D. Michael Phillips

D. Michael Phillips

also known as Michael Phillips

4.6
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 33 years

Personal injury Lawyer at Nevada City, CA
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Car Accidents, Animal & Dog Bites ... +3 more

305 Railroad Ave, Suite 5, Nevada City, CA

About D. Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

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.

30 years

20%
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.

30 years

20%
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

30 years

20%
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.

30 years

20%
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.

10%
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

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Contingency

25%-40%

Retainer

Always


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Licenses

Licensed in California for 30 years

State: California

Acquired: 1996

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Washington for 33 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1992

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Phillips Law Offices

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

Phillips Law Offices

57 West Ponderosa, Blairsden- Graeagle, CA, 96103

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D. Michael Phillips's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

21 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (21) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Character & Conduct

Posted by Beth | January 07, 2018

A selfless angel

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 wi...th his specialties. As a side note I have blue hair, piercings and tattoos and he treated me very warmly.

Posted by J.T. | May 14, 2015

So thankful

Michael and his staff are professional, personable, and efficient. They kept me informed through each step of my legal process and are very accessible and easy to work with. I am so very thankful for the excellent service I have received from them. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone in... need of representation.

Posted by anonymous | February 08, 2012 | Contracts & Agreements

Would not recommend Michael Phillips - Terrible bedside manner, sloppy with the details, extremely unprofessional

While a knowledgeable lawyer, Michael Phillips has no empathy or concern for his clients. His bedside manner is brusque, condescending and impatient. He does nothing to guide you through the process and never provides a straight answer. He does not coach you on how you should prepare your information... or case and is extremely sloppy with the details - very unprofessional. Contracts include typos along with missing and incorrect information. Find someone else who cares about you and the outcome of your case.

Posted by kristin | February 27, 2011 | DUI & DWI

A Lawyer who cares

I had a complex case involving a DUI. He was thorough in his discovery process, kept the case from concluding so the Judge would have all the necessary facts & circumstances, displayed his knowledge of the law in this specialty, and was always professional & sympathetic.

Posted by Dana | November 09, 2009 | Wrongful Death

Review for Michael Phillips and his law firm

Mr. Phillips was there for me when I needed him the most for the wrongful death of my daughter. He kept in constant contact with me and his staff was always available when I called and had questions. His fees were very reasonable. He got right to the point and handled this case with compassion and ...perseverance. It was a tough case. You don't find many lawyers who will keep in constant contact. I will definitely be using Mr. Phillips in the future and will definitely recommend him to all my friends.

See All Client Reviews

D. Michael Phillips's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse D. Michael
Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Personal injury lawyer | Feb 12

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 headshot
Ali Ebrahimzadeh

Unknown lawyer | Jan 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Paul Nathan Phillips headshot
Paul Phillips

Personal injury lawyer | Dec 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Leigh Gretchen Fleming headshot
Leigh Fleming

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 17

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 headshot
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Travis Ashley Newton headshot
Travis Newton

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Brad Michael Micklin headshot
Brad Micklin

Administrative law lawyer | Jan 20

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 Andrew Campanella headshot
John Campanella

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jon Martin Pettis headshot
Jon Pettis

Unknown lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

George Fredrick Mueller headshot
George Mueller

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 15

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 John McCann headshot
Christopher McCann

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 20

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 John Bruno headshot
Keith Bruno

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 05

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 Joseph VanDervoort headshot
John VanDervoort

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 18

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 Louis Miller headshot
Robert Miller

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 08

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 C. Makler headshot
William Makler

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 19

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 Victor Wallin headshot
Thomas Wallin

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 18

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 headshot
Okorie Okorocha

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 06

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 Treanor Morell headshot
Amy Morell

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 03

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."

View All Endorsements
Paul Nathan Phillips headshot
Paul Phillips

Elder law lawyer

Michael Thomas Erpino headshot
Michael Erpino

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jon Martin Pettis headshot
Jon Pettis

DUI and DWI lawyer

Leigh Gretchen Fleming headshot
Leigh Fleming

DUI and DWI lawyer

Brad Michael Micklin headshot
Brad Micklin

Family lawyer

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Criminal defense lawyer

John Andrew Campanella headshot
John Campanella

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michael Mott Brewer headshot
Michael Brewer

DUI and DWI lawyer

Robert Little headshot
Robert Little

DUI and DWI lawyer

Richard Orville Middlebrook headshot
Richard Middlebrook

DUI and DWI lawyer

Shannon Nicole Wiezorek headshot
Shannon Wiezorek

DUI and DWI lawyer

James Earl Wasson headshot
James Wasson

DUI and DWI lawyer

Paul S. Geller headshot
Paul Geller

DUI and DWI lawyer

Peter Francis Iocona headshot
Peter Iocona

DUI and DWI lawyer

Terry Alan Wapner headshot
Terry Wapner

DUI and DWI lawyer

Christopher John McCann headshot
Christopher McCann

DUI and DWI lawyer

Adam Laurence Pearlman headshot
Adam Pearlman

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jon William Woolsey headshot
Jon Woolsey

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michael Albert Richmond headshot
Michael Richmond

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Clients Choice Award, AVVO

2015

Accredited A+, Better Business Bureau

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2013

Peer Court Mentor, Nevada County Bar Association

2013

Certificate of Completion, Consumer Attorneys of California

2013

Certifcate of Completion, Consumer Attorneys of California

2013

Certificate of Completion, American Association for Justice

2013

"SUPERB" Attorney Rating, AVVO.com National Attorney Rating System

2012

"SUPERB" Attorney Rating, AVVO.com National Attorney Rating System

2012

Certificate of Completion, Consumer Attorneys of California

2011

"SUPERB" Attorney Rating, AVVO.com National Attorney Rating System

2010

Certification of Completion, Summer Session, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2010

Certification of Completion, Winter Session, National College for DUI Defense

2008

Certification, Advanced DUI Seminar, National College for DUI Defense

2007

Certification of Completion, Winter Session, National College for DUI Defense

2007

Certification, National Associational of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2007

Certification of Completion, Advanced DUI Seminar, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

2007

Certificate of Completion, Advanced DUI Seminar, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

2007

Defending Marijuana DUI, Lorman

2006

Certificate of Completion, Advanced DUI Seminar, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

2006

Certificate of Completion, Advanced DUI Seminar, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

1998

Delegate, CA State Bar Association

1997

Delegate, CA State Bar Association

1996

Past President, Nevada County Bar Association

1995

Delgate & Committee Member, California Bar Association

1987

Best Oral Advocate, Santa Clara Law School

1983

Dean's List, CSULB

Work Experience

1998 - Present

Principal, Phillips Law Offices

1992 - 1997

Public Defender, Snohomish County Defender Association

1990 - 1992

Law Clerk, Judicial Clerkship

1987 - 1989

Law Clerk, Sixth District Appellate Project

Associations

2015 - Present

The National Trial Lawyers

member

2010 - Present

United States District Court for the Eastern District of California

Admitted to practice

2004 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2002 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Member

2002 - Present

American Association for Justice

Member

2002 - Present

Consumer Attorneys of California

Member

1997 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Member

1996 - 1996

Nevada County Bar Association

Past President

Sample of Legal Cases

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. D

DUI 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 K

DUI Dismissed

P v T F

Jury Trial: Case Dismissed

P v G.Z

Juvenile DUI

See More Legal Cases

Education

2013

American Association of Justice

Seminar

2013

Consumer Attorneys of California

Seminar

2012

Consumer Attorneys of California

Seminar

2010

National College of DUI Defense

Seminar

2009

National College of DUI Defense

Seminar

1987

Santa Clara Univ SOL

JD - Juris Doctor

1983

California St Univ Long Beach

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Law Day

Fourth Amendment, Search and Seizure

2013

Law Day

Know Your Legal Rights

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution