no confusion or surprises about what is covered and what is not.

  • Seamless Online Experience

Securely share documents with your personal injury lawyer. Just drag and drop documents into your client file. Send secure messages directly to your attorney. Always know what's next in your personal injury case with a customized event calendar. Secure and convenient online communication and collaboration tools with "bank-grade" security and encryption.

  • Self- Schedule Appointments

Our self-scheduling tool makes it easy for you to set up a meeting with your lawyer. No more endless games of phone-tag. Whether it is during a lunch break or in the middle of the night, enjoy having the ability to schedule your appointments when it works for you. And remember, if you prefer, never hesitate to just pick up the phone and give us a call. We are here to help.

Not sure if you have a case? Are friends and family telling you to call a lawyer? Are you starting to be suspicious about the insurance adjuster you’re dealing with? Call us or e-mail us. We offer free, no obligation consultations. Have questions? We are happy to talk with you about your situation and your concerns, and how we can help you though this challenging process. It’s easy — just give us a call at (530) 265-0186 or [email protected]

Stay positive, we can get through this together,
Michael Phillips

 

 

 

 

 

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Practice areas

OtherCar accidentSlip and fall accidentAnimal and dog bitesPersonal injury
  1. Personal injury: 20%

    "Personal injury" is basically a term that refers to an entire group of injuries that happen to a person's body - not property, including the mind and emotional state of a person. Common are: trip and falls; dog bite; car accidents; hit by DUI driver

    25 years

  2. Animal and dog bites: 20%

    If you or a family member has been involved in a dog bite incident, you probably have questions. Being bitten or attacked by a dog can be very traumatic and injuries can be serious. Contact us to learn how we can help.

    25 years

  3. Slip and fall accident: 20%

    If you "slip, trip and fall" and are injured because of a "dangerous condition" you may be entitled to compensation. However, time is critical before repairs are made and evidence is destroyed. Call today to learn more.

    25 years

  4. Car accident: 20%

    There is no such thing as a "generic" vehicle collision as every type of vehicle crash will have unique rules of fault and mechanics of injury. If you were hurt in any kind of motor vehicle accident, we have the experience to maximize your recovery.

    25 years

  1. Brain injury: 10%

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is sudden damage to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Common causes include car crashes, falls, sports injuries, and assaults. Injuries can range from mild concussions to severe permanent brain injury.

  2. Wrongful death: 10%

    Before saying anything else, we want you to know that our hearts go out to you and your entire family in the midst of this profoundly painful and distressing situation. We want you to know that we care deeply about your situation and are here to help

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

216159 1358532334

Contact

Phillips Law Offices

305 Railroad Ave
Suite 5
Nevada City, CA, 95959-2633

Phillips Law Offices

57 West Ponderosa
Blairsden- Graeagle, CA, 96103

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive199605/13/2021
WAInactive199207/08/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers20
Legal guides2
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2017
Clients Choice AwardAVVO2015
Accredited A+Better Business Bureau2015
Top 100 Trial LawyersThe National Trial Lawyers2015
Peer Court MentorNevada County Bar Association2013
Certificate of CompletionConsumer Attorneys of California2013
Certifcate of CompletionConsumer Attorneys of California2013
Certificate of CompletionAmerican Association for Justice2013
"SUPERB" Attorney RatingAVVO.com National Attorney Rating System2013
"SUPERB" Attorney RatingAVVO.com National Attorney Rating System2012
Certificate of CompletionConsumer Attorneys of California2012
"SUPERB" Attorney RatingAVVO.com National Attorney Rating System2011
Certification of Completion, Summer SessionNational Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers2010
Certification of Completion, Winter SessionNational College for DUI Defense2010
Certification, Advanced DUI SeminarNational College for DUI Defense2008
Certification of Completion, Winter SessionNational College for DUI Defense2007
CertificationNational Associational of Criminal Defense Lawyers2007
Certification of Completion, Advanced DUI SeminarCalifornia Attorneys for Criminal Justice2007
Certificate of Completion, Advanced DUI SeminarCalifornia Attorneys for Criminal Justice2007
Defending Marijuana DUILorman2007
Certificate of Completion, Advanced DUI SeminarCalifornia Attorneys for Criminal Justice2006
Certificate of Completion, Advanced DUI SeminarNational Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers2006
DelegateCA State Bar Association1998
DelegateCA State Bar Association1997
Past PresidentNevada County Bar Association1996
Delgate & Committee MemberCalifornia Bar Association1995
Best Oral AdvocateSanta Clara Law School1987
Dean's ListCSULB1983
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
PrincipalPhillips Law Offices1998 - Present
Public DefenderSnohomish County Defender Association1992 - 1997
Law ClerkJudicial Clerkship1990 - 1992
Law ClerkSixth District Appellate Project1987 - 1989
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
The National Trial Lawyersmember2015 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of CaliforniaAdmitted to practice2010 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember2004 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember2002 - Present
American Association for JusticeMember2002 - Present
Consumer Attorneys of CaliforniaMember2002 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember1997 - Present
Nevada County Bar AssociationPast President1996 - 1996
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
American Association of JusticeSeminar2013
Consumer Attorneys of CaliforniaSeminar2013
Consumer Attorneys of CaliforniaSeminar2012
National College of DUI DefenseSeminar2010
National College of DUI DefenseSeminar2009
Santa Clara Univ SOLJD - Juris Doctor1987
California St Univ Long BeachBA - Bachelor of Arts1983
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Law DayFourth Amendment, Search and Seizure2014
Law DayKnow Your Legal Rights2013
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
P v C.H.DUI Dismissed
P v D. K.No Jail or Prison on Felony DUI
P v J.H.Not Guity at Trial
P v M. S.Not Guity at Trial
P v L. B.Felony DUI with Injury: No prison or jail
P v M. DDUI Murder Dismissed
P v R. M."3 strikes" Murder Jury Trial:
P v J. R."3 Strikes" Jury Trial 8 counts burglry 1%
P v Mc KDUI Dismissed
P v T FJury Trial: Case Dismissed
P v G.ZJuvenile DUI

Reviews

(21)
5 Star
90%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
10%
Review D. Michael Phillips

Excellent Attorney

Posted by

Michael Phillips and his office manager Laura went above and beyond my expectations and provided excellent service and assistance in a difficult circumstance to achieve the best possible outcome. Mr. Phillips really gave his best and I highly recommend him!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Social Security / Disability issue

Posted by

I left a voicemail and email message at his office, after hours on Friday night, Mr. Phillips called me on Saturday morning. He was very professional and asked if I could send him the paperwork received so he could review it. He said he would call me back on Monday. Today (Monday) he called me after reviewing the paperwork the SS department had sent. He went ahead and provided me about a 1/2 hour of free and excellent information regarding the issue my cousin was having. He explained how my cousin had a very good case and how at this point there would be no reason to pay or attempt to pay for a lawyer, since this is a very good case. He also explained how the Legal aspects of Social Security and getting legal representation worked. He then said If for any reason the appeal is lost, he can then step in. Mr. Phillips was very, very detailed with me, he provided great insight and information that I could not get anywhere else, he is very knowledgeable and caring! For me this is is Gold! It was a breathe of fresh air. I would highly, very highly recommend Mr. Phillips to anyone. I have nothing but praise for his professionalism, but most of all what came across was his honesty and caring! Thank you Mr. Phillips!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

A true professional

Posted by

I hired Michael to represent me for a DUI case and could not have been more satisfied with the service he provided me. He went above and beyond any expectations I had. He and his staff are personable, patient, and very diligent in taking care of their clients. I would highly recommend this office to anyone needing legal counsel.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A selfless angel

Posted by

Michael Phillips was not only very well versed in what he does but he was fast, friendly, encouraging, and supportive. He without hesitation was willing to take on a my massive migraine of a case with literally a week left on the clock. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone that needs an attorney with his specialties. As a side note I have blue hair, piercings and tattoos and he treated me very warmly.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Couldn't be happier!

Posted by

Michael Phillips and his assistant Laura Arkin are wonderful, caring people. They were very kind and helpful in advising and doing the legal work necessary to get my disabled nephew the disability payments he needed to be able to live. Because of his disability, my nephew was difficult to work with at times, including being hard to contact and getting to important appointments on time. Michael and Laura went above and beyond to make sure that he got to where he needed to be. They were supportive and patient with him every step of the way. I could not be happier with the legal representation he received from Phillips Law Offices.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

So thankful

Posted by

I was so thankful that Michael did all of the legal scary stuff for me and I only had to go to court once at the end! He got me out of work duty or more jail time.....big one for me! Also he offered to esponge the charge for me when the 3 year probation is up.....I would recommend him to anyone! Thanks, MV

Grateful

Posted by

"Let me deal with the stress!" These were among the first words Michael Phillips spoke to me in late January, 2015, addressing the anxiety accompanying the legal proceedings of my DUI. Those words, coupled with the recommendation of a trusted friend, convinced me Michael Phillips was the best attorney to represent me. I found Michael to be ethical, thorough, forthright and very professional. I witnessed the favorable rapport he garners in the courtroom. This validated my confidence in him and his handling of my case. Michael has been in my corner through the whole process, leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of my defense. He secured a fair and just outcome for me while preventing the D.A. from "throwing me under the bus." He continues to advocate on my behalf with the DMV. Michael Phillips is the right choice to represent me in my case.

I've known Michael Phillips for about 20 years

Posted by

My own experience has been as a prosecutor for 28 years and as a criminal defense attorney for another three. Mr. Phillips and I were adversaries in many cases in which I was the prosecutor and he represented the defendant. I found Mr. Phillips to have integrity and to vigorously and competently represent his clients. When one of my family members was arrested for DUI, I chose Mr. Phillips to handle the case, which he did very well.

A Excellent Attorney

Posted by

Mr. Phillips came highly recommended by family friends. He was very knowledgeable about DUI situations. He saved me a lot of time , and clearly understood my difficult position. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a legal defense attorney. TH

Very Good Attorney

Posted by

You never think its going to happen to you - and then it does, you get arrested for DUI. You think your world is going to end and you don't know who to call. Fortunately, a friend referred me to Mr. Phillips. Because of his knowledge and expertise, I was able to keep my business running and continue to make a living. I was very pleased with the end result and very thankful. I also appreciated the time Mr. Phillips' spent answering my questions, explaining how the process worked and helping prepare for court. I would recommend him to anyone that needs a smart and compassionate attorney.
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(22)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Somair Alam, Personal injury Attorney on Feb 12, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

D. Michael Phillips is an excellent attorney. He is a zealous advocate for his clients and highly respected in the legal community.

Ali Ebrahimzadeh

I endorse this lawyer.

Paul Phillips, Personal injury Attorney on Dec 22, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Leigh Fleming, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 17, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Michael is an experienced, highly skilled, attorney who I have seen gracing courtrooms across many counties. He is extremely knowledgable, passionate, and an all-around nice person. I strongly endorse Michael.

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Travis Newton, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 4, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Douglas Borthwick, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 12, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Dorsett. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

Brad Micklin, Administrative law Attorney on Jan 20, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Dorsett Phillips is an experienced attorney whose participation and comments in Avvo show his commitment to serving clients as well as his level of experience. He is an excellent attorney that I recommend wholeheartedly

John Campanella, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 10, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Jon Pettis

I endorse this lawyer.

George Mueller, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 15, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer's work. Conscientious, very hardworking and extremely dedicated, it is well-known that Mr. Phillips is an excellent trial attorney who is a tremendous asset to the DUI Defense Bar community. Any one in need who hires this superb attorney will know he or she is in capable hands. For a number of known reasons, I am honored to endorse this fine lawyer.

Christopher McCann, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 20, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Phillips is an extremely bright and talented DUI and criminal defense lawyer in Nevada City as demonstrated by his membership in the California DUI Lawyers Association and the National College of DUI Defense. If you have a case in Nevada City, you need someone who knows that area and I would highly recommend Mr. Phillips.

Keith Bruno, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 5, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Dorsett's work wholeheartedly. As a lawyer, if I were to get in trouble (a DUI) I would be extremely discerning about who would represent me. If this happened in Nevada City, Dorsett would be my first call

John VanDervoort, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 18, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I am Joe Vandervoort nicknamed "duiking"..www.duiking.com Ive practiced criminal defense 37 years in the Butte County, with the last 18 specializing in DUI/DMV only . I once had multiple offices with as many as a dozen lawyers working for me. I recognize a really good lawyer when I see them in action and I have seen Michael , on numerous cases in several counties . Once I had a client in Butte County on a DUI case that he also represented in Nevada County on some other type of criminal matter, and we worked together for the benefit of the client in both counties . If I were to get in trouble in Nevada County or that area I would CERTAINLY contact Michael. I have referred clients arrested in that area to him who were very satisfied with his representation. .

Robert Miller, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 8, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Phillips is known for the high quality of his work, and we know each other through professional organizations which show the commitment that lawyers show to their clients. Truly an excellent attorney in every way.

William Makler, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 19, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Being an effective DUI lawyer requires one to stay on top of the law and science surrounding the topic. Mr. Dorsett shows that he is committed to doing so. In fact, he is a very strong advocate for his clients. I endorse this DUI lawyer's work.

Thomas Wallin, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 18, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

As a member of NCDD, Mr. Phillips knows DUI defense. He does a good job representing his clients and works hard to ensure the best possible outcome in his cases. I endorse this lawyer's work.

Okorie Okorocha, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 6, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

There is no better criminal defense lawyer in Nevada City, period. Hands down. No questions asked. If I ever need representation in Nevada City, I would personally hire Mr. Phillips.

Amy Morell, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 3, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Michael is one of the most knowledgeable DUI attorneys in the state. He is a true fighter for his clients rights. Any client will be in excellent hands with Michael defending them.

Cost

RATES
    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
      30 minutes
    OTHER BILLING TYPES
    • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.
      25%-40%
    • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.
      Always
    PAYMENT METHODS